vol. 7 no. 11 august 20092 fish lines / august 2009 table of tontents the mission of the u.s. fish...

Vol. 7 No. 11August 2009

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/alpena/index.htm

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ashland/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/greenbay.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/ludington.pdf

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/marquette/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LaCrosseFishHealthCenter/


http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/JordanRiver/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf

2 Fish Lines / August 2009 Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

The Mission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plantsand their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The vision of the Service’s Fisheries Program is working with partners to restore and maintain fish and other aquaticresources at self-sustaining levels and to support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit of the American public.Implementing this vision will help the Fisheries Program do more for aquatic resources and the people who value and dependon them through enhanced partnerships, scientific integrity, and a balanced approach to conservation.

Features4

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10To view other issues of “Fish Lines,” visit our website at:

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

Butterflies Abound!Iron River Elementary School help build a butterfly garden.BY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

Reducing Abundance of Sea Lampreys inLentic AreasSea Lamprey program takes the next step to control the pest in lentic areas.BY MICHAEL FODALE, MARQUETTE BIOL. STA.

Stream Restoration Site Visit withCongressman Ron KindPartners host a stream restoration project tour with Congressman Kind and stafffrom Senators Feingold’s and Kohl’s offices.BY LOUISE MAULDIN, LA CROSSE FWCO

Lower Fox River Lake Sturgeon ProtectionPlanProtection plan for lake sturgeon that spawn below the De Pere Dam implemented.BY ROB ELLIOTT, GREEN BAY FWCO

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Program - Midwest Region

-USFWSJames Anderson electrofishes Videan’s Creek to get a sample of brook troutfor the fish health inspection of the water supply for Pendills Creek NationalFish Hatchery.Welcome Pollinators!

Genoa NFH now welcomes people to its new Children’s Butterfly Garden.BY JENNY WALKER BAILEY, GENOA NFH

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

3Fish Lines / August 2009Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

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15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture DrugApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WorkshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshopBY TERRBY TERRBY TERRBY TERRBY TERRY OTTY OTTY OTTY OTTY OTT, LA CROSSE FHC, LA CROSSE FHC, LA CROSSE FHC, LA CROSSE FHC, LA CROSSE FHC

TTTTTargets Identified for Addressing Impairments to theargets Identified for Addressing Impairments to theargets Identified for Addressing Impairments to theargets Identified for Addressing Impairments to theargets Identified for Addressing Impairments to theLower Green Bay and Fox River Area of ConcernLower Green Bay and Fox River Area of ConcernLower Green Bay and Fox River Area of ConcernLower Green Bay and Fox River Area of ConcernLower Green Bay and Fox River Area of ConcernBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTT, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BAY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCO

Lake Superior Expands Horizons for the WildLake Superior Expands Horizons for the WildLake Superior Expands Horizons for the WildLake Superior Expands Horizons for the WildLake Superior Expands Horizons for the WildFish Health SurveyFish Health SurveyFish Health SurveyFish Health SurveyFish Health SurveyBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHCBY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

TTTTTrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the AbyssBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

Genoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertise toGenoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertise toGenoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertise toGenoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertise toGenoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertise toRestore Mussels to the Ohio RiverRestore Mussels to the Ohio RiverRestore Mussels to the Ohio RiverRestore Mussels to the Ohio RiverRestore Mussels to the Ohio RiverBY TONY BRADYBY TONY BRADYBY TONY BRADYBY TONY BRADYBY TONY BRADY, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH

Research Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VirusirusirusirusirusBY BECKY LASEE AND RBY BECKY LASEE AND RBY BECKY LASEE AND RBY BECKY LASEE AND RBY BECKY LASEE AND RYYYYYAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KATONA, LA CROSSETONA, LA CROSSETONA, LA CROSSETONA, LA CROSSETONA, LA CROSSEFHCFHCFHCFHCFHC

National Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation Training Center Training Center Training Center Training Center Training Center TrainingrainingrainingrainingrainingApplied to Pallid Sturgeon Stocking ProgramApplied to Pallid Sturgeon Stocking ProgramApplied to Pallid Sturgeon Stocking ProgramApplied to Pallid Sturgeon Stocking ProgramApplied to Pallid Sturgeon Stocking ProgramBY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCOBY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCOBY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCOBY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCOBY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCO

Research Study of Recruitment Mechanisms forResearch Study of Recruitment Mechanisms forResearch Study of Recruitment Mechanisms forResearch Study of Recruitment Mechanisms forResearch Study of Recruitment Mechanisms forYYYYYoung Lake Sturgeon in Lake Michiganoung Lake Sturgeon in Lake Michiganoung Lake Sturgeon in Lake Michiganoung Lake Sturgeon in Lake Michiganoung Lake Sturgeon in Lake MichiganBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTTBY ROB ELLIOTT, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BA, GREEN BAY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCO

Bag Painting is a Big Hit at WinnebagoBag Painting is a Big Hit at WinnebagoBag Painting is a Big Hit at WinnebagoBag Painting is a Big Hit at WinnebagoBag Painting is a Big Hit at WinnebagoWWWWWednesdayednesdayednesdayednesdayednesdayBY RBY RBY RBY RBY RYYYYYAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KAAN KATONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHCTONA, LA CROSSE FHC

Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!BY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWBY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFHARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

Inspection Time!Inspection Time!Inspection Time!Inspection Time!Inspection Time!BY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVBY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVBY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVBY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVBY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVAN CREEK NFHAN CREEK NFHAN CREEK NFHAN CREEK NFHAN CREEK NFH

If YIf YIf YIf YIf You Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Will Grow…Unless the Carpill Grow…Unless the Carpill Grow…Unless the Carpill Grow…Unless the Carpill Grow…Unless the CarpGet There FirstGet There FirstGet There FirstGet There FirstGet There FirstBY AARON WBY AARON WBY AARON WBY AARON WBY AARON WALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIAALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIAALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIAALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIAALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIAFWCOFWCOFWCOFWCOFWCO

Freshwater Drum and Common Carp Munch onFreshwater Drum and Common Carp Munch onFreshwater Drum and Common Carp Munch onFreshwater Drum and Common Carp Munch onFreshwater Drum and Common Carp Munch onInvasive Zebra MusselsInvasive Zebra MusselsInvasive Zebra MusselsInvasive Zebra MusselsInvasive Zebra MusselsBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCOBY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCO

Invasive Species of the Illinois River ScreenedInvasive Species of the Illinois River ScreenedInvasive Species of the Illinois River ScreenedInvasive Species of the Illinois River ScreenedInvasive Species of the Illinois River Screenedfor Diseasesfor Diseasesfor Diseasesfor Diseasesfor DiseasesBY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

WWWWWet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wild” Wild” Wild” Wild” Wild” Waders at Horicon & Fox Riveraders at Horicon & Fox Riveraders at Horicon & Fox Riveraders at Horicon & Fox Riveraders at Horicon & Fox RiverNWRs help Sample FishNWRs help Sample FishNWRs help Sample FishNWRs help Sample FishNWRs help Sample FishBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCOBY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Swan Lake NWR YCC Crews meet Fish of theSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meet Fish of theSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meet Fish of theSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meet Fish of theSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meet Fish of theBig MuddyBig MuddyBig MuddyBig MuddyBig MuddyBY ANDY STBY ANDY STBY ANDY STBY ANDY STBY ANDY STAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCOAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCOAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCOAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCOAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCO

Motorboat Operator Certification CourseMotorboat Operator Certification CourseMotorboat Operator Certification CourseMotorboat Operator Certification CourseMotorboat Operator Certification CourseBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Black River WBlack River WBlack River WBlack River WBlack River Watershed Watershed Watershed Watershed Watershed Work Crew Completesork Crew Completesork Crew Completesork Crew Completesork Crew Completes2009 Season2009 Season2009 Season2009 Season2009 SeasonBY HEABY HEABY HEABY HEABY HEATHER RATHER RATHER RATHER RATHER RAWLINGS, ALPENA FWCOWLINGS, ALPENA FWCOWLINGS, ALPENA FWCOWLINGS, ALPENA FWCOWLINGS, ALPENA FWCO

Columbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms on theColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms on theColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms on theColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms on theColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms on theMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri RiverMissouri RiverBY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLABY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLABY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLABY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLABY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLAYTON RIDENOUR,YTON RIDENOUR,YTON RIDENOUR,YTON RIDENOUR,YTON RIDENOUR,COLUMBIA FWCOCOLUMBIA FWCOCOLUMBIA FWCOCOLUMBIA FWCOCOLUMBIA FWCO

Recent Lake Sturgeon Diet Study Sheds NewRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet Study Sheds NewRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet Study Sheds NewRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet Study Sheds NewRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet Study Sheds NewLight on Genetic IssuesLight on Genetic IssuesLight on Genetic IssuesLight on Genetic IssuesLight on Genetic IssuesBY NICK STBY NICK STBY NICK STBY NICK STBY NICK STARZL, GENOA NFHARZL, GENOA NFHARZL, GENOA NFHARZL, GENOA NFHARZL, GENOA NFH

Congressional ActionsMidwest Region Fisheries DivisionsFisheries ContactsFish Tails

Fish Lines is produced by the Fisheries andAquatic Resources Program, Region 3, U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service, Ft. Snelling, Minne-sota. Items included are selected frommonthly reports submitted by Region 3fisheries offices. Photos included are used bypermission and may be copyrighted.

Equal opportunity to participate in, andbenefit from programs and activities of theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available toall individuals regardless of race, color,national origin, sex, age, disability, religion,sexual orientation, status as a parent andgenetic information. For information contactthe U.S. Department of Interior, Office forEqual Opportunity, 1849 C Street N.W.,Washington, DC 20240

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Printed on 30% Recycled by Fiber Weight Paper

Conservation Briefs 12-26...................................................................

2009 Vol. 7 No. 11

ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTORMike Weimer

To submit suggestions or comments, [email protected]

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Midwest RegionFisheries & Aquatic Resources Program1 Federal Drive, Ft. Snelling, MN 55111

Phone: 612/713-5111

-USFWSDavid Hendrix spawns a federallyendangered pallid sturgeon.

mailto:[email protected]

















4 Fish Lines / August 2009 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Reducing Abundance of SeaReducing Abundance of SeaReducing Abundance of SeaReducing Abundance of SeaReducing Abundance of SeaLampreys in Lentic AreasLampreys in Lentic AreasLampreys in Lentic AreasLampreys in Lentic AreasLampreys in Lentic Areas

BY MICHAEL FODALE, MARQUETTE BIOL. STA.

The fourth milestone of the Great Lakes FisheryCommission (Commission) states that the SeaLamprey Management Program (Program) will

estimate recruitment of invasive sea lampreys fromall sources, including non-treated rivers, estuariesand connecting channels by 2005 as a way to betterreduce sea lamprey abundance in the Great Lakesbasin. As a partner of the Great Lakes FisheryCommission, not only has the Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice met that milestone, but we have recently taken

the next step to control thepest in lentic areas

associated withparticular

streamsacross the

basin.

A lentic area is the immediate area off the mouth of astream entering the Great Lake or in an inland lakewithin a river system. Drop-off slopes in many lenticareas can fill with sea lamprey larvae at certain timesof the year and those populations are then no longervulnerable to stream-based control tactics of chemical(TFM) applications. These areas receive larvae fromstreams that have either steep lower river gradientsor large spring run-off events which wash larvae fromthe lower reaches of certain rivers. While we are notas well informed about the growth and survival ratesof larvae in lentic areas compared to our knowledgeof larvae in streams, we know that if left untreated,these lentic areas can produce thousands of parasitesand contribute significantly to parasitic stocks in theGreat Lakes. The trick to controlling these areas is todo the assessments and treatments as accurately andquickly as possible to make this work cost-effective incomparison to stream TFM treatments.

Capitalizing on techniques developed to map softersediments in deeper waters of the Great Lakes andrelating those sediments to larval sea lamprey habitatsuitability (Fodale et al.; J. Great Lakes Res. 29(sup1):190-203), the Program began a project ofmapping lentic areas important to sea lampreys toquickly delineate and estimate larval sea lampreyhabitats using an acoustic seabed classification device(ROXANN). Beginning in 2005, these areas wereranked annually according to their sea lamprey pro-ductive capability along with streams across thebasin, and those lentic areas receiving high enoughrankings are targeted for lampricide treatment.

Lampricide treatments in lentic areas are whollydifferent than stream-based TFM treatments. WhileTFM is a liquid pesticide applied in streams that reliesupon stream flow to carry it downstream, Bayluscideis a granular formulated pesticide that is sprayedover the infested portion of the lentic area. Essen-tially, granular Bayluscide is sand granules, coatedwith the active ingredient and surrounded with a timerelease formulation not unlike that used to coataspirin and is delivered using a mechanical spreaderor gas powered blower. After being sprayed over theinfested portion of the lentic area, the granules sinkto the bottom, quickly dissolve and cause larvae toleave their burrows, thus receiving a lethal dose ofthe lampricide.

