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American Eels return to mountain streams after dam removal

Shenandoah National Park, VA. � American eels are declining across their range but are showing indications of a population revival following the removal of a large dam in Virginia.

The removal of Embrey Dam on the Rappahannock River increased American eel numbers in headwater streams nearly 100 miles away, according to research just published by U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service researchers.

American eels undergo long-distance migrations from their ocean spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea to freshwater streams along the Atlantic coast from northern South America to Greenland. Dams may slow or even stop upstream eel migrations.  However, prior to this research, little was known about American eel responses to dam removal.

The new study evaluated eel abundances in Shenandoah National Park streams before and after the removal of the large dam in 2004.  The researchers found significant increases in eel numbers beginning 2 years after dam removal and continued increases nearly every year since.  The rebounding eel populations in Shenandoah National Park present a stark contrast to decreasing numbers elsewhere throughout their range.

"Our study shows that the benefits of dam removal can extend far upstream," said Dr. Nathaniel Hitt, a USGS biologist and lead author of the study.  "American eels have been in decline for decades and so we�re delighted to see them begin to return in abundance to their native streams."

The American eel is currently being considered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.  Migration barriers such as dams have been recognized as a contributing cause to range-wide decreases over the last 50 years.  The authors hypothesize that dam removal could have long-term benefits for

eel conservation by increasing the reproductive success of females, which are typically found in headwater streams.

"This research shows the direct benefits of dam removal for American eel populations and demonstrates the importance of continued stream restoration work for east coast rivers," said Sheila Eyler, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist and co-author of the study.

American eel recovery in Shenandoah National Park also represents an important achievement for management of Park resources.  Additional fish population surveys from Shenandoah National Park in 2012 provide further support for the findings of the study.

"Eel populations in the Park continue to show recovery," said Jeb Wofford, a biologist at Shenandoah National Park and co-author of the study.  "This research highlights the fact that ecosystems in the Park extend far outside Park boundaries and that downstream conservation can have important upstream benefits."

Embrey Dam was built in 1910 on the Rappahannock River near the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The dam measured 22 feet high by nearly 800 feet wide.  Until the 1960s, the dam provided hydroelectric power for Fredericksburg.  Recognizing the hazards presented by the dam and the potential for fish restoration, a coalition of state, federal, and non-governmental partners coordinated the removal of the dam in 2004.

"This study demonstrates that multiple benefits can be realized by removing obsolete dams such as Embrey," said Alan Weaver, fish passage coordinator for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.  "Shad, herring and striped bass are also using reopened habitat on the Rappahannock River, so it�s exciting to see a growing number of species benefitting from dam removal in Virginia."

Rhode Makes Olympic History

London, England -- On Sunday, July 29^th, Kim Rhode captured the gold medal in skeet shooting at the 2012 London Olympics.  She broke an impressive 99/100 clays.  Not only did Rhode win the gold, but she tied the world record, broke the Olympic record of 93/100, (held by her and two others) and made Olympic history by becoming the first American in an individual sport to win a medal in five consecutive Olympics.

Rhode�s Olympic debut was back in 1996 in Atlanta, starting off her Olympic career with a gold.  She also became the youngest female gold medalist in the history of Olympic shooting.  In Sydney 2000 she took home a bronze followed by a gold in Athens 2004 and a silver in Beijing 2008.

USFDA grants authorization for the immediate release of Fish Sedation

AQUI-S 20E is the first FDA-recognized sedative available to fishery researchers and biologists to use in the field

Washington, DC (August 3, 2012)�The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted amended authorization for the use of AQUI-S�20E, a sedative drug, to allow for the immediate release of freshwater finfish sedated as part of field-based fisheries management activities. The amended authorization comes under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service�s Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership (USFWS-AADAP) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) 11-741. 

Prior to the amended INAD authorization, all freshwater fish sedated with AQUI-S� 20E were required to be held for 72 hours�a withdrawal period impractical for field use. The immediate-release provision is for field-use only, the withdrawal period remains at 72 hours for hatchery use.

FDA approval of an immediate-release sedative for use in fisheries management has been a high priority for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA), whose ongoing activities are coordinated by its Fisheries and Water Resources Policy (FWRP) Committee�s Drug Approval Working Group (DAWG).  Recent DAWG efforts have focused on the generation of data to support the full approval of AQUI-S� 20E, and progress to date has largely been the result of a collaborative effort between member agencies including AFWA, USFWS-AADAP, U.S. Geological Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center and the drug sponsor AQUI-S New Zealand, Ltd.

