Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons^™

Radiocarbon From Nuclear Testing Applied To Age Validation Of Black Drum, Pogonias Cromis, Steven E. Campana, Cynthia M. Jones

OES Faculty Publications

Radiocarbon ((14)C) in the world's oceans increased sharply between 1950 and 1970 as a result of the atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons. Through comparison with the (14)C time series reconstructed from atmospheric measurements and marine carbonates, Kalish, in 1993, used the (14)C concentration measured in fish otolith cores as a means of confirming the annulus-based age estimates for some South Pacific fish species. Here we report the pre-and postbomb (14)C chronology of North Atlantic adult black drum (Pogonias cronis), assumed to be between 15 and 42 yr of age on the basis of otolith annulus counts. According to …

Modeling Environmental Effects On Msx Prevalence And Intensity In Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea Virginica) Populations, Michelle Christine Paraso

OES Theses and Dissertations

An oyster population model coupled with a model for Haplosporidium nelsoni, the causative agent of the oyster disease MSX, was used with salinity time-series constructed from Delaware River flow measurements to study environmentally-induced variations in the annual cycle of this disease. Simulations with this model were designed to investigate the effect of increased or decreased spring freshwater discharge, the timing of high freshwater runoff, the presence or absence of a fall or late spring phytoplankton bloom, and the occurrence of a warm winter on MSX prevalence and intensity in Delaware Bay oyster populations. Model simulations for the lower Bay site …

Understanding The Success And Failure Of Oyster Populations: The Importance Of Sampled Variables And Sample Timing, Thomas M. Soniat, Eric N. Powell, Eileen E. Hofmann, John M. Klinck

CCPO Publications

One of the primary obstacles to understanding why some oyster populations are successful and others are not is the complex interaction of environmental variables with oyster physiology and with such population variables as the rates of recruitment and juvenile mortality. A numerical model is useful in investigating how population structure originates out of this complexity. We have monitored a suite of environmental conditions over an environmental gradient to document the importance of short time-scale variations in such variables as food supply, turbidity, and salinity. Then, using a coupled oyster disease population dynamics model, we examine the need for short rime-scale …

Trace Element Signatures In Otoliths Record Natal River Of Juvenile American Shad (Alosa Sapidissima), Simon R. Thorrold, Cynthia M. Jones, Steven E. Campana, James W. Mclaren, Joseph W. H. Lam

OES Faculty Publications

The elemental composition of fish otoliths may represent a permanent record of the environmental conditions an individual has experienced as trace elements, incorporated into the growing surface of the otolith, reflect the physical and chemical characteristics of the ambient water. We tested the utility of trace element signatures in otoliths as natural tags of the river of origin of juvenile American shad (Alosa sapidissima) collected from the Connecticut, Hudson and Delaware Rivers in August and October 1994. Four elements (K, Mn, Sr, and Ba) showed significant variability among sites within rivers in August, although only Mg showed a …

Comparison Of The Aquatic Ecology Of Side-Canyons And The Main Channel Of Lake Powell 1997, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, Kirsten L. Gallo

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Physical characteristics of lakes are highly interrelated with biological characteristics. We measured and analyzed the physical characteristics of two side canyons in order to better understand differences in productivity between side canyons and the main channel and to provide general information on the characteristics of the lake.

Age And Growth Of Larval And Juvenile Atlantic Croaker, Micropogonias Undulatus, From The Middle Atlantic Bight And Estuarine Waters Of Virginia, Stephen W. Nixon, Cynthia M. Jones

OES Faculty Publications

Sagittal otoliths were used to determine age and growth of 605 larval and juvenile Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus, collected in the Middle Atlantic Bight and estuarine waters of Virginia. This study is the first to use age-based analysis for young Atlantic croaker collected in this region. A Laird-Gompertz model (r2=0.95) was used to describe the growth of Atlantic croaker up to 65 mm standard length (SL) and 142 days (t): SL((t)) = 2.657 exp (4.656 [1-exp (-0.0081t)]); where SL((t)) = standard length at day t. Spatial and temporal patterns in the size and age of Atlantic croaker showed a …

Yield-Per-Recruit Analysis And Management Strategies For Atlantic Croaker, Micropogonias Undulatus, In The Middle Atlantic Bight, Luiz R. Barbieri, Mark E. Chittenden, Cynthia M. Jones