The Program has equipped 25-foot boats with me-chanical spreaders and uses GPS navigational soft-ware and computers to deliver the lampricide quicklyand effectively. Recent improvements to this treat-ment protocol have incorporated advances in technol-ogy for both delivery of the lampricide and navigationof the boats. Recently, one boat was modified to injectthe granular Bayluscide with a new high-pressurenozzle technology for better and more consistentbottom coverage and auto-pilot software has beeninstalled to minimize pilot error.

By implementing state of the art technologies, theProgram is making great progress in reducing theabundance of sea lampreys even further in the GreatLakes, allowing us to focus more effectively on pro-tecting and restoring lake trout in the Great Lakes.

-USFWSThis vessel is modified to use navigational software and a mechanical sprayerto deliver granular Bayluciside to control invasive sea lampreys.

For further info about the Marquette Biological Station: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/marquette/

5Fish Lines / August 2009Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Congressman Ron KindCongressman Ron KindCongressman Ron KindCongressman Ron KindCongressman Ron KindStream Restoration Site VStream Restoration Site VStream Restoration Site VStream Restoration Site VStream Restoration Site Visitisitisitisitisit

BY LOUISE MAULDIN, LA CROSSE FWCO

-USFWSCongressman Ron Kind, staffers from Senators Feingold ‘s and Kohl’s offices,and partners visit the Big Spring stream restoration site in Iowa County, Wis.

The Fish and Wildlife Service along with the Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources (DNR), Trout Unlimited and Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS) hosted a stream restoration project tour with Congressman Ron Kind

and staff from Senators Feingold’s and Kohl’s offices. The tour was set up to showcasehow Driftless Area partners work together under the National Fish Habitat ActionPlan to achieve common goals of restoring aquatic habitat for fish, amphibians, reptilesand invertebrates. The tour was held on Big Spring Branch, a 5.5 mile exceptionalresource water that contains naturally reproducing brook and brown trout and lieswithin the Blue River watershed of the lower Wisconsin River in Iowa County, Wis.The stream crosses both state and privately owned lands.

Heavy agriculturalpressure in the water-shed has contributed tosevere erosion of streambanks and high sediment

loads to the stream,causing poor in-stream

habitat for fish, inverte-brates and other aquatic life.

Strides made by landowners andrestoration partners to improve

land management practices inrecent years have led to improve-

ments in groundwater recharge, waterquality and the trout fishery.

This multi-year habitat improvementproject is a great on-the-ground example of

similar efforts occurring throughout theDriftless Area. This project’s application under

the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a nationalinvestment strategy to maximize the impact of

conservation dollars on the ground, is evident by thenumber of partner organizations that have invested

resources in the Big Spring Branch stream restorationproject. A number of Driftless Area partners were able

to share time together on August 25th with Con-gressman Kind and senators Feingold’s and Kohl’sstaff to display support for the local area project andthe national program, directed towards improvingaquatic resources across the nation.


















6 Fish Lines / August 2009

-USFWSA fishery assessment is conducted on the Big Spring Creek resoration site byelectroshocking.

Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

The Wisconsin DNR and NRCS shared objectives of the stream resto-ration project, talked about some of the habitat features within theproject area that benefited fish and herptiles, touched on chal-lenges that such a large project presents, and mentioned thevarious funding sources.

The Wisconsin DNR also gave a brief electroshockingdemonstration to show the number of trout of varioussizes that were hiding in habitat of this recently re-stored section of the stream.

A special thank you to those who were in attendancefrom natural resource agencies including the WisconsinDNR, NRCS, Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter of TroutUnlimited, Trout Unlimited DARE, The Nature Conser-vancy, Pheasants Forever, Driftless Area Initiative,Southwest Badger Resource Conservation andDevelopment Council, and the Fish and WildlifeService Midwest Regional Office.

-Trout Unlimited/HarryandLauraNohrBig Spring Creek site after flood damage (above) and the site after restoration (below).

For further info about the La Crosse FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/lacrossefisheries/


Lower Fox River LakeLower Fox River LakeLower Fox River LakeLower Fox River LakeLower Fox River LakeSturgeon Protection PlanSturgeon Protection PlanSturgeon Protection PlanSturgeon Protection PlanSturgeon Protection Plan

BY ROB ELLIOTT, GREEN BAY FWCO

A protection plan for lake sturgeon that spawn below the De Pere Dam on the Lower Fox River, Wis.was successfully implemented, providing suitable habitat conditions for lake sturgeon spawning andlarval recruitment in 2009. This marks the second year that habitat conditions suitable for successful

spawning have been maintained in this historically important sturgeon river.

Prior to the implementation of this plan, water management practices related to flood control and hydroelec-tric production often resulted in the dewatering of the habitat used by lake sturgeon in the lower Fox Riverduring the egg and larval incubation period, reducing survival of eggs and larvae. Though the 25-75 adultsturgeon that currently return to spawn in this river are few compared to the thousands that historicallyspawned at this site, their numbers might be capable of supporting population growth given suitable environ-mental conditions. Implementation of this protection plan now creates opportunities to work on other rehabili-tation efforts for sturgeon in this important Lake Michigan tributary.

After several years of on-going discussion and negotiationcoupled with continued data collection and analysis by Fishand Wildlife Service personnel, the plan for protecting lakesturgeon habitat below the De Pere Dam on the Lower FoxRiver was agreed to by representatives from the GreenBay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO), GreenBay Field Office (FO), Wisconsin Department of NaturalResources (DNR), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)and Thilmany Papers Nicolete Mill, which hold a FederalEnergy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license forhydroelectric generation at this site. The “ProtectionPlan” was a requirement the Fish and Wildlife Serviceand Wisconsin DNR had requested as a condition of anew FERC license issued to the Nicolet Mill for contin-ued hydroelectric generation.

The protection plan prescribes how Thilmany Paperswill work in cooperation with the agencies and the

Corps to ensure that adequate flow conditions forsuccessful sturgeon reproduction are maintained

throughout the spawning season each year. The plan specifies a minimum water elevation in the pool above thedam which, when combined with the use of flashboards, directs adequate flow of water over the target habitatduring the critical spring reproduction period. When river flows are not adequate to provide both this mini-mum flow and full power generation, then the Nicolet Mill will decrease hydroelectric generation as needed tomaintain the necessary minimum flow over the spawning habitat.

This is the second year of plan implementation. The plan calls for staff from the Green Bay FWCO, Green BayFO and Wisconsin DNR to be in regular communication with Nicolet Mill operators and the Corps during thecritical sturgeon reproduction season. Fish and Wildlife Service and DNR biologists also provided training toNicolet Mill operators so they can assist with sturgeon observations during the spawning period. In addition,the Corps installed a real-time on-line gage station so that all parties could better monitor the flow conditionsand react to incoming changes in flow. Fortunately, flow was adequate during most of the 2009 spawning andlarval incubation season though there were several days when the Nicolet Mill reduced generation to maintainneeded flows. For those days, the Mill was very proactive in anticipating the need for reducing generation intime to prevent dewatering of the habitat.

-USFWSLake sturgeon spawn in the Lower Fox River

For further info about the Green Bay FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/greenbay.pdf




















Butterflies Abound!Butterflies Abound!Butterflies Abound!Butterflies Abound!Butterflies Abound!BY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

The word “pollinator” seems like the newbuzzword these days and rightly so. They arean integral part of the world’s life cycle. Efforts

to cultivate areas where pollinators can reproduce,feed and grow are in effect across the country. At theIron River National Fish Hatchery (NFH), where it iscommonplace to find 1.65 million fish feeding andgrowing, a pollinator garden has made its debut. Sinceone of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s six high priori-ties is connecting children with nature, biologistCarey Edwards came up with a unique idea to com-bine both pollinators (butterflies) and children intoone project on a small piece of the 1,200 acres ofhatchery land.

The Iron River Elementary School is located eightmiles south of the hatchery in Iron River, Wis. Fifthgrade teacher and avid gardener Jay Burfield wascontacted about the possibility of his class participat-ing in a day-long gardening project. Mr. Burfield wasexcited about the prospect - a date was set for thestudents to travel to the hatchery and the projectwas up and running. The project began with a littleresearch on what species of butterflies are found innorthern Wisconsin, which plants attract those but-terflies, survivability of those plants in a harsh Wis-consin winter and where those plants can be pur-chased locally.

-USFWSIron River Elemantary School students work on the new butterfly garden at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery.

A site was picked out and prepared. The ventureproduced an enormous team effort. Staff from IronRiver NFH, Jordan River NFH and Pendills CreekNFH outlined the 30’ x 20’ garden with downedtimber and lined the site with landscaping fabric.Community service workers filled in the garden withfour inches of sand for drainage and covered thesurface with eight inches of topsoil. They also pre-pared holes for bushes and flowering trees adjacentto the garden. Plants, bushes and trees were orderedfrom Hausser’s Superior View Farm, a local green-house and nursery. Rounding out the list of over 500plants were butterfly plant, blazing star, yarrow,purple coneflower and bee balm.

Carey Edwards also had an idea toput more ownership into the project.

Not only would the students helpplant the garden but they would

make their own steppingstone, creating a path

through the garden thatwould allow hatcheryvisitors to view theirhard work up close andpersonal. Carey hopedthat students wouldcome back repeatedly toview the garden andshow family and friendsthe unique stones theyhad made. Steppingstone molds, cement anddecorating accessories

were purchased to haveon hand for the muchawaited day.

The students arrived by 9:30 a.m. on June 3rd for thefirst step in the gardening process. Hatchery staffmixed cement and filled stepping stone molds for all26 students and of course, Mr. Burfield. Studentssmoothed out their mixture to “set up” before theycould decorate them. Half the class donned gardeninggloves and tools while the other half took a hatcherytour and short nature walk. Students drew the pre-made garden plan into the soil and the planting com-menced. Some students like Lexi had plenty of experi-ence in the garden. Others were not as confident andinstruction was given on how deep to dig the holes


and how far apart to place the plants. Aleaexclaimed, “I didn’t think this was going to be

any fun, but man, I’m having a great time!”After lunch, the second group repeated

the same process and the garden wascomplete.

The two groups combined to deco-rate their stepping stones. Glass

beads, mammal tracks, butterflyand leaf stamps were on hand

to make a one-of-a-kindcreation. Students enjoyed

light refreshments beforecleaning up the workarea and catching the busback to school at the endof the day.

The last segment in theprocess was to let themolds cure, place theminto the garden andmulch around the plants.

After a month of curing,the stones were placedinto the garden and a

thick layer of wood mulch was placed around theplants to keep weeds to a minimum. Within weeks, theplants were flowering and butterflies were every-where!

With a little bit of elbow grease and a lot of team-work, a very successful and rewarding project wasaccomplished. The students were able to learn aboutgardening and butterflies as well as gain awareness offish hatchery operations. Stay tuned for next year’saddition to the Iron River NFH’s butterfly gardenwith the new fifth grade class.

-USFWSBiologist Carey Edwards of the Iron River National Fish Hatchery assists students with planting in the butterfly garden.

For further info about the Iron River NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/

-USFWSThese unique stepping stones were created by 5th grade students from the IronRiver Elementary School and will be used to create a walking path in the newbutterfly garden at the Iron River National Fish Hatchery.



















WWWWWelcome Pollinators!elcome Pollinators!elcome Pollinators!elcome Pollinators!elcome Pollinators!BY JENNY WALKER BAILEY, GENOA NFH

Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) is nowwelcoming all pollinators and people to its newChildren’s Butterfly Garden. The Children’s

Butterfly Garden was created by hatchery staff toprovide habitat for pollinators and an introduction tosome of the quiet wonders of nature for all ages.Construction of the Children’s Butterfly Garden beganon June 22 to kick off National Pollinator Week 2009.

Students were involved in planning, building andplanting the garden, while staff members provideddirection, training and expertise. For Paige and Bran-don, members of the Youth Conservation Corps(YCC), and Student Temporary Employment Program(STEP) students Sam Stafslien, Katherine Murcko andBrandon Keesler, building and planting a pollinator

garden was an opportunity to learn the values ofconservation while developing educational, social andjob skills.

While working in the butterfly garden, studentslearned why native plants are important to pollina-tors for habitat, food and shelter, and, that naturalareas where native plants are allowed to grow are indecline. By providing an area where native plants cangrow without disturbance, workers are ensuring thatpollinators will have a safe haven on the hatchery’sgrounds. The location of the Children’s ButterflyGarden, next to the hatchery’s office, is visible fromState Highway 35 and is sure to be a safe haven formany weary travelers as well.