�The collaborative efforts of federal natural resource and science agencies, state fish and wildlife agencies and drug sponsors are critical to increasing the number of approved drugs available to protect fish health and thereby enhance our nation�s fishery resources,� said Virgil Moore, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Director and chair of AFWA�s FWRP

Committee. �This amended INAD authorization represents an enormous

leap forward in our ability to effectively and safely sedate fish as part of field-based fishery management activities; activities that state and federal agencies and their partners use to restore, recover, protect, and manage fish populations that are important to the 48 million recreational anglers in the U.S., as well as to many others who depend on fish for sustenance and commerce.�

The Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society also provided valuable assistance in bringing the DAWG�s �Sedative Challenge� to the forefront through recent adoption of the AFS Immediate Release Sedative Policy.  Similarly, the FDA�s Aquaculture Drugs and Human Food Safety Teams were instrumental in advancing the amended authorization.

�The immediate-release authorization for AQUI-S� 20E represents one step in the entire approval process for the sedative, but it is an extremely positive step forward,� said Steve Sharon, Fish Culture Supervisor from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and DAWG chair.  �Not only will it have an immediate, positive impact on field-based fisheries management activities throughout the country, but it is a clear indication that we are indeed on the track to full approval.�

Fishery professionals may sign-up immediately to participate in USFWS-AADAP INAD 11-741 for the use AQUI-S� 20E as an immediate release sedative in freshwater finfish when used as part of field-based management activities.  All participants must comply with the requirements as set forth in the INAD Study Protocol for AQUI-S� 20E.   For more information about aquatic animal drugs, AQUI-S� 20E, or to apply to participate in USFWS-AADAP INAD 11-741, go to www.fws.gov/fisheries/aadap or contact the USFWS-AADAP INAD Administrator, Bonnie Johnson, at [email protected] or 406-994-9905.

Weekly Great Lakes Water Levels for Aug 3, 2012 

WEATHER CONDITIONS

The persistently dry conditions through much of July caused monthly precipitation totals to be below average across all of the Great Lakes last month. So far this week, temperatures have again been warmer than seasonal averages and some scattered precipitation has fallen across the region. Temperatures are forecasted to remain relatively steady through the weekend and into next week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in most locations through the weekend followed by partly sunny conditions in the early part of next week.

LAKE LEVEL CONDITIONS

The water level of Lake Superior is near the same level as one year ago, while Lake Michigan-Huron is 10 inches lower than its level of a year ago. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are 12, 14, and 12 inches, respectively, lower than their levels of a year ago. Over the next month, Lake Superior is forecasted to rise 1 inch, while Lake Michigan-Huron is expected to fall 1 inch. The water levels of Lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are forecasted to fall 4, 4, and 3 inches, respectively, over the next thirty days.

FORECASTED MONTHLY OUTFLOWS/CHANNEL CONDITIONS

Lake Superior's outflow through the St. Marys River is projected to be below average for the month of August. Lake Huron's outflow into the St. Clair River and the outflow from Lake St. Clair into the Detroit River are

also expected to be below average throughout the month of August. Lake Erie's outflow through the Niagara River and the outflow of Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River are predicted to be below average in August.

ALERTS

Lake Michigan-Huron is near chart datum. Users of the Great Lakes, connecting channels and St. Lawrence River should keep informed of current conditions before undertaking any activities that could be affected by changing water levels. Mariners should utilize navigation charts and refer to current water level readings.

Further assessment planned of Asian carp in Lake Erie 

The Ohio DNR, Michigan DNR and USFWS are collaborating to assess the current status of bighead and silver carp within western Lake Erie bays and select tributaries.

Laboratory results received earlier this month indicated the presence of Asian carp environmental DNA (eDNA) in 6 of the 417 water samples collected in August 2011. Four samples from Sandusky Bay, in Ohio waters, tested positive for bighead carp eDNA, while two samples from north Maumee Bay, in Michigan waters, were positive for silver carp eDNA. The findings indicate the presence of genetic material left behind by the species, such as scales, excrement or mucous, but not the establishment of Asian carp in Lake Erie.

Initial surveys began this week and are focusing on the collection of water samples for eDNA analysis. Electroshocking and netting survey efforts will also be conducted starting next week. The eDNA surveys will occur in the Sandusky River and Bay, and the Maumee River and Bay. Samples will be collected in the areas where positive eDNA samples were collected in 2011 and at additional locations believed to provide suitable bighead and silver carp habitat.

�Our coordinated sampling efforts with partner agencies are very important in order to revisit areas where positive samples were collected last year, and to expand sampling to areas that may be reproductively favorable for bighead or silver carp,� said MDNR Research Program Manager Tammy Newcomb. �These are the areas where we can be most effective in preventing expansion of these species should they be present.�

MDNR and ODNR requested assistance from the USFWS to develop and implement this assessment effort. The USFWS is contributing significant technical and logistical expertise, as well as personnel, survey equipment and vessels. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will analyze the collected eDNA water samples.

