While historic records indicate that sea run brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were present in many streams within Acadia National Park, the current status of these populations is largely unknown. We propose to continue and improve a joint research project initiated in 2006 by USGS and NPS researchers to understand the range of movement strategies for coastal brook trout and the growth and survival consequences of those strategies. In addition, we will improve our ability to determine movements between fresh and salt water by installing a novel passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag detection antenna at the mouth of the river. Results from this study will provide the Park with critical information needed to devise management plans to protect this valuable resource. MORE 
Everglades National Park contains a variety of coastal habitats used by a variety of fish species, making it a popular area for recreational fishing. It has been suggested that juvenile fish data could be used to improve stock assessments and management decisions. The project will quantitatively and systematically sample Tarpon Bay for juvenile snook and other sportfishes (gray snapper, red drum, mullet, etc). Data will be used to determine geomorphological and hydrological characteristics of critical nursery habitats, as well as snook abundance estimates, growth rates, and stock of origin. Protocols and findings from Tarpon Bay could serve as a template or a preliminary working model for a larger project that would be expanded to other embayments and low-salinity backwaters that characterize much of southwest coastal Everglades. MORE 
In Everglades National Park (ENP), at least 12 species of non-indigenous (NI) fishes are presently established, but little is known about their potential impact on native biota. We also know little about how interactions among the NI species may affect their relative invasiveness and impact. The jewel cichlid (Hemichromis letourneauxi) is a highly aggressive omnivore, whose relative abundance and invaded range continues to increase since its first appearance in ENP in 2002. Data collected in this study will be used to assess the potential effects of H. letourneauxi throughout the greater Everglades ecosystem, and determine whether these effects may be influenced by the presence of previously established NI fishes. Insights from this study may have broad implications for the management of aquatic habitats faced with repeated introductions of NI fishes. MORE
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/brdscience/pobs1.aspx?topic= Fish
Page Contact Information: Paul_Geissler@usgs.gov