-USFWSThe Children’s Butterfly Garden at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery was created by hatchery staff to provide habitat for pollinators and an introduction to some ofthe quiet wonders of nature for all ages.


Pollinator plants are attractive to people as well aspollinators, and a welcoming patio offers visitors apeaceful place to view the garden as it grows, seehummingbirds, bees, and observe the butterfly lifecycle. In fact, the Children’s Butterfly Garden hasalready seen its first butterfly larvae hatch and growon butterfly weeds that sprouted from root cuttings.The hatchery staff hopes that visitors to the gardenwill discover the beauty and value of nature whenencountering these small wonders that so often gounseen or are overlooked.

While a visit to a butterfly garden may be funand aesthetically pleasing, pollinator spe-cies conservation is serious business.More than 75 percent of floweringplants and food crops are pollinated bybutterflies, birds, bats, bees andother animals. Pollinators areanimals that carry pollen fromflower to flower as they collectnectar. When the pollen isspread, flowers are fertil-ized and fruits develop.Without pollinators toaid in crop production,many people and animalswould suffer. Recentstudies indicate thatpollinator species popu-lations are decliningworld-wide. Many of thereasons for the declinesare unknown. Someknown causes of pollina-tor population declineare habitat loss, degra-dation and pesticide use.Some ways to help polli-nator populations are toincrease areas for native plant species, minimizepesticide use, educate others about the importance ofpollinators and show people of all ages how to helpout pollinator populations. Visitors will be providedwith information on pollinators and directions forplanting a pollinator garden at home. Some of themost important visitors to the butterfly garden will beyoung children. Genoa NFH is currently visited byover 500 children each year. Many of these children

-USFWSGenoa National Fish Hatchery’s butterfly garden produces its first butterfly.

are preschool age or younger and are too small toenjoy some of the hatchery’s wilder places. TheChildren’s Butterfly Garden is a safe place for youngchildren to experience nature and learn basic scienceconcepts.

For those who want to study more advanced scienceconcepts, the Children’s Butterfly Garden will be aplace to conduct research and ecological studies.Besides being a great educational and habitat oppor-tunity, the Children’s Butterfly Garden promises tobe a fun place where people can rest, relax and get

their hands dirty. Volunteers may help with plantingand upkeep, and Girl and Boy Scouts of America willhelp with seasonal maintenance such as weeding andmulching. Junior Girl Scout Troop 069 of theBadgerland Council is anticipating their first visit tothe Children’s Butterfly Garden in October. Let’shope that this is just the beginning of many wonderfulchildren’s experiences in Genoa NFH’s pollinatorgarden this year!

For further info about the Genoa NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/genoa/


















12 Fish Lines / August 2009 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

Partnerships are essential for effectivefisheries conservation. Many agencies,organizations, and private individuals areinvolved in fisheries conservation andmanagement, but no one can do it alone.Together, these stakeholders combineefforts and expertise to tackle challengesfacing fisheries conservation. The successof these partnerships will depend onstrong, two-way communications andaccountability.

Partnerships and Accountability

15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture Drug15th Annual Aquaculture DrugApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination WApproval Coordination Workshoporkshoporkshoporkshoporkshop

BY TERRY OTT, LA CROSSE FHC

Terry Ott of the La Crosse Fish Health Center(FHC) attended the 15th Annual Aquaculture

Drug Approval Coordination Workshop held in LittleRock, Ark. The workshop was hosted by the U.S.Department of Agriculture Stuttgart National Aquac-ulture Research Center, Stuttgart, Ark. The meetingwas well attended with over 75 attendees from theFish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Service,U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and DrugAdministration-Center for Veterinary Medicine,

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,Iowa Department of Natural Resources, OregonDepartment of Fish & Wildlife, Idaho Department ofFish & Game, Wyoming Fish & Game Departmentand Missouri Department of Conservation. Thenumerous sponsors which helped make this meeting asuccess were Western Chemical, Syndel Laborato-ries, Bimeda, Frontier Scientific, Arkansas CatfishPromotion Board, Intervet, Arkansas Baitfish Asso-ciation and Arkansas Agriculture Department.

Investigational new animal drugs (INAD) dis-cussed during the three day meeting were Perox-Aid(hydrogen peroxide) to control external Columnarisdisease and Gyrodactyls sp.; Halamid (chloramine-T)to control mortality due to external columnaris inwarmwater finfish; and Cairox (potassium permanga-nate) to control outbreaks of Flavobacteriumcolumnare.

-Keo Fish FarmAquaculture Drug Approval workshop attendees pose for a photo at the KeoFish Farm.

Aquaflor(florfenicol)medicated feedis expanding useto 15 mg/kg fishbody weight/day from 10 mg/kg. This has increasedthe number of INAD participants wanting to use thedrug to control diseases like coldwater disease andfurunculosis.

Porphyrins (AquaFrin), a novel photochemicaltechnique for use as a broad spectrum antifungal/antibacterial agent that is a safe microbicide, waspresented at the meeting by Tim Miller who is arepresentative from Frontier Scientific, Inc., (Logan,Utah). Porphyrins are a group of chemical compoundsof which many occur in nature, such as in green leavesand red blood cells. AquaFrin is a photosensitizer thatdisrupts bacterial, protozoal and fungal cell walls andmembranes by local production of singlet oxygen, apotent oxidant. AquaFrin is activated by white light,with optimal activation occurring in blue wavelengthsmost readily transmitted in water. The selectivetoxicity to fish pathogen microbes is due to associa-tion with the anionic, lipophilic membranes of themicrobial pathogens.

We are still waiting for Slice (emamectin ben-zoate) which is a drug to control infestations ofArgulus sp. and Salmincola sp., to become an INADdrug. The Fish and Wildlife Service hopes it willbecome available to hatchery personnel under INAD#11-370 sometime this fall.

The saga continues on a zero withdrawal sedativefor aquaculture. At this time, Aqui-S is being with-drawn as a sedative to replace MS-222, because theFood and Drug Administration (FDA) has made adetermination that a chemical component of Aqui-S isa possible carcinogen. Benzocaine is back on the list ofpossible sedatives to replace MS-222. In addition, theU.S. Geological Survey is looking at a terminologychange with FDA-Center for Veterinarian Medicineon removing “withdrawal time” on the label to “timeto capture.” This change in terminology would letstaff know when a fish could be consumed after asedative is used.

For further info about the La Crosse FHC: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/LaCrosseFishHealthCenter/

13Fish Lines / August 2009Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs


TTTTTargets Identified for Addressingargets Identified for Addressingargets Identified for Addressingargets Identified for Addressingargets Identified for AddressingImpairments to the Lower Green BayImpairments to the Lower Green BayImpairments to the Lower Green BayImpairments to the Lower Green BayImpairments to the Lower Green Bayand Fox River Area of Concernand Fox River Area of Concernand Fox River Area of Concernand Fox River Area of Concernand Fox River Area of Concern


Beginning in March and continuing through August2009, representatives from several agencies,

organizations and citizen advisory groups, includingthe Fish and Wildlife Service, participated in a seriesof meetings to develop targets for documentingprogress towards removing impairments to theenvironment associated with the Lower Green Bayand Fox River Area of Concern (AOC). The resultingdocument titled Beneficial Use Impairment DelistingTargets for the Lower Green Bay and Fox River Areaof Concern provides important planning goals forcontinued cleanup and restoration of this importantGreat Lakes ecosystem.

In the mid-1980s, southern Green Bay and thelower Fox River were designated 1 of 43 AOCs in theGreat Lakes by the United States and Canada underthe Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement(GLWQA). In 1987, Beneficial Use Impairments(BUIs) were identified for the Lower Green Bay andFox River AOC. These BUIs were related to thecontamination of sediments from historic industrialand municipal waste discharges and excessive nutri-ent and sediment loading from multiple sources.

The 11 Beneficial Use Impairments identified forthe Lower Green Bay and Fox River AOC are:

• degraded fish and wildlife populations• loss of fish and wildlife habitat• degraded benthos• degraded phytoplankton/zooplankton popula-

tions• eutrophication or undesirable algae• beach closings/recreational restrictions• degradation of aesthetics• restrictions on fish and wildlife consumption• restrictions on dredging activities• bird or animal deformities or reproductive

problems• restrictions on drinking water or taste/odor

problemsThe Great Lakes Regional Collaboration made

setting delisting targets for each BUI a priority sothat progress made towards restoring these benefi-cial uses could be documented.

Some of the targets relating to the Degraded Fish andWildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI)

are:

• The Area of Concern (AOC) contains healthy, self-sustaining, naturally reproducing, and diversepopulations of native fish species (includingwalleye, northern pike, yellow perch, lake sturgeon,Great Lakes spotted muskellunge and centrarchids)in abundances sufficient to provide ecologicalfunction in the fish community; and

• The AOC contains healthy, self-sustaining, naturallyreproducing, and diverse populations of nativefurbearers (including mink, muskrats and otter),amphibians (including spring peepers, leopard frogs,American toads, eastern gray tree frogs, green frogs,bullfrogs and salamanders), reptiles (includingsnapping and painted turtles), terns (common andForster’s), migratory diving ducks, dabbling ducks,marsh nesting birds and island-dependent colonialnesting birds in abundances sufficient to provideecological function; and

• Populations of traditionally harvested fish andwildlife species are capable of supporting somelevel of exploitation; and

• Invasive species (lamprey, carp, gobies, white perchand others) expansion is minimized and controlledas needed to protect native species within the AOCand upstream; and

• Contaminant levels in forage fish populations do notimpair the reproductive success of fish-eating birdsand wildlife (including predatory fish) and meet thecriteria established in Annex 1 of the Great LakesWater Quality Agreement, specifically “the concen-tration of total polychlorinated biphenyls in fishtissues (whole fish, calculated on a wet weightbasis), should not exceed 0.1 micrograms per gramfor the protection of birds and animals whichconsume fish”; and

• The AOC supports fish and wildlife populations atlevels consistent with extant fish and wildlifemanagement plan objectives (specific numericaltargets for various species including lake sturgeon,walleye, perch, marsh-nesting birds, resident nestingwaterfowl, waterbirds, etc. are listed).




















Participation in this effort was widespread anddiverse. Staff from the Wisconsin Department ofNatural Resources (DNR) led the drafting of theresulting BUI delisting targets document with helpfrom members of the Lower Green Bay RemedialAction Plan Science and Technical Advisory Commit-tee (STAC), Biota and Habitat subcommittee, LowerFox Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) TechnicalTeam, Lower Fox Partners group, and representa-tives from the Brown County Health Department,Brown County Land and Water Conservation Depart-ment, Brown County Parks Department, DePereSportsmen’s Club, Green Bay Metropolitan SewerageDistrict, Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers, South BayMarina and University of Wisconsin Extension. RobElliott, biologist with the Green Bay Fish and WildlifeConservation Office (FWCO) has participated in theSTAC and Biota and Habitat subcommittee for sev-eral years and contributed significantly to the devel-opment of the targets related to fish and aquaticresources. A complete summary of the impairments, theircauses and suggested actions to restore the AOC isprovided in the Lower Green Bay Remedial ActionPlan (Wisconsin DNR 1988) and the Lower GreenBay Remedial Action Plan Update (Wisconsin DNR1993). Additional information is available at http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/greenbay.html#pubs. Therehas been substantial progress made towards reachingthe goals outlined in these plans, including the ongoingFox River Contaminated Sediment RemediationProject to address PCB contaminated sediment in theLower Fox River, but at present, most of the benefi-cial uses identified for southern Green Bay and thelower Fox River remain impaired.


Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs


Some of the targets for the Loss of Fish and WildlifeHabitat Beneficial Use Impairments (BUI) are:

• Fish and wildlife management goals are achievableas a result of the physical, chemical, and biologicalintegrity of the Areas of Concern (AOC) waters,including wetlands; and

• A balance of diverse habitat types exists within theAOC that supports all life stage requirements of fishand wildlife populations (example list is provided),and

• The hydrologic connectivity between wetlands andthe AOC is maintained and restored sufficiently tosupport fish spawning and allow for fish passage;and

• The Green Bay portion of the AOC contains waterclarity and other conditions suitable for support of adiverse biological community, including a robust andsustainable area of submersed aquatic vegetation inshallow water areas. The AOC contains a diversity ofplants, an abundance of submersed aquatic vegeta-tion, and sufficient invertebrates to provide adequatefood supplies to support a diverse assemblage ofmigratory diving ducks (both mussel and vegetationfeeding), fish, and other wildlife (including aquaticinvertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles); and

• The AOC meets water quality standards and/or waterquality targets of a State and US EPA approved TotalMaximum Daily Load (TMDL); and

• The AOC meets Wisconsin water quality criteria fordissolved oxygen and water temperature that areprotective of fish and wildlife populations; and

• No waterbodies within the AOC are listed as impaireddue to physical or water chemistry conditions in themost recent Wisconsin Impaired Waters List (303(d)List).