OES Faculty Publications

The effect of different fishing mortality (F) and natural mortality (M), and age at first capture (t(c)) on yield-per-recruit of Atlantic croaker, Micropogonias undulatus, in the lower Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina were evaluated with the Beverton-Holt model. Independent of the level of M (0.20-0.35) or F (0.01-2.0) used in simulations, yield-per-recruit values for Chesapeake Bay were consistently higher at t((c)) = 1 and decreased continuously with increases in t(c) (2-5). Although maximum yield-per-recruit always occurred at the maximum level off (F=2.0), marginal increases in yield beyond F = 0.50-0.75 were negligible. Current F (F(CUR)) is estimated to be …

Response Of Otolith Microchemistry To Environmental Variations Experienced By Larval And Juvenile Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias Undulatus), Simon R. Thorrold, Cynthia M. Jones, Steven E. Campana

OES Faculty Publications

Minor and trace elements incorporated into otoliths during growth may permanently record environmental conditions experienced by fishes. To determine the validity of this approach, we used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to assay sectioned otoliths from juvenile Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) collected from each of three sites in the Neuse River, North Carolina, and the Elizabeth River, Virginia. Elemental concentrations at the center of the otoliths did not differ between locations, although both Mg : Ca and Ba : Ca were significantly higher at the edge of otoliths from the Neuse River than from the …

Recruitment Of Blue Crab, Callinectes Sapidus, Postlarvae To The Back-Barrier Lagoons Of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Robert D. Brumbaugh

OES Theses and Dissertations

Most research on the early life history of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, has been conducted in large partially stratified estuaries such as the Chesapeake Bay. In contrast, little is known about the recruitment dynamics or habitat requirements of blue crab postlarvae (megalopae) in shallow well-mixed lagoonal systems that make up a considerable part of the species' range. In Virginia's coastal lagoons, planktonic blue crab megalopae are most abundant at night on flooding tides, and are not abundant during the daytime or on ebbing tides. This appears to enhance retention within the lagoons, despite the short residence time of water …

Sacrificing Conservation For Pesos: An Analysis Of Select Marine Fisheries In The Political Environment Of Mexico, Sephen W. Bourgeois Jr.

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The decline of most Mexican fisheries has occurred so rapidly that few Mexicans and Americans alike fully appreciate the loss. The major focus of this paper will examine the false impression that Mexico is engaging in marine conservation; in reality, its conservation efforts are responses to after-the-fact actions brought on by world critics and as a vehicle to pacify conservationists. The Mexican government can pass a law but lacks the resources to administer and enforce the law and subsequently manage its fisheries in an effective manner. Rather than survey the state of every fishery found in Mexican waters, this paper …

Limits To Private Aquaculture On Cape Cod, Kevin Robert Cute

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This study examined the potential of social conflict related to private and public rights, to constrain aquaculture on Cape Cod. While the ability of social conflict to constrain aquaculture has been demonstrated in a few cases, its current potential to constrain aquaculture on Cape Cod had not been established prior to this study. This study was based on information gathered from town records and public hearings related to proposed aquaculture ventures. In addition, town officials were interviewed to obtain additional information related to cases. The finding of this study is that private riparian proprietors, and interests in shell-fishing tend to …

The Evolution Of International Fisheries Management In The North Pacific Ocean And Prospects For The Future, Paul Augustus Flynn

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The abundant resources of the North Pacific Ocean have been the subject of international disputes and negotiations through the 20th century. The management of species which range throughout this vast area, are not under the jurisdiction of a single state. That fact has required the establishment of a framework in which allocation and conservation measures can be researched and agreed upon. This has been accomplished through various multilateral and bilateral agreements. From the voluntary Japanese suspension of a directed salmon fishery off the coast of Alaska in 1938 to recently completed multilateral treaties, significant advances have been made in Pacific …

Public Health Hazards Associated With The Consumption Of Molluscan Shellfish In The State Of Rhode Island, Jeffrey F. Nussbaum

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The principal objective of this thesis was to descriptively and empirically assess shellfish consumption hazards in the state of Rhode Island and to evaluate the use of a shellfish hazard warning label to modify unsafe consumptive behaviors. To accomplish this task, three research problems were examined using a survey instrument. The survey instrument was a questionnaire which included both closed and open-ended questions. The survey questions were designed to identify four primary research variables; shellfish consumptive behaviors, consumer knowledge of shellfish hazards and related government advisories, perceptions of risk regarding personal shellfish consumption, and response to warning label information. The …