"At the state�s request, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service is assisting the states with all the resources we can bring to the table," said U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service Deputy Regional Director Charlie Wooley. "The

Service is committed to working in a coordinated effort, using all available resources and skills, to prevent the movement of self-sustaining populations of Asian carp into the Great Lakes."

�We are very appreciative of the assistance and efforts contributed by diverse partners in the development and implementation of a comprehensive assessment plan to determine the status of bighead and silver carp in western Lake Erie� said Rich Carter, ODNR Executive Administrator for Fish Management and Research. "The results of these efforts will provide critical information that will inform and guide future assessment and management actions.�

Since 2010, MDNR, ODNR, USFWS, University of Notre Dame, Central Michigan University and the Nature Conservancy have partnered to collect water samples from Great Lakes basin waters, including southern Lake Michigan, western Lake Erie and tributary streams of lakes Michigan and Erie. The collaborative early-detection Asian carp surveillance program is funded by the USFWS with a federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant.

Asian carp, including bighead and silver carp, pose a significant threat to the Great Lakes ecosystem, the $7 billion fishery, and other economic interests dependent on the Great Lakes and its tributaries. Silver and bighead carp are likely to compete with native and recreational fish species and are known to quickly reproduce. Anglers are urged to become familiar with the identification of Asian carp, including both adults and juveniles, as the spread of juvenile Asian carp through the use of live bait buckets has been identified as a potential point of entry into Great Lakes waters.

A video demonstrating how to identify bighead and silver carp: http://youtu.be/B49OWrCRs38?source=govdelivery. Identification guides, frequently asked questions, management plans and an online reporting form are available online at michigan.gov/asiancarp and wildohio.com or by calling 800-WILDLIFE.

Asian Carp Sampling Summary

The Illinois DNR issued the following sampling summary for the week of July 16, 2012.

Bottom Line:

Monitoring occurred in the CAWS and upper Illinois Waterway upstream and downstream of the Dispersal Barrier. NO BIGHEAD or SILVER CARP were reported captured or observed upstream of the Barrier, nor were any found in new locations downstream of the Barrier.

Random Site Sampling Upstream of the Dispersal Barrier Area 1:

Lake Calumet Connecting Channel and Calumet River above O�Brien Lock

Area 2: Calumet-Sag Channel

Area 3: Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Western Ave. to Dispersal Barrier

Area 4: North Shore Channel, North Branch Chicago River and Chicago River

A crew from the IDNR completed 3 15-minute electrofishing runs at

randomly selected locations in Areas 2, 3, and 4 (2.25 hours total). No

bighead or silver carp were reported captured or observed.

Fixed Sites Downstream of the Dispersal Barrier Site A: Lockport Pool � Lockport Lock and Dam to Electric Barrier

Site B: Brandon Road Pool � Brandon Road Lock and Dam to Lockport Lock and Dam

Site C: Dresden Island Pool � I-55 Bridge to Brandon Road Lock and Dam

Site D: Marseilles Pool � Rt. 47 Bridge (Morris) to Dresden Lock and Dam

Crews from the IDNR completed four 15-min electrofishing transects at each downstream fixed site (4.0 hours total). No bighead or silver carp were reported captured or seen at Sites A, B and C nor were any captured at new locations at Site D. Contracted commercial net sampling at downstream fixed sites occurred during the week of July 23 and will be included in the next weekly summary.

IDNR Recommends Caution at Fishing Tournaments Due to Hot Weather

SPRINGFIELD, IL � The Illinois IDNR is recommending fishing tournament organizers implement additional precautions regarding the catch and handling of fish during upcoming tournaments on Illinois lakes and waterways due to continued hot weather and drought-related water conditions. 

�We thank organizers and anglers involved in bass fishing tournaments here in Illinois this summer for considering reducing the number of tournaments and taking extra care at the tournaments that are held to reduce the stress and mortality of bass brought to weigh in,� said Debbie Bruce, chief of the IDNR Division of Fisheries.  �Every effort should be made to ensure the survival of fish caught in tournaments since survival of those fish is important to maintaining the quality of bass fishing in Illinois.�

Research has demonstrated that the water quality conditions in even the best boat live-wells can reach near-lethal or lethal conditions during the heat of summer.  Although most research indicates that survival of bass caught in fishing tournaments is usually good, the mortality of bass brought to tournament weigh-ins is highest during the heat of the summer.   With Illinois� record-setting heat this summer, lethal conditions for tournament-caught fish can develop rapidly.

When considering ways to protect fish caught during tournaments this summer, the IDNR Division of Fisheries recommends that tournament organizers consider:

Reducing the length of the tournament and lowering the number of fish that can be brought to the weigh-in:

Reducing the length of the tournament reduces the amount of time that bass caught are exposed to the stress of declining water quality. Also, by shortening the length of the tournament, both the fish and anglers reduce time spent at tournament weigh-ins during what may be the hottest part of the day.  By reducing the number of fish brought to the scales, the

demand for oxygen and live-well crowding is reduced.   In addition, fewer

fish in the live-well will help fish maintain the condition of the slime coat that is essential to reduce susceptibility to infections after release back into the water.