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/greenbay.html#pubs

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/greenbay.html#pubs


The Fisheries Program maintains andimplements a comprehensive set of toolsand activities to conserve and manageself-sustaining populations of native fishand other aquatic resources. These toolsand activities are linked to managementand recovery plans that help achieverestoration and recovery goals, providerecreational benefits, and addressFederal trust responsibilities. Soundscience, effective partnerships, andcareful planning and evaluation areintegral to conservation andmanagement efforts.

Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

Lake Superior Expands Horizons forLake Superior Expands Horizons forLake Superior Expands Horizons forLake Superior Expands Horizons forLake Superior Expands Horizons forthe Wthe Wthe Wthe Wthe Wild Fish Health Surveyild Fish Health Surveyild Fish Health Surveyild Fish Health Surveyild Fish Health Survey

BY COREY PUZACH, LA CROSSE FHC

La Crosse Fish Health Center (FHC) staff conducted a Wild FishHealth Survey on Lake Superior. Fish health samples were pro-

cessed in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice building in Ashland, Wis. The USGS Lake Superior Biological Stationcollected fish for testing from Chequamegon Bay in Lake Superior, andthe Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Bayfield office col-lected fish from Lake Superior near Superior, Wis.

Samples werebrought back to the La Crosse FHC in Onalaska, Wis.The samples were screened for select viruses, bacte-ria and parasites. No viruses were detected in any ofthe fish from both sites; however, Yersinia ruckeriwas detected in one rainbow smelt from the site nearSuperior. Yersinia ruckeri is a certifiable pathogen(OIE) and the causative agent of Enteric Redmouthor ERM. A common sign of enteric redmouth ishemorrhaging (or redness) in the mouth and aroundthe gum line. Fish may also appear lethargic, havepop-eye, darkened spleen, small hemorrhaging on theswim bladder, and have discolored fluid in intestine.This bacterial pathogen can cause mortality in manydifferent species of fish. The parasitological resultsare still pending from both sites. Overall, 12 species totaling 165 fish were sampledfrom the Superior site, and 11 species totaling 128fish were sampled from Chequamegon Bay. Every

survey is important to the Wild Fish Health Survey, but this survey was significant since it was the first timethe La Crosse FHC center sampled slimy sculpin, three spined stickleback and burbot in Region 3. Also,spoonhead sculpin, brook stickleback and johnny darter were tested for the first time nationally.

The Wild Fish Health Survey is a national program where nine fish health centers contribute to the data-base. Results from past Wild Fish Health Surveys can be found at http://www.esg.montana.edu/nfhdb/. Whenwe find pathogens in the wild, it reminds us why we must be careful when moving live fish and that disinfectionof boats and gear is essential when traveling to different water bodies.

-USFWS/ErikLeisChris Olds and Sarah Bauer take fish samples for the Lake Superior wild fishhealth survey.


TTTTTrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the Abyssrawling in the AbyssBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

The buzzing drone of mosquitoes greeted us as welaunched into the darkness. Some said we were

crazy to trawl the Missouri River at night. They wereright. Trawling this swift, snag-laden river withoutthe aid of sunlight is not an adventure for the faint ofheart. “All in the name of science,” I remarked as Iattempted to cough up another mayfly that had takenresidence in my throat.

The science we were after this night was ananswer to a long standing question, “Do young-of-

year sturgeon utilize shallow water habitat at night?”Historically the Missouri River was a wide, shallowriver with numerous islands, sandbars and side chan-nels. Today, the river is highly altered and little of thenatural shallow water habitat remains. As part ofpallid sturgeon recovery on the Missouri River,several projects are underway to rebuild some of thisimportant habitat. Understanding how sturgeon usethis habitat is crucial for their successful recovery.

On this night, the tools we used to sample foryoung-of-year sturgeon included push trawling and


http://www.esg.montana.edu/nfhdb/




















Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

Inspection TInspection TInspection TInspection TInspection Time!ime!ime!ime!ime!BY JAMES ANDERSON, SULLIVAN CREEK NFH

The La Crosse Fish Health Center (FHC) per-formed the annual summer/fall fish health inspec-

tion July 28-29 at Sullivan Creek and Pendills CreekNational Fish Hatcheries (NFH). This year, the FHCcollected the normal fish samples from the hatcheriesalong with wild fish samples from both hatcherywater supplies.

The La Crosse FHC first started collectingsamples at Sullivan Creek NFH from the captive laketrout brood stock. Pendills Creek biologist JaimeMasterson assisted FHC staff with collecting broodfish, while Sullivan Creek biologist James Andersonand Jess Mollison (La Crosse FHC) headed upstreamfrom the hatchery with a backpack shocker to collect

bow trawling. Push trawling excels at sampling waterless than a meter deep while bow trawling is capableof sampling deeper water. The combination of thesetwo gears allow us to effectively sample a wide rangeof depths and habitat types.

Over a four night period, we collected 62 young-of-year sturgeon. These data when combined with last

year’s night trawling data and compared againstdaytime sampling should provide us with a betterunderstanding of how these tiny, yet important, fishutilize habitat. Despite the pesky ubiquitous insectsand long, sleep deprived nights, I would say thatexperimental night trawling was a success and may beemployed in the future.

Genoa NFH lends a Hand and ExpertiseGenoa NFH lends a Hand and ExpertiseGenoa NFH lends a Hand and ExpertiseGenoa NFH lends a Hand and ExpertiseGenoa NFH lends a Hand and Expertiseto Restore Mussels to the Ohio Riverto Restore Mussels to the Ohio Riverto Restore Mussels to the Ohio Riverto Restore Mussels to the Ohio Riverto Restore Mussels to the Ohio River

BY TONY BRADY, GENOA NFH

A mussel community in the Ohio River that wasdevastated by a toxic chemical discharge will

have 191 new residents, thanks to the propagationefforts of the West Virginia Division of Natural Re-sources (DNR) and the Ohio River Island NationalWildlife Refuge. Biologists from these offices beganmussel culture in 2008 and the results of their effortswere 191 mussels of three species that will be used torestore the lost mussel community. These musselswere propagated in culture cages that were designedand constructed at Genoa National Fish Hatchery(NFH).

The partnership between the West Virginian DNRand Genoa NFH began in 2007 when DNR biologistsJanet Clayton and Scott Morrison visited Genoa NFHand saw the mussel propagation efforts for the feder-ally endangered Higgins’ eye pearlymussels. To date,

For further info about the Columbia FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/columbiafisheries/

wild fish samples from the hatchery water supply.Due to some issues with the backpack shocker, theyonly collected three fish.

The La Crosse FHC staff headed to PendillsCreek NFH on July 29 to sample the lake troutproduction fish. Anderson electroshocked VideansCreek, which is the main water supply for PendillsCreek NFH, and Masterson assisted FHC staff withtheir sampling of the production fish. Anderson madesome adjustments to the back pack shocker andrebounded by collecting 13 wild fish in one hour forthe fish health center to sample. Now, the waitingbegins to see what the results will be on the samplescollected.

For further info about the Pendills Creek NFH/Sullivan Creek NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf

the Genoa style cages have produced nearly 50,000endangered mussels that have been used for recoveryin the Upper Mississippi River basin. With results likethese, Clayton and Morrison were excited to attemptmussel culture in West Virginia; and in 2008, theyasked Genoa NFH to build 35 cages and 13 racks thatare used to suspend the cages under an existing boatdock. The 191 mussels may not seem like many comparedto the estimated one million mussels killed as a resultof the chemical discharge, but it is a start. With theaddition of 15 more cages in 2009 and one year undertheir belts along with a lot of team work, it won’t belong before the mussel numbers produced in WestVirginia’s cages should begin to approach those seenin the Higgins’ eye pearlymussel program along theMississippi River.



Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic invasive species are one of themost significant threats to fish andwildlife and their habitats. Local andregional economies are severely affectedwith control costs exceeding $123 billionannually. The Fisheries Program hasfocused its efforts on preventingintroductions of new aquatic invasivespecies, detecting and monitoring newand established invasives, controllingestablished invasives, providing coordi-nation and technical assistance toorganizations that respond to invasivespecies problems, and developingcomprehensive, integrated plans to fightaquatic invasive species.

Aquatic Invasive Species

If YIf YIf YIf YIf You Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Wou Plant It, It Will Grow…Unlessill Grow…Unlessill Grow…Unlessill Grow…Unlessill Grow…Unlessthe Carp Get There Firstthe Carp Get There Firstthe Carp Get There Firstthe Carp Get There Firstthe Carp Get There First

BY AARON WALKER AND MARK CORIO, COLUMBIA FWCO

Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) techniciansAaron Walker and Mark Corio traveled to DeSoto National Wildlife

Refuge (NWR) to begin the most recent phase of a project started lastspring. The project is designed to determine if carp are a limiting factor

for aquaticvegetation atDeSoto Lake,which is locatedapproximately25 miles north ofOmaha, Neb. Ingeneral, vegetated areas provide nursery habitat thatare important for the survival of fish in their firstyear of life. It is hypothesized that the lack of densevegetation beds in DeSoto Lake is due to the pres-ence of invasive common carp. Additionally, thatexcluding carp from key areas will help increase plantpopulations and provide quality nursery habitat. Aaron and Mark teamed up with Steve Van Riperand Jeremy Havener of DeSoto NWR to plant veg-etation in three (20 ft x 30 ft) experimental carpexclosures. The exclosures were divided into threeequal sections. Within each section one of the follow-ing species was planted: white water lily, waterstargrass, longleaf pondweed or no plants. The plant

growth in each exclosure will be periodically measured and noted for analysis. Ultimately, the results of thisexperiment will aid us, and our partners, in more effectively managing the fishery at Desoto Lake. We aregrateful for Darcy Cashatt and our other partners at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources who pro-vided the plants for this project.

Freshwater Drum and Common CarpFreshwater Drum and Common CarpFreshwater Drum and Common CarpFreshwater Drum and Common CarpFreshwater Drum and Common CarpMunch on Invasive Zebra MusselsMunch on Invasive Zebra MusselsMunch on Invasive Zebra MusselsMunch on Invasive Zebra MusselsMunch on Invasive Zebra Mussels

BY SCOTT YESS, LA CROSSE FWCO

Byron Karns (National Park Service) worked withScott Yess of the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Office (FWCO) on a study to determinewhat species within the St. Croix River fisherycommunity are consuming zebra mussels. The Na-tional Park Service funded the project to electrofishat three sites from Taylor Falls, Minn. to Prescott,Wisc. Common carp and freshwater drum werecollected at all three sites and the stomachs wereremoved. It was evident that these two species wereconsuming zebra mussels at the Prescott site. Todate, there are no zebra mussels as far north asTaylor Falls but the study will look at what nativemussels the fish may consume.

-USFWS/MarkCorioAaron Walker (left) and Mark Corio (right) of Columbia Fish and WildlifeConservation Office plant longleaf pondweed in Desoto Lake with the help ofSteve Van Riper of the Desoto National Wildlife Refuge.


-USFWSThe LaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and National Park Servicedetermined that invasive zebra mussels were being eaten by freshwater drumand common carp on the St Croix River.






















Aquatic Invasive Species

Invasive Species of the Illinois RiverInvasive Species of the Illinois RiverInvasive Species of the Illinois RiverInvasive Species of the Illinois RiverInvasive Species of the Illinois RiverScreened for DiseasesScreened for DiseasesScreened for DiseasesScreened for DiseasesScreened for Diseases

BY ERIC LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

The middle of June is a busy month for MidwestRegion Fisheries offices. It is when the annual

Goby Round-up\Asian Carp Corral occurs - an eventcoordinated by the La Crosse Fish and WildlifeConservation Office (FWCO) to monitor the spread ofthe invasive round goby, bighead carp and silver carpin the Illinois River. The La Crosse Fish HealthCenter (FHC) assists the La Crosse FWCO with themonitoring and screens the fish for target pathogens. Eric Leis and Ryan Katona (La Crosse FHC),Scott Yess (La Crosse FWCO) and volunteers JimRobinett, Jeff Johnson and Mike Leis participated inthe annual Goby Roundup/Asian Carp Corral at theStarved Rock and Alsip stretches of the IllinoisRiver. The crews’ objectives were to catch invasiveround gobies and Asian carp with minnow traps,trammel nets and gill nets. Once the fish were cap-tured, they were euthanized and screened for bacte-rial and viral pathogens. Currently, the results of thetests are still pending. Local news reporters inter-viewed staff and volunteers on the spread of theinvasive species, and this year the Starved Rockcrew’s sampling effort appeared in an episode of“Northland Adventures.”