Trends In Abundance Of The Gulf Of Maine Population Of Harbor Porpoise, Paula Ann Olson

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

Hundreds of harbor porpoise die each year as bycatch in the Gulf of Maine's sink gillnet fishery. In recent years, concern has arisen whether the Gulf of Maine population of harbor porpoise can sustain this level of bycatch. It is believed that the population may have declined, or is declining as a result of the incidental moralities. This paper reviews what is known about Gulf of Maine harbor porpoise demographics and how that information is incorporated into the management of the porpoise/fishery interaction. Included in this paper is a new study on the trend of relative abundance of harbor porpoise …

Protection Of Marine Fish Habitat: Towards An Integrated Approach To Management, Andrea L. Oliver

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This paper focuses on the problems associated with marine fish habitat protection and conservation at the federal level in the United States. The intent of the study is to provide a general overview of the issues, impacts, management problems and potential solutions. Federal statutory legislation that impacts marine fish habitat and agency authority derived from those legislative mandates are examined with a view toward promoting integrated management for marine biodiversity and overall ecosystem health. The concepts of coordinated and integrated approaches to management are discussed in the context of the present management regimes. Given the fragmented authority over the policy …

International Organizations And Tuna Management; Problems And Future Prospects, Yuh-Chen Chern

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

A large number of marine species migrate within and without national jurisdictions and a small number occur entirely outside any national jurisdiction. Thus, the species migrating through waters under the jurisdiction of coastal states to high seas beyond the jurisdiction of any single state are defined as highly migratory species (HMS). International organizations play a key role in the management of highly migratory species. Most of the international organizations concerned with HMS focus on tuna management.

The Role Of The Federal Aid In Sportfish Restoration Program In Promoting State Marine Artificial Reef Development Activities, Loren Clark Evans

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The passage of the Wallop-Breaux Amendments to the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program (FASRP), in 1984, significantly increased the funding available to states participating in the Program. Subsequently, the FASRP became the largest single source of funding for state marine artificial reef development activities. In recent years, there has been concern among program constituents that FASRP funds are not being utilized as intended. The principle question of the current research focused on how effective FASRP subsidies have been in providing meaningful benefits to state fisheries management programs. Specifically, the research focused on the application of FASRP monies in promoting …

Comparison Of The Aquatic Ecology Of Side-Canyons And The Main Channel Of Lake Powell, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, Kirsten L. Gallo

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

From 18-21 April 1996, students in a Utah State University class (Aquatic Ecology Laboratory; FW 560) measured limnological and fisheries characteristics in two side canyons (Halls Creek Bay and Moki Canyon) and the main channel of Lake Powell. Inclement weather precluded sampling of two other side canyons. Most of the sub-projects, directed by indiVIdual students, addressed the following two hypotheses: (1) productivity gradients existed from the inflows of the side canyons toward the main channel and; (2) productivity was higher in the side canyons than in the main channel of the lake. In most cases, parameters were measured at 3-5 …

Brine Shrimp Ecology In The Great Salt Lake, Utah, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Hypersaline lakes are noted for their simple communities which facilitate understanding ecological interactions (Williams et al. 1990; Wurtsbaugh 1992; Jellison and Melack 1988). Nevertheless, we still cannot easily predict how environmental changes will effect the population dynamics in these lakes, at least in part because even these simple ecosystems may be more complex than we .realize. Many hypersaline lakes are dominated by the brine shrimp Artemia spp. The production of brine shrimp is often very high because the terminal, saline lakes accumulate nutrients that make them rich, and because the short food chains in them (nutrients-->phytoplankton-->brine shrimp) minim …

Assessing The Impact Of Amendment 2 To The Summer Flounder Fishery Management Plan: Implications Of State-By-State Quotas For Vessel Operators, Karen Ellis Greene

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The state-by-state quota regulation contained in Amendment 2 to the Summer Flounder Fishery Management Plan became effective on January 1, 1993. The research sought to determine the implications that the state-by-state quotas have imposed on federal summer flounder permit holders. commercial fishermen were believed to have landed their summer flounder out-of-state to take advantage of more favorable possession limits in other states, and to have accrued higher costs as a result of their decisions to land out-of-state. A survey was administered to commercial fishermen in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and North Carolina, to ascertain behavioral changes, as a result of state-by-state …

International Management Of The Western Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fishery: Is There A Need For A Cites Listing?, Jennifer Elling-Dodge