Maintaining conditions in the live well: 

Tournament anglers should ensure aeration is continuous in their live-well, with occasional water changes made through the day.  Although bottles of ice may be considered as a way to cool the water in live-wells, recent research indicates there is little benefit to bass survival of using ice bottles since wide variations in water temperature appears to be more stressful than warm, steady water temperatures for bass.

Limiting the number of bags used to bring fish from live-wells to tournament scales: 

Water quality conditions in transport bags deteriorate even more rapidly than in live-wells due to crowding and lack of aeration.   Lines at the scales during fishing tournaments should be avoided, especially in excessive heat.  If photographs are to be taken of tournament fish, photographers should be ready so the fish can be released back into the lake or waterway or into the release-boat tank with only a minimum delay.  Time out of water should be minimized as much as possible to enhance bass survival.

�The IDNR appreciates the efforts tournament organizers and anglers are taking during this brutally hot and dry summer in Illinois,� Bruce said.  �The bottom line for all of us who enjoy fishing in Illinois is that adult bass are a precious resource that deserves the utmost care in ensuring their survival to be caught again.  Research biologists have determined that a little effort goes a long way to ensure the survival of bass released during tournaments, hopefully to be caught again in the future and contribute to higher quality fishing.�

For more information on fishing in Illinois, go online to www.ifishillinois.org or www.dnr.illinois.gov.

Quinn Declares War on Illinois Gun Owners

Seeks to ban commonly owned, commonly used firearms

 Tries to force Cook County�s failed "assault" weapons ban on the rest of the state!

 Not happy that a so-called "assault" weapons ban cannot get enough votes to pass in either chamber of the IL General Assembly, Gov. Quinn went out on his own Tuesday and used a questionable amendatory tactic to hijack a legitimate ammunition bill that had already passed both

chambers, gutted it, and turned it into his own personal statewide ban on commonly used, commonly owned firearms and magazines. 

Quinn is using SB0681 as his personal vehicle to infringe on the rights of lawful gun owners. He has returned the bill  to the General Assembly for approval.  Call your state representative and state senator and voice your opposition to this infringement on your Second Amendment rights.

More Than 24 Million Fish to be stocked in Ohio Waterways for 2012

Muskie, channel catfish, blue catfish and brown trout yet to be stocked this year

COLUMBUS, OH - The 2012 production season for the Division of Wildlife�s six state fish hatcheries is off to a great start, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources� (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

More than 23 million sport fish have been stocked statewide thus far with late summer and fall stockings yet to be completed. Unusually warm temperatures in early spring accelerated egg take and required fish management personnel to adapt quickly to the unexpected weather.  

�Our hatchery staff has been really busy this year, and we are very happy with our production so far,� said Tim Parrett, fish hatchery program administrator with the Division of Wildlife. �The ultimate goal at the end of the day is for our anglers to have success.�

Hatchery crews began the stocking season in early March with catchable rainbow trout that kicked off the fishing season for many outdoor enthusiasts. These trout stockings continued through April with many of the stockings coinciding with youth or other special events, providing opportunities for beginning or novice anglers.

Walleye and saugeye were distributed statewide in April and May. Ohio�s saugeye program is very popular with inland anglers. This hybrid, a cross between female walleye and male sauger, has been stocked in many of Ohio�s inland lakes since the late 1970s. Saugeye have created a fishery in lakes where walleye stockings proved unsuccessful. Both saugeye and walleye are excellent table fare.

Steelhead are stocked in select tributaries of Lake Erie in April and May,

and they were raised at the newly renovated Castalia State Fish

Hatchery. This facility is the only steelhead hatchery operated by the Division of Wildlife. Ohio�s steelhead fishery is among the best in the Great Lakes region, attracting anglers from across the country.

Hybrid striped bass and yellow perch finished off this spring�s stockings. Late summer and fall plans include muskellunge, channel catfish, blue catfish and brown trout, further adding to the diversity of opportunities available for anglers.

Sales of fishing licenses along with the Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the Division of Wildlife�s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is a user-pay, user-benefit program.

The SFR is a partnership between federal and state government, industry, and anglers/boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax.  The federal government collects these taxes and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to the state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education to youth and acquire and develop boat accesses.

Sport fish reared at state fish hatcheries provide opportunities for anglers, old and young alike, novice or expert. Whether people are looking for ways to spend leisure time with family or friends, pursue a trophy fish like the muskellunge, or wanting healthy, nutritious food for the table, Ohio offers it all.