Another analysis will look at the total amount ofmussels these fish consume. Biologists will try todetermine if fish can have an impact on the mussel

populations. The fish stomachs will be analyzed thiswinter and a report prepared by early next summer.


-USFWS/EricLeisVolunteer Mike Leis holds an invasive bighead carp captured from the StarvedRock area of the Illinois River during an annual invasive species assessmentcalled the “Goby Roundup and Carp Corral.”



As the population in the United Statescontinues to grow, the potential foradverse impacts on aquatic resources,including habitat will increase. At thesame time, demands for responsible,quality recreational fishing experienceswill also increase. The Service has along tradition of providingopportunities for public enjoyment ofaquatic resources through recreationalfishing, habitat restoration, andeducation programs and throughmitigating impacts of Federal waterprojects. The Service also recognizesthat some aquatic habitats have beenirreversibly altered by human activity(i.e. - dam building). To compensate forthese significant changes in habitat andlost fishing opportunities, managersoften introduce non-native specieswhen native species can no longersurvive in the altered habitat.

Public Use

WWWWWet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wet & “Wild” Wild” Wild” Wild” Wild” Waders at Horicon &aders at Horicon &aders at Horicon &aders at Horicon &aders at Horicon &Fox River NWRs help Sample FishFox River NWRs help Sample FishFox River NWRs help Sample FishFox River NWRs help Sample FishFox River NWRs help Sample Fish

BY HEIDI KEULER, LA CROSSE FWCO

Heidi Keuler from the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice (FWCO) traveled to Fox River and Horicon National Wildlife

Refuges (NWR) during July to sample fish and provide suggestions toincrease recreational fishing use on the refuges. Heidi worked with SadieO’Dell from Fox River NWR, and John Krapfl, Wendy Woyczik and theYouth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew from Horicon NWR. The YCCcrew was an integral part to get the job done at Horicon NWR. Crewmembers assisted with electrofishing and setting or pulling fyke and gillnets. In addition, help was needed on shore with fish identification,measuring, weighing and data collection.

While at Fox River, Heidi received an opportunity to help Sadie withan environmental education program for fourth-sixth grade summer

school students.Studentswatched biolo-gists pull fyke and gill nets onto an air boat, but thenreceived hands-on learning experiences by identifying,measuring and weighing fish on shore and chasingaquatic invertebrates in the water. Besides fish andinvertebrates, students also got the chance to holdturtles and frogs. It was a “wet and wild” time withonly a couple of laughing children filling their waderswith water. Fish sampled from both refuges appear to behealthy. Data will be compiled this fall/winter on bothrefuges to complete formal reports. Thanks to Sadie,John, Wendy, the YCC crew and staff at Fox Riverand Horicon NWRs!

Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!Fish, Food and Fun!BY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

The Iron River National Fish Hatchery (NFH)hosted its 7th annual open house on September

12. One of the six priorities of the Fish and WildlifeService is children and nature, and that concept wasput forth in an effort to draw children to this year’sopen house. Open house coordinator and biologistCarey Edwards planned a unique experience for thehatchery with several fun outdoor activities beingoffered while showcasing the hatchery and its mis-sion.

Over 300 visitors toured the hatchery; some fromas far away as Colorado, Iowa and Ohio. Upon enter-ing the hatchery, guests registered themselves, andchildren were offered gift bags with coloring books,stickers, and personalized Iron River NFH pencils,

tattoos, crayons and carabineers. Door prizes do-nated from tackle companies from across the countrywere handed out randomly to nearly a dozen children.Guided tours from knowledgeable hatchery staffawaited groups every half hour.

The first stop for most parents was the “gyotaku”table. Gyotaku is the Japanese art of transposing theimage of a fish using paint onto cloth or paper. Par-ents lined up to find the correct size shirt for theirchild’s art work. Rubber molds featured leaves,butterflies and mammal tracks and over a dozen fishincluding blue gill, rainbow trout and northern pike.Children were able to decorate in an array of colorsfor a one-of-a-kind shirt. About 100 tee shirts weremade.

-USFWSYouth Conservation Corps employees hold a walleye captured during a fisheryassessment on the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge.























Another very popular activity was the castinggames. Plastic lawn bass were spread out on the lawnfor children to practice their casting skills. Rod andreel combinations were donated by Woods and WaterOutfitters, a local sporting goods store. While sup-plies lasted, children received a prize for catching thewily bass.

Making a debut appearance at Iron River NFHwas the Wild Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited.President Chuck Campbell and two other membersassisted children with tying their own flies and tryingtheir hand at fly casting in the lawn. Trout Unlimiteddonated all materials used and children were able totake their homemade flies home. Another newcomerjoining the open house line-up was the Lake SuperiorZoo-Mobile. Five different critters were on hand toview and touch and a zoo representative was on handto answer questions about each one. There was alsoa display by the La Crosse, Wisc., Fish Health Cen-ter. A specialist was on hand to answer questionsabout disease concerns and personalized waterbottles and frisbees were handed out.

The final touch to a perfect day was the barbequelunch donated by the Brule River Sportsman’s Club.Four club members cooked and served approximately200 hot dogs to hungry guests. Potato chips and soda

were also provided compliments of the Club. TheNFH provided lemonade, coffee and cookies.

Partnerships are the cornerstone to any success-ful operation and the Iron River NFH is no exception.Thanks to these new collaborations, the hatchery wasable to offer one of its most successful events to date.Next year’s planning is already underway with acommitment from the Brule River Sportsman’s Clubto provide lunch again. Stay tuned to see what newevents and collaborations take place next year.

Bag Painting is a Big Hit atBag Painting is a Big Hit atBag Painting is a Big Hit atBag Painting is a Big Hit atBag Painting is a Big Hit atWWWWWinnebago Winnebago Winnebago Winnebago Winnebago Wednesdayednesdayednesdayednesdayednesday

BY RYAN KATONA, LA CROSSE FHC

Sarah Bauer and Ryan Katona from the La CrosseFish Health Center (FHC) participated in

Winnebago Wednesday in Tomah, Wis. on July 29.Winnebago Wednesday is a program put on by JuleeKatona from Family Resources every Wednesday inWinnebago Park throughout the summer. This pro-gram is a way to get local families outside to enjoy avariety of activities. Winnebago Wednesday has a newtheme every week, ranging from transportation day,petting zoo day, water fun day and even nature day.Nature day was filled with all kinds of activities,including making insects out of sticks and stones, furidentification, fish anatomy and making fish prints onreusable cloth bags. The La Crosse FHC explainedfish anatomy using rainbow trout, which were ob-tained from the U.S. Geological Survey, and helpedvery enthusiastic kids decorate the reusable bagswith their favorite fish species. This program was agreat success, and the FHC staff looks forward tohelping out with this program in future years.

-USFWSWild Rivers Trout Unlimited members assist Iron River Elementary students tietheir own flies during Iron River National Fish Hatchery’s open house.

For further info about the Iron River NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/ironriver/


-USFWSChildren decorated reusable cloth bags during Winnebago Wednesday, aprogram to get families outside to enjoy a variety of activities throughout thesummer months.

Public Use





Science and technology form thefoundation of successful fish and aquaticresource conservation and are used tostructure and implement monitoringand evaluation programs that arecritical to determine the success ofmanagement actions. The Service iscommitted to following establishedprinciples of sound science.

Leadership in Science and Technology

Research Study of RecruitmentResearch Study of RecruitmentResearch Study of RecruitmentResearch Study of RecruitmentResearch Study of RecruitmentMechanisms for YMechanisms for YMechanisms for YMechanisms for YMechanisms for Young Lake Sturgeonoung Lake Sturgeonoung Lake Sturgeonoung Lake Sturgeonoung Lake Sturgeonin Lake Michiganin Lake Michiganin Lake Michiganin Lake Michiganin Lake Michigan


A three-year research effort to determine important recruitmentmechanisms of young lake sturgeon in a Lake Michigan tributary

was recently completed and the results submitted for publication. DaveCaroffino, a PhD researcher with the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, worked closely with Rob Elliott ofthe Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO), Mike Donofrio with the Wisconsin Departmentof Natural Resources, and his major professor Dr. Trent Sutton to identify mortality and recruitment mecha-nisms affecting early life stages of lake sturgeon. This intensive assessment was conducted on the PeshtigoRiver, a representative sturgeon river tributary to Green Bay that has shown promising population growthover the past 20 years. Study objectives were to estimate egg density, production of larvae and the abundanceof age 0 juvenile lake sturgeon prior to river emigration; to identify and quantify the mechanisms of mortalityduring each life stage; to determine if predation is dependent upon the relationship between predator and prey

body size; and to assess how the identified mortalitysources influence recruitment dynamics, year-classstrength, and population viability. Primary funding forthe study was granted by the Great Lakes FisheryTrust. Numerous techniques and survey methods wereused during various aspects of the project. During thespawning season, specially designed egg sample bagswere buried within known spawning habitats in theriver, seeded with naturally deposited lake sturgeoneggs, then monitored for losses to and development ofthe eggs and larvae in the sample bags while quantify-ing the predation of eggs by predators. Total eggdeposition and larval production were determinedusing egg mat samplers and standard “D” shapedlarval drift nets, and mark/recapture surveys of juve-niles were continued through each summer usingsnorkeling and spotlight surveys as the fish continuedto grow and distribute themselves down-river fromthe spawning grounds. Of the 699 wild produced finger-ling lake sturgeon that were collected and taggedduring the two summers of field study, 411 wererecaptured allowing for reasonably accurate estimatesof abundance, movement and survival.

Understanding these mortality and recruitment relationships, in particular those that act on early lifestages that influence population success, is crucial to selecting appropriate strategies that will aid in rehabilita-tion efforts for this species in the Great Lakes. Lake sturgeon were once an abundant and important compo-nent of the Great Lakes fish community but declined dramatically during the late 1800s due to overfishing,habitat loss and degraded water quality. Current population levels are less than 1 percent of historic levels.

-USFWS/RobElliottThis wild lake sturgeon is being released back into the Peshtigo River afterbeing marked with a temporary elastomer tag.




















Research Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toResearch Partnership formed toDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill VDescribe a New Bluegill Virusirusirusirusirus

BY BECKY LASEE AND RYAN KATONA, LA CROSSE FHC

Emerging viruses like Viral Hemorrhagic Septice-mia virus (VHSv) and Spring Viremia of Carp

virus (SVCv) have devastating effects on freshwaterfish in the Great Lakes and Upper Mississippi Riverregion. Massive die-offs of a wide variety of fish


National Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation TNational Conservation Training Centerraining Centerraining Centerraining Centerraining CenterTTTTTraining Applied to Pallid Sturgeonraining Applied to Pallid Sturgeonraining Applied to Pallid Sturgeonraining Applied to Pallid Sturgeonraining Applied to Pallid SturgeonStocking ProgramStocking ProgramStocking ProgramStocking ProgramStocking Program

BY JOSHUA SCHLOESSER, COLUMBIA FWCO

Continuing education and training classes areimportant for fish and wildlife biologists working

under adaptive management programs that rely onnew research to direct future management actions.The “Principles of Modeling” class offered at theNational Conservation Training Center (NCTC)teaches biologists how to use simple models to solvereal world problems. Biologists Joshua Schloesserand Clayton Ridenour of the Columbia Fish andWildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) attended thisclass and saw application to the pallid sturgeon stock-ing program in the lower Missouri River.

Every fall, the Middle Basin Pallid SturgeonWorkgroup stocking subcommittee needs to decidehow many and when to stock the endangered pallidsturgeon - a task that is not straightforward. Thestocking subcommittee must consider factors such asgenetic conservation, supply of eggs, survival ofhatchery raised fish in a wild river, and hatcheryspace when developing a stocking strategy. To helpmake stocking decisions, Schloesser and Ridenourdeveloped an interactive model that predicts howmany hatchery raised pallid sturgeons are expectedto reach reproductive age and contribute to thefuture pallid sturgeon population.

The pallid sturgeon stocking model requires onlythree inputs to estimate the number of females ex-pected to survive to age 15, and males to age 6, whenthey are first thought to be in reproductive condition:1) the number of fish at each age the hatchery wishesto stock, 2) the proportion of fish that are female ormale, and 3) the annual survival rate of hatcheryraised fish in the wild. Nebraska Game and ParksCommission has estimated that only 5 percent offingerling pallid sturgeon stocked in the fall survive toone year, 68 percent of one-year-old stocked fishsurvive to two years, and 93 percent of two-year-old

fish survive each successive year. By multiplying thenumber of fish being stocked out, with the proportionof fish that are female or male, and the annual sur-vival rates, we can estimate how many hatchery fishare expected to still be alive from any given yearclass 20 years into the future.