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

In the last two decades, the Atlantic bluefin tuna has been increasingly targeted by fishermen throughout the world, primarily for sale in Japan. Commercial fishermen, attempting to survive in a world of declining commercial catches, increased controls on fishing effort, and increasing competition, view the U.S. $50.00 or more per kilogram that might be obtained from bluefin as a financial bonanza. yet, the population of breeding adult bluefin in the western Atlantic (the focus of bluefin fishing, since the largest bluefin consistently occur there) has declined by an estimated 77% to 90% since the 1970's. In addition, the eastern Atlantic …

The National Marine Sanctuary Designation Process And Its Impact On Naval Operations, Gregory E. Bolan

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This paper addresses the basis of potential and real conflicts derived by the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) process, as identified within and between NOAA and the United States Navy. This conflict is often exacerbated due to either a lack of communication, coordination, or both. A recent proliferation of proposed and designated marine sanctuaries in traditional Naval operating areas has complicated or hindered Naval operations (or will) to a degree where EIS derived restrictions negatively impact the Naval operations, based on (1) response readiness, and (2) increased cost of operations. Two specific conflicts are examined in a case study approach …

Management Of The Omani Abalone Haliotis Mariae: An Integrated Policy, Kadhim M. Al-Bahrani

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The Sultanate of Oman is a small coastal nation with a maritime history, regional trade and fisheries exploitation. Among those fishery industries is Oman's coastal abalone fishery, which command the highest prices per unit of weight among the other marine living resources. This study analyzes the fishery's biological aspects, structure, socioeconomic, policies, and management practices in an attempt to provide an understanding of the prime parameters, that in turn could be utilized for sound management purposes. it also provides a description of an integrated development and management policy for the abalone fishery. Finally, it is hoped that this research will …

The Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council: Stewardship In Need Of Goals And Objectives, Robert Censabella

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

In the State of Rhode Island, marine fisheries are managed through the Marine Fisheries Council, a citizen-based regulatory body of nine members from either the commercial or recreational fishing industries or experienced with the conservation and management of fisheries resources. To ostensibly help this group make informed decisions, biological data and scientific advice are provided by the State Division of Fish and Wildlife. This thesis examines the decision-making process of this Council. More specifically, it provides a case study of how this body has attempted to manage the State's winter flounder stocks-an economically-valuable species which confines its life cycle mostly …

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Management, Jeffrey C. Fisher

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and federal management under the U.S. National marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has certainly been contentious. Atlantic bluefin tuna have been managed at the international level by ICCAT for the past 25 years. NMFS is the organization responsible for implementing ICCAT recommended conservation and management measures in the United States. In an attempt to halt an apparent decline in the abundance of bluefin tuna in the western Atlantic, ICCAT has recommended strict management measures including catch quotas, minimum sizes, "no-sale" provisions, and spawning area protection since 1981. ICCAT had recommended in …

North American Sea Urchin Fishery Management Strategies: Their Applicability To The Maine Green Sea Urchin Fishery, Kate Sullivan

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

The Maine green sea urchin fishery has experienced dramatic growth since its inception in 1987. Landings have increased from 1.4 million pounds in 1987 to 41.6 million pounds in 1993 (NMFS, Fisheries Statistics). The reproductive gonads, referred to as roe or 'uni' are shipped fresh from Maine to japan, where the uni is a delicacy item fetching high unit prices on the Japanese fish market. The green sea urchin from Maine, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, is the third highest priced sea urchin product imported in Japan (Anon., 1989). Country-wide, sea urchin fisheries are one of the fastest growing fishing industries (Phu, …

The Trophic Gradient In Lake Powell, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh, G. Steinhart

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

From April 21 st to April 25th, 1995 students from Utah State University's FW 462 class sampled the trophic gradient in Lake Powell between Bullfrog (Mile 99) and Hite Marinas (Mile 144). We sampled at 3-12 stations along the gradient, depending on the parameter measured. The purpose of the trip was three-fold. First, the primary objective of the class was to provide field and laboratory experiences in aquatic ecology for the students. Secondly, we wished to provide data on the trophic environment that the endangered razorback sucker larvae from the Colorado River would encounter when the entered the reservoir. Thirdly, …

Snake River Sockeye Salmon Habitat And Limnological Research, David Teuscher, Doug Taki, Wayne A. Wurtsbaugh

Watershed Sciences Faculty Publications

Historically, thousands of Snake River Sockeye salmon returned to the Sawtooth Valley to spawn