Depending on the current supply of fish in thehatcheries, the stocking subcommittee has severaloptions of when to stock fish into the river. TheNeosho National Fish Hatchery has the capacity toraise 20,000 fingerlings, 15,000 age-1 fish, or 10,000fish to age-2. If all fish are stocked out, 100 of thestocked fingerlings, 1,620 of the age-1 fish, or 1,680 ofthe age-2 fish are estimated to survive to become 15year old reproductive females. This indicates thatannually stocking age-1 fish will produce the maximumnumber of pallid sturgeon that survive to reproduc-tive age (age-2 fish can only be stocked every otheryear when at hatchery capacity). But, if the hatcheryis not at capacity it has the option to hold fish untilage-2 or age-3, which will assure the greatest numberof fish survive to reproductive age.

The pallid sturgeon stocking model is one tool thatcan help managers understand the contribution ofstocked fish to an endangered population and haseliminated past debates based on personal opinions.This modeling approach is appealing because itsoperated in a common spreadsheet program, simple toincorporate new research, transparent in its calcula-tions, and flexible to evaluate different stockingstrategies based on the current supply of hatcheryfish, all of which are important components in anadaptive management program. The training opportu-nities offered at NCTC have enabled biologists withthe skills to solve real world problems, provide aid indifficult decision making, and help recovery efforts ofthe endangered pallid sturgeon


species have been attributed to VHSv and SVCv,causing large-scale mortalities of common carp. Bothdiseases have regulatory implications both nationallyand internationally.

23Fish Lines / August 2009


BLGv was first isolated in 2001 by the La CrosseFHC from bluegill from Lake Montana, Wis.

La Crosse FHC staff joined Dr. Mike Hoffman andhis graduate student Marisa Barbknecht from theUniversity of Wisconsin-La Crosse to conduct re-search needed to classify the virus, determine therange of the virus in Wisconsin and develop a confir-matory test. This partnership has been extremelysuccessful and to date, the virus has been tentativelyclassified as a Picornavirus and a diagnostic Poly-merase Chain Reaction Assay (PCR) has been devel-oped.

Recently, another emerging virus has been iso-lated and associated with mortality events in wildpopulations of bluegill. The La Crosse Fish HealthCenter (FHC) was able to differentiate it as a novelvirus in tissue cell culture but lacked taxonomicalclassification or a confirmatory test. The virus hastentatively been named Bluegill Virus (BLGv) and ithas been isolated primarily from bluegill and blackcrappie in Wisconsin and Ohio. BLGv has causedbluegill kills in Lake Monona in Madison, Wis., andPool 8 of the Mississippi River in La Crosse, Wis.


taining a control for each pair which was fed brineshrimp nauplii. Conducting the same procedure on twoseparate 1 to 1 crosses may help answer the questionwhether or not separate families habituate ontoCPDs at varying rates. Although analysis of the studyis incomplete, it was determined that there was asignificant difference in their habituation rates, as onepair habituated onto the Otohime™ at a rate of 62percent compared to the other pair at 77 percent.Both of the controls showed an expected high survivalrate (99 percent) to the end of the study with normalgrowth curves.

The unequal habituation rates among the twoseparate pairs may suggest that habituation maycause genetic selection toward families that habituateat a higher rate than others therefore increasing theprobability of genetic loss. These results show that iflow habituation rate CPDs were to be used, thenproduction methods would have to be in place tomaintain the genetic composition from as many familypairs as possible - keeping family lots separate ormarking the fish so that equal numbers can be pooledafter the selective agent (CPDs) has passed. In anyrestoration/recovery program which involves stockinghatchery fish, distributing “wild” fish, or fish thatclosely represent the founding population, is the bestway to conserve the genetic variability and restorefish populations in the natural environment.

Recent Lake Sturgeon Diet StudyRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet StudyRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet StudyRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet StudyRecent Lake Sturgeon Diet StudySheds New Light on Genetic IssuesSheds New Light on Genetic IssuesSheds New Light on Genetic IssuesSheds New Light on Genetic IssuesSheds New Light on Genetic Issues

BY NICK STARZL, GENOA NFH

Staff from the Genoa National Fish Hatchery(NFH) recently completed a 30 day study aimed at

determining the genetic implications of feeding pre-pared diets to larval lake sturgeon. The traditionalmethod of rearing lake sturgeon is by feeding brineshrimp nauplii, frozen bloodworms and krill whichtypically results in high survivability (more than 90percent from hatch), but has many drawbacks, includ-ing high cost, moderate growth and possible diseasevectors. The Genoa NFH propagates up to 60,000lake sturgeon annually, and would benefit greatlyfrom the ability to feed commercially produced diets(CPDs). Because of this, the Genoa NFH has beenexperimenting with various CPDs over the last sevenyears. Over that period, it has been determined thatapprox. 70 percent habituation (or diet acceptance)rate onto select CPDs is attainable; however, thisreduction in survivability may be of genetic concern ifproduction lots were geared toward this method.

Many of the stocking plans for lake sturgeon aredeveloped for restoration purposes, and it is our goalin the Fish and Wildlife Service to maintain geneticvariability as high as possible in these programs. Thestudy was designed to determine if habituation ontoOtohime™ feed is genetically or randomly driven byconducting a paired test of the habituation rates oflarval lake sturgeon from one pair (1 female x 1 male)vs. another pair (1 female x 1 male) as well as main-


Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs






















Loss and alteration of aquatic habitatsare principal factors in the decline ofnative fish and other aquatic resourcesand the loss of biodiversity. Seventypercent of the Nation’s rivers havealtered flows, and 50 percent ofwaterways fail to meet minimumbiological criteria.

Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

Black River WBlack River WBlack River WBlack River WBlack River Watershed Watershed Watershed Watershed Watershed Work Crework Crework Crework Crework CrewCompletes 2009 SeasonCompletes 2009 SeasonCompletes 2009 SeasonCompletes 2009 SeasonCompletes 2009 Season

BY HEATHER RAWLINGS, ALPENA FWCO

The Black River watershed, part of theCheboygan River watershed and a Partners

for Fish and Wildlife Focus Area, is a high-qualitycoldwater river that has been designated by theState of Michigan as a ‘Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream.”This is the only watershed in northern Michiganthat exclusively supports native brook trout. TheFish and Wildlife Service has supported restorationwork in this watershed for over ten years withboth financial and technical assistance, and 2009was no exception. As with many Michigan rivers,logging and development (primarily road building)have altered the dimension, pattern and profile ofseveral reaches of the Black River. These reachesof the Black River are devoid of large woodydebris and carry excessive sediment loads due tohuman activity. The Black River Watershed Resto-

Columbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms onColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms onColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms onColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms onColumbia Samples Dalbey Bottoms onthe Missouri Riverthe Missouri Riverthe Missouri Riverthe Missouri Riverthe Missouri RiverBY ADAM MCDANIEL AND CLAYTON RIDENOUR, COLUMBIA

FWCO

Dalbey Bottoms is located on the Missouri River between northwestMissouri and northeast Kansas near River Mile (RM) 417. The U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) proposed to build a side channel hereas part of the Missouri River Recovery Program to restore habitat for pallid sturgeon. The Columbia Fish and

Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) and Corps arecooperating to study Missouri River habitat at DalbeyBottoms before and after construction to assess theecological impact of the constructed chute on pallidsturgeon and other native Missouri River fishes. Biologists from Columbia FWCO completed thesecond round of sampling at Dalbey Bottoms duringearly August. Project engineer Zach White from theCorps jumped aboard to assist and collaborate withColumbia FWCO and their sampling efforts. Stableweather and river conditions provided a pleasantwork environment for both stern trawling and pushtrawling. Columbia crews managed to catch 1,672fish, 57 of which were young-of-the-year sturgeon.One pallid sturgeon and one shovelnose-pallid stur-geon hybrid were also collected while sampling.Construction of the chute is scheduled for the winterof 2009, but we plan to return in October to sampleusing trotline gear. This cooperative effort providesan avenue to apply adaptive management and sup-ports the Service’s Strategic Habitat Conservationprogram.

-USFWS/AdamMcDanielandClaytonRidenourTechnician Chris Scheppers displays a shovelnose /pallid sturgeon hybridcaptured during a fishery assessment at the Dalby Bottoms site on the MissouriRiver.


ration Committee is working in conjunction withnumerous partners to place large woody debris in theBlack River, which will provide fishery habitat with-out negatively altering the river.

Strategic placement of large woody debris struc-tures is designed to flush sediment downstream,which will uncover riffle and pool habitat previouslyclogged by large amounts of sediment. Sediment willbe captured in sand traps located downstream of thesites and maintained by the Michigan Department ofNatural Resources (DNR) and Canada Creek Ranch.

Large woody debris placement that occurred in2009 benefitted brook trout, the federally endangeredHungerford’s crawling water beetle population andcoldwater aquatic habitat in the Black River for overten river miles. All structures placed were subject toapproval (both design and placement site) by the


Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality(DEQ) permit process, Michigan Department ofNatural Resources (Fisheries Division) and the Fishand Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlifecoordinator. A Michigan DEQ permit has been re-ceived for the 2009-2010 field work seasons.

The summer work crew, consisting of four collegestudents and a crew chief began on May 18, 2009. Thecrew started the season with the placement of largewoody debris (LWD) structures in the main branch ofthe Black River. A total of 79 structures were placedon approximately a 3-mile stretch of the river toimprove brook trout habitat by either providing coverin a part of the river that had little cover, or byslightly altering the flow of the river to restore theriver to a deeper, narrower morphology and in theprocess uncovering potential spawning habitat, poolsand riffles.

In August, the work crew began work in CanadaCreek, a large tributary of the Black River. Thirty-two large woody debris structures were placed,improving two miles of Canada Creek. Time wasspent in the placement of new structures and theremoval/modification of woody structures that wereplaced in the 1970s.

Throughout the summer, the work crew removedbeaver dams in which the beaver had either beentrapped/removed or abandoned the dam. Active damsthat were encountered were noted, GPS coordinatescollected and this information will be passed on tolocal trappers this winter. In total, 27 beaver damswere removed in three different tributaries of theriver.

This restoration work may additionally benefit thefederally endangered Hungerford’s crawling waterbeetle (beetle). This small riffle beetle exists in onlythree watersheds in the United States, and the BlackRiver is one of them. During the permitting process,care was taken to keep work out of known locationsof the beetle, but since this work improves the riverhabitat, the belief is that the beetle will eventuallybenefit from this work.

Fish and Wildlife Service funding provided forlabor (work crew) and the transportation of the crew

and materials. Project partners included the Mont-morency Conservation District which employed thework crew, Canada Creek Ranch which contributedfunds and technical assistance on the work done inCanada Creek, Michigan DNR which coordinates theBlack River watershed trapping program and hascollected the fisheries data to guide the location ofthe LWD placement, North-East Michigan Council ofGovernments which allowed one of their employees,Nico Tucker, to supervise the group as crew chief, andthe Michigan Flyfishing Club, Trout Unlimited, Mont-morency County Conservation Club and Upper BlackRiver Watershed Restoration Committee which allprovided financial support for the work crew. Thiswork was prompted by the completion of the BlackLake Watershed EPA 319 Plan in 1998.

Above - stream site devoid of large woody debris, which is theresult of human influence over the years.Below - Strategic placement of large woody debris structures isdesigned to flush sediment downstream, which will uncoverriffle and pool habitat previously clogged by large amounts ofsediment.

-USFWS

For further info about the Alpena FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/alpena/index.htm




















The Fisheries Program relies on a broadrange of professionals to accomplish itsmission: biologists, managers,administrators, clerks, animalcaretakers, and maintenance workers.Without their skills and dedication, theFisheries Program cannot succeed.Employees must be trained, equippedand supported in order to perform theirjobs safely, often under demandingenvironmental conditions, and to keepcurrent with the constantly expandingscience of fish and aquatic resourcemanagement and conservation.

Workforce Management

Motorboat Operator CertificationMotorboat Operator CertificationMotorboat Operator CertificationMotorboat Operator CertificationMotorboat Operator CertificationCourseCourseCourseCourseCourse

BY JAIME MASTERSON, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Motorboat Operator Certifi-cation Course (MOCC) for the M/V Spencer F. Baird, concluded on

July 16 in Cheboygan, Mich. The MOCC was designed as a safety coursefor all staff that work on the Baird during the stocking season, gillnettingand fishery assessments throughout the year. Led by Fish and Wildlife

Service employ-ees AdamKowalski andAaron Woldt, the three-day course covered generalinformation about the Baird, getting to know thevessel and understanding boat operations. Watersurvival training and emergency simulations such asman overboard and use of visual distress signals werecreated for hands-on experience. Water safety train-ing was performed in a swimming pool first to getcomfortable with the use of personal floatation de-vices (PFD) and immersion suits. Although weatherdid not allow for going out into the open waters ofLake Huron, class members did get to suit up inimmersion suits and get in the Cheboygan River for alife raft simulation. Other demonstrations and simula-tions included fire suppression, radio use, emergencyvessel control, docking, undocking and line handling.

Swan Lake NWR YCC Crews meetSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meetSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meetSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meetSwan Lake NWR YCC Crews meetFish of the Big MuddyFish of the Big MuddyFish of the Big MuddyFish of the Big MuddyFish of the Big Muddy

BY ANDY STAROSTKA, COLUMBIA FWCO

Habitat Assessment and Monitoring Program(HAMP) crews from Columbia Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Office (FWCO) met Swan Lake Na-tional Wildlife Refuge-based Youth ConservationCorps (YCC) in Miami, Mo. for a day on the MissouriRiver. Columbia FWCO crews were conductingstandard field work so the students were able to seewhat real big river fisheries work is like. Unfortu-nately, weather conspired against the outing and bymid-morning thunder storms and rain forced everyoneoff the river. Though most were soaked by the timethe rain ended, spirits were not dampened and thefield day resumed after lunch so all had a chance toexperience the operation of both the push trawl andthe stern trawl. The push trawl is used to sampleshallow areas of the river while the stern trawl is

used to sample areas deeper than six feet. Discus-sions about big river ecology and identification of bigriver fish species dominated the conversations. Theday proved to be a welcome break for the YCCemployees from their day to day duties on the Refuge.YCC is a program that has been in existence fordecades and originated from the Civilian Conserva-tion Corps of the Depression Era. The YCC has beeninstrumental in introducing young Americans toconservation opportunities since the program wascreated in 1970. Since its inception, the YCC hasworked with many conservation agencies throughoutthe country to provide educational and team buildingskills for young people. Hundreds of employees cur-rently working in land management agencies wereintroduced to natural resource careers through theYCC program.

-USFWSInitial training in a swimming pool is the first step to introduce water safety forthe Motorboat Operator Certification Course for the crew of the M/V Spencer F.Baird.

For further info about the Pendills Creek NFH/Sullivan Creek NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/pendills.pdf


27Fish Lines / August 2009

Congressional Actions

Tongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional ActionsTongressional Actions

Source is http://www.gpoaccess.gov/bills/index.htmlSearched database by keyword = “fish”

[111th CONGRESS Senate Bills][111th CONGRESS Senate Bills][111th CONGRESS Senate Bills][111th CONGRESS Senate Bills][111th CONGRESS Senate Bills][From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access][From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access][From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access][From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access][From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access][DOCID: s1214is.txt][DOCID: s1214is.txt][DOCID: s1214is.txt][DOCID: s1214is.txt][DOCID: s1214is.txt][Introduced in Senate][Introduced in Senate][Introduced in Senate][Introduced in Senate][Introduced in Senate]

111th CONGRESS111th CONGRESS111th CONGRESS111th CONGRESS111th CONGRESS 1st Session 1st Session 1st Session 1st Session 1st Session S. 1214 S. 1214 S. 1214 S. 1214 S. 1214

T T T T To conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Statesthroughthroughthroughthroughthrough partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other purposes. purposes. purposes. purposes. purposes.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE SENA IN THE SENA IN THE SENA IN THE SENA IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STTE OF THE UNITED STTE OF THE UNITED STTE OF THE UNITED STTE OF THE UNITED STAAAAATESTESTESTESTES

June 9, 2009 June 9, 2009 June 9, 2009 June 9, 2009 June 9, 2009

Mr Mr Mr Mr Mr. Lieberman (for himself, Mr. Lieberman (for himself, Mr. Lieberman (for himself, Mr. Lieberman (for himself, Mr. Lieberman (for himself, Mr. Casey. Casey. Casey. Casey. Casey, Mr, Mr, Mr, Mr, Mr. Bond, Ms. Stabenow. Bond, Ms. Stabenow. Bond, Ms. Stabenow. Bond, Ms. Stabenow. Bond, Ms. Stabenow, Mr, Mr, Mr, Mr, Mr..... Cardin, Mr Cardin, Mr Cardin, Mr Cardin, Mr Cardin, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Crapo) introduced the. Crapo) introduced the. Crapo) introduced the. Crapo) introduced the. Crapo) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public W Environment and Public W Environment and Public W Environment and Public W Environment and Public Worksorksorksorksorks___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A BILL A BILL A BILL A BILL A BILL

T T T T To conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Stateso conserve fish and aquatic communities in the United Statesthroughthroughthroughthroughthrough partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation, to improve the quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other quality of life for the people of the United States, and for other purposes. purposes. purposes. purposes. purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of theUnited States of America in Congress assembled,United States of America in Congress assembled,United States of America in Congress assembled,United States of America in Congress assembled,United States of America in Congress assembled,

SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

(a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (a) Findings.—Congress finds that— (1) healthy populations of fish and other aquatic organisms (1) healthy populations of fish and other aquatic organisms (1) healthy populations of fish and other aquatic organisms (1) healthy populations of fish and other aquatic organisms (1) healthy populations of fish and other aquatic organisms depend on the conservation, protection, restoration, and depend on the conservation, protection, restoration, and depend on the conservation, protection, restoration, and depend on the conservation, protection, restoration, and depend on the conservation, protection, restoration, and enhancement of aquatic habitats in the United States; enhancement of aquatic habitats in the United States; enhancement of aquatic habitats in the United States; enhancement of aquatic habitats in the United States; enhancement of aquatic habitats in the United States; (2) aquatic habitats (including wetlands, streams, rivers, (2) aquatic habitats (including wetlands, streams, rivers, (2) aquatic habitats (including wetlands, streams, rivers, (2) aquatic habitats (including wetlands, streams, rivers, (2) aquatic habitats (including wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal and marine ecosystems, and associated lakes, estuaries, coastal and marine ecosystems, and associated lakes, estuaries, coastal and marine ecosystems, and associated lakes, estuaries, coastal and marine ecosystems, and associated lakes, estuaries, coastal and marine ecosystems, and associated riparian upland habitats that buffer those areas from external riparian upland habitats that buffer those areas from external riparian upland habitats that buffer those areas from external riparian upland habitats that buffer those areas from external riparian upland habitats that buffer those areas from external factors) perform numerous valuable environmental functions that factors) perform numerous valuable environmental functions that factors) perform numerous valuable environmental functions that factors) perform numerous valuable environmental functions that factors) perform numerous valuable environmental functions that sustain environmental, social, and cultural values, including sustain environmental, social, and cultural values, including sustain environmental, social, and cultural values, including sustain environmental, social, and cultural values, including sustain environmental, social, and cultural values, including recycling nutrients, purifying water recycling nutrients, purifying water recycling nutrients, purifying water recycling nutrients, purifying water recycling nutrients, purifying water, attenuating floods,, attenuating floods,, attenuating floods,, attenuating floods,, attenuating floods, augmenting and maintaining stream flows, recharging ground augmenting and maintaining stream flows, recharging ground augmenting and maintaining stream flows, recharging ground augmenting and maintaining stream flows, recharging ground augmenting and maintaining stream flows, recharging ground water water water water water, acting as primary producers in the food chain, and, acting as primary producers in the food chain, and, acting as primary producers in the food chain, and, acting as primary producers in the food chain, and, acting as primary producers in the food chain, and providing essential and significant habitat for plants, fish, providing essential and significant habitat for plants, fish, providing essential and significant habitat for plants, fish, providing essential and significant habitat for plants, fish, providing essential and significant habitat for plants, fish, wildlife, and other dependent species; wildlife, and other dependent species; wildlife, and other dependent species; wildlife, and other dependent species; wildlife, and other dependent species; (3) the extensive and diverse aquatic habitat resources of (3) the extensive and diverse aquatic habitat resources of (3) the extensive and diverse aquatic habitat resources of (3) the extensive and diverse aquatic habitat resources of (3) the extensive and diverse aquatic habitat resources of the United States are of enormous significance to the economy the United States are of enormous significance to the economy the United States are of enormous significance to the economy the United States are of enormous significance to the economy the United States are of enormous significance to the economy of the United States, providing— of the United States, providing— of the United States, providing— of the United States, providing— of the United States, providing— (A) recreation for 44,000,000 anglers; (A) recreation for 44,000,000 anglers; (A) recreation for 44,000,000 anglers; (A) recreation for 44,000,000 anglers; (A) recreation for 44,000,000 anglers; (B) more than 1,000,000 jobs and approximately (B) more than 1,000,000 jobs and approximately (B) more than 1,000,000 jobs and approximately (B) more than 1,000,000 jobs and approximately (B) more than 1,000,000 jobs and approximately $125,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $125,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $125,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $125,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $125,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating to recreational fishing; and to recreational fishing; and to recreational fishing; and to recreational fishing; and to recreational fishing; and

(C) approximately 500,000 jobs and an additional (C) approximately 500,000 jobs and an additional (C) approximately 500,000 jobs and an additional (C) approximately 500,000 jobs and an additional (C) approximately 500,000 jobs and an additional $35,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $35,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $35,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $35,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating $35,000,000,000 in economic impact each year relating to commercial fishing; to commercial fishing; to commercial fishing; to commercial fishing; to commercial fishing; (4) at least 40 percent of all threatened species and (4) at least 40 percent of all threatened species and (4) at least 40 percent of all threatened species and (4) at least 40 percent of all threatened species and (4) at least 40 percent of all threatened species and endangered species in the United States are directly dependent endangered species in the United States are directly dependent endangered species in the United States are directly dependent endangered species in the United States are directly dependent endangered species in the United States are directly dependent on aquatic habitats; on aquatic habitats; on aquatic habitats; on aquatic habitats; on aquatic habitats; (5) certain fish species are considered to be ecological (5) certain fish species are considered to be ecological (5) certain fish species are considered to be ecological (5) certain fish species are considered to be ecological (5) certain fish species are considered to be ecological indicators of aquatic habitat quality indicators of aquatic habitat quality indicators of aquatic habitat quality indicators of aquatic habitat quality indicators of aquatic habitat quality, such that the presence, such that the presence, such that the presence, such that the presence, such that the presence of those species in an aquatic ecosystem reflects high-quality of those species in an aquatic ecosystem reflects high-quality of those species in an aquatic ecosystem reflects high-quality of those species in an aquatic ecosystem reflects high-quality of those species in an aquatic ecosystem reflects high-quality habitat for other fish; habitat for other fish; habitat for other fish; habitat for other fish; habitat for other fish; (6) loss and degradation of aquatic habitat, riparian (6) loss and degradation of aquatic habitat, riparian (6) loss and degradation of aquatic habitat, riparian (6) loss and degradation of aquatic habitat, riparian (6) loss and degradation of aquatic habitat, riparian habitat, water quality habitat, water quality habitat, water quality habitat, water quality habitat, water quality, and water volume caused by activities, and water volume caused by activities, and water volume caused by activities, and water volume caused by activities, and water volume caused by activities such as alteration of watercourses, stream blockages, water such as alteration of watercourses, stream blockages, water such as alteration of watercourses, stream blockages, water such as alteration of watercourses, stream blockages, water such as alteration of watercourses, stream blockages, water withdrawals and diversions, erosion, pollution, sedimentation, withdrawals and diversions, erosion, pollution, sedimentation, withdrawals and diversions, erosion, pollution, sedimentation, withdrawals and diversions, erosion, pollution, sedimentation, withdrawals and diversions, erosion, pollution, sedimentation, and destruction or modification of wetlands have— and destruction or modification of wetlands have— and destruction or modification of wetlands have— and destruction or modification of wetlands have— and destruction or modification of wetlands have— (A) caused significant declines in fish populations (A) caused significant declines in fish populations (A) caused significant declines in fish populations (A) caused significant declines in fish populations (A) caused significant declines in fish populations throughout the United States, especially declines in throughout the United States, especially declines in throughout the United States, especially declines in throughout the United States, especially declines in throughout the United States, especially declines in native fish populations; and native fish populations; and native fish populations; and native fish populations; and native fish populations; and (B) resulted in economic losses to the United (B) resulted in economic losses to the United (B) resulted in economic losses to the United (B) resulted in economic losses to the United (B) resulted in economic losses to the United States; States; States; States; States; (7)(A) providing for the conservation and sustainability of (7)(A) providing for the conservation and sustainability of (7)(A) providing for the conservation and sustainability of (7)(A) providing for the conservation and sustainability of (7)(A) providing for the conservation and sustainability of fish and other aquatic organisms has not been fully realized, fish and other aquatic organisms has not been fully realized, fish and other aquatic organisms has not been fully realized, fish and other aquatic organisms has not been fully realized, fish and other aquatic organisms has not been fully realized, despite federally funded fish and wildlife restoration programs despite federally funded fish and wildlife restoration programs despite federally funded fish and wildlife restoration programs despite federally funded fish and wildlife restoration programs despite federally funded fish and wildlife restoration programs and other activities intended to conserve aquatic resources; and other activities intended to conserve aquatic resources; and other activities intended to conserve aquatic resources; and other activities intended to conserve aquatic resources; and other activities intended to conserve aquatic resources; and and and and and (B) that conservation and sustainability may be (B) that conservation and sustainability may be (B) that conservation and sustainability may be (B) that conservation and sustainability may be (B) that conservation and sustainability may be significantly advanced through a renewed commitment and significantly advanced through a renewed commitment and significantly advanced through a renewed commitment and significantly advanced through a renewed commitment and significantly advanced through a renewed commitment and sustained, cooperative efforts that are complementary to sustained, cooperative efforts that are complementary to sustained, cooperative efforts that are complementary to sustained, cooperative efforts that are complementary to sustained, cooperative efforts that are complementary to existing fish and wildlife restoration programs and clean water existing fish and wildlife restoration programs and clean water existing fish and wildlife restoration programs and clean water existing fish and wildlife restoration programs and clean water existing fish and wildlife restoration programs and clean water programs; programs; programs; programs; programs; (8) the National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides a (8) the National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides a (8) the National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides a (8) the National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides a (8) the National Fish Habitat Action Plan provides a framework for maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats to framework for maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats to framework for maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats to framework for maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats to framework for maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats to ensure perpetuation of populations of fish and other aquatic ensure perpetuation of populations of fish and other aquatic ensure perpetuation of populations of fish and other aquatic ensure perpetuation of populations of fish and other aquatic ensure perpetuation of populations of fish and other aquatic organisms; organisms; organisms; organisms; organisms; (9) the United States can achieve significant progress (9) the United States can achieve significant progress (9) the United States can achieve significant progress (9) the United States can achieve significant progress (9) the United States can achieve significant progress toward providing aquatic habitats for the conservation and toward providing aquatic habitats for the conservation and toward providing aquatic habitats for the conservation and toward providing aquatic habitats for the conservation and toward providing aquatic habitats for the conservation and restoration of fish and other aquatic organisms through a restoration of fish and other aquatic organisms through a restoration of fish and other aquatic organisms through a restoration of fish and other aquatic organisms through a restoration of fish and other aquatic organisms through a voluntary voluntary voluntary voluntary voluntary, nonregulatory incentive program that is based on, nonregulatory incentive program that is based on, nonregulatory incentive program that is based on, nonregulatory incentive program that is based on, nonregulatory incentive program that is based on technical and financial assistance provided by the Federal technical and financial assistance provided by the Federal technical and financial assistance provided by the Federal technical and financial assistance provided by the Federal technical and financial assistance provided by the Federal Government; Government; Government; Government; Government; (10) the creation of partnerships between local citizens, (10) the creation of partnerships between local citizens, (10) the creation of partnerships between local citizens, (10) the creation of partnerships between local citizens, (10) the creation of partnerships between local citizens, Indian tribes, Alaska Native organizations, corporations, Indian tribes, Alaska Native organizations, corporations, Indian tribes, Alaska Native organizations, corporations, Indian tribes, Alaska Native organizations, corporations, Indian tribes, Alaska Native organizations, corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and Federal, State, and tribal nongovernmental organizations, and Federal, State, and tribal nongovernmental organizations, and Federal, State, and tribal nongovernmental organizations, and Federal, State, and tribal nongovernmental organizations, and Federal, State, and tribal agencies is critical to the success of activities to restore agencies is critical to the success of activities to restore agencies is critical to the success of activities to restore agencies is critical to the success of activities to restore agencies is critical to the success of activities to restore aquatic habitats and ecosystems; aquatic habitats and ecosystems; aquatic habitats and ecosystems; aquatic habitats and ecosystems; aquatic habitats and ecosystems; (11) the Federal Government has numerous regulatory and (11) the Federal Government has numerous regulatory and (11) the Federal Government has numerous regulatory and (11) the Federal Government has numerous regulatory and (11) the Federal Government has numerous regulatory and land and water management agencies that are critical to the land and water management agencies that are critical to the land and water management agencies that are critical to the land and water management agencies that are critical to the land and water management agencies that are critical to the implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, implementation of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, including— including— including— including— including— (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (A) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (C) the National Park Service; (C) the National Park Service; (C) the National Park Service; (C) the National Park Service; (C) the National Park Service; (D) the Bureau of Reclamation; (D) the Bureau of Reclamation; (D) the Bureau of Reclamation; (D) the Bureau of Reclamation; (D) the Bureau of Reclamation; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (F) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (F) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (F) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (F) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (F) the National Marine Fisheries Service; (G) the Forest Service; (G) the Forest Service; (G) the Forest Service; (G) the Forest Service; (G) the Forest Service; (H) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (H) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (H) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (H) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (H) the Natural Resources Conservation Service; and (I) the Environmental Protection Agency (I) the Environmental Protection Agency (I) the Environmental Protection Agency (I) the Environmental Protection Agency (I) the Environmental Protection Agency

http://www.gpoaccess.gov/bills/index.html




















Midwest Region Fisheries Divisions

Fisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries DivisionsFisheries Divisions

National Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesNational Fish HatcheriesThe Region’s National Fish Hatcheries primarily focuson native fish restoration/rehabilitation by stockingfish and eggs, such as pallid and lake sturgeon and bydeveloping and maintaining brood stocks of selectedfish strains, such as lake trout and brook trout.Hatcheries also provide technical assistance to otheragencies, provide fish and eggs for research, stockrainbow trout in fulfillment of federal mitigationobligations and assist with recovery of native musselsand other native aquatic species.

Sea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsSea Lamprey Biological StationsThe Fish and Wildlife Service is the United StatesAgent for sea lamprey control, with two BiologicalStations assessing and managing sea lamprey popula-tions throughout the Great Lakes. The Great LakesFishery Commission administers the Sea LampreyManagement Program, with funding provided throughthe U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of theInterior, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Fish and WFish and WFish and WFish and WFish and Wildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation Officesildlife Conservation OfficesFish and Wildlife Conservation Offices conduct assess-ments of fish populations to guide management deci-sions, perform key monitoring and control activitiesrelated to invasive, aquatic species; survey and evalu-ate aquatic habitats to identify restoration/rehabilita-tion opportunities; play a key role in targeting andimplementing native fish and habitat restorationprograms; work with private land owners, states,local governments and watershed organizations tocomplete aquatic habitat restoration projects underthe Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife and theGreat Lakes Coastal Programs; provide coordinationand technical assistance toward the management ofinterjurisdictional fisheries; maintain and operateseveral key interagency fisheries databases; provide

Fish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterFish Health CenterThe Fish Health Center provides specialized fishhealth evaluation and diagnostic services to federal,state and tribal hatcheries in the region; conductsextensive monitoring and evaluation of wild fishhealth; examines and certifies the health of captivehatchery stocks; and, performs a wide range of specialservices helping to coordinate fishery program officesand partner organizations.

technical expertise to other Service programs ad-dressing contaminants, endangered species, federalproject review and hydro-power operation and re-licensing; evaluate and manage fisheries on Servicelands; and, provide technical support to 38 NativeAmerican tribal governments and treaty authorities.

Midwest Region Fisheries Field Offices
















29Fish Lines / August 2009Tontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact InformationTontact Information

Midwest Region Fisheries TontactsMichiganAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAlpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeFederal Building; 145 WFederal Building; 145 WFederal Building; 145 WFederal Building; 145 WFederal Building; 145 Water Streetater Streetater Streetater Streetater StreetAlpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Alpena, MI 49707Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski (Scott Koproski ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052989/356-3052Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Ohio)

Jordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish HatcheryJordan River National Fish Hatchery6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 T6623 Turner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner Roadurner RoadElmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Elmira, MI 49730Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon (Roger Gordon ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461231/584-2461

Ludington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological StationLudington Biological Station229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy Drive229 South Jebavy DriveLudington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Ludington, MI 49431Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade (Jeff Slade ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205231/845-6205

Marquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological StationMarquette Biological Station3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright Street3090 Wright StreetMarquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Marquette, MI 49855-9649Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett (Katherine Mullett ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235906/226-1235

Pendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekPendills Creek/Sullivan CreekNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish HatcheryNational Fish Hatchery21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 W21990 West Test Test Test Test Trout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout Lanerout LaneBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimleyBrimley, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715, MI 49715Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez Curt Friez ((((([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231906/437-5231

MissouriColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeColumbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite A101 Park Deville Drive; Suite AColumbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203Columbia, MO 65203TTTTTracy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill (racy Hill ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132573/234-2132Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)Area of Responsibility (Iowa, Missouri)

Neosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryNeosho National Fish HatcheryEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetEast Park StreetNeosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850Neosho, MO 64850David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix (David Hendrix ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554417/451-0554

IllinoisCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite A9053 Route 148, Suite AMarion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Marion, Illinois 62959Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds (Rob Simmonds ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869618/997-6869Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)

WisconsinAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeAshland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive East2800 Lake Shore Drive EastAshland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Ashland, WI 54806Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder (Mark Brouder ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185715/682-6185Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Genoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryGenoa National Fish HatcheryS5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35S5689 State Road 35Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Genoa, WI 54632-8836Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi (Doug Aloisi ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605608/689-2605

Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeGreen Bay Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott T2661 Scott Tower Driveower Driveower Driveower Driveower DriveNew Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229New Franken, WI 54229Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey (Mark Holey ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717920/866-1717Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Michigan, Wisconsin)

Iron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish HatcheryIron River National Fish Hatchery10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview Road10325 Fairview RoadIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron RiverIron River, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847, WI 54847Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast (Dale Bast ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510715/372-8510

LaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health CenterLaCrosse Fish Health Center555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee (Becky Lasee ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441608/783-8441

LaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation OfficeLaCrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester A555 Lester AvenuevenuevenuevenuevenueOnalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Onalaska, WI 54650Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel (Pamella Thiel ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])))))608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431608/783-8431Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)Area of Responsibility (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)

Mike Weimer ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])

















30 Fish Lines / August 2009 Fish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish Tails

Partnering With the WestVirginia Department of

Natural Resources

Fish Tails“Fish Tails” includes articles that are included in field station reports that are not published in the “Conservation Briefs.” Thesearticles are categorized by focus area and includes the article title, author and field station. The website link, where the fullarticle can be viewed, is highlighted in blue type.

Partnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityPartnerships and AccountabilityLa Crosse Fish Health Center attends

Nucleospora salmonis meetingo Eric Leis, La Crosse FHCLegislative Branch Shoots to the River!

Newly Appointed Resource Committee staffertours Genoao Doug Aloisi, Genoa NFHWisconsin Department of Natural Re-

sources and Fish and Wildlife Service haveAnnual Coordination Meetingo Corey Puzach, La Crosse FHC

Aquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andAquatic Species Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement

La Crosse FHC conducts Fall HatcheryInspection at Iron River NFHo Ryan Katona, La Crosse FHC

Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive Species

Public UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UseBig Muddy, Big Raceo Joe McMullen and Brian Elkington,

Columbia FWCOFacts, Fun and “EngFish”o Heidi Keuler, La Crosse FWCOIt’s Dinner Time!o Carey Edwards, Iron River NFHLa Crosse FHC Participates in Youth

Outdoor Festo Eric Leis and Sarah Bauer, La

Crosse FHC

Cooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansCooperation with Native AmericansLa Crosse FHC conducts Tribal Hatchery

Inspectiono Corey Puzach, La Crosse FHC

Leadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in ScienceLeadership in Scienceand Tand Tand Tand Tand Technologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology

Fish Health Fishes on Fridayo Sarah Bauer, La Crosse FHCLa Crosse Fish Health Center Implements

Quality Assurance Quality Controlo Sarah Bauer, La Crosse FHC

Aquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andAquatic Habitat Conservation andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagement

Columbia FWCO Moving Forward onARRA Projectso Brian Elkington and Tracy Hill,

Columbia FWCO

WWWWWorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce ManagementA New Addition to the Iron River National

Fish Hatcheryo Carey Edwards, Iron River NFHEqual Employement Opportunity/Diversity

Trainingo Terrence Ott, La Crosse FHCWhere Can I Learn About GPS?o Mark Corio, Columbia FWCO

-West Virginia DNRThe West Virginia Department of Natural Resources adopted Genoa NationalFish Hatchery’s mussel cage design and produced these endangered musselsin cages at this boat dock.

















vol. 7 no. 11 august 20092 fish lines / august 2009 table of tontents the mission of the u.s. fish...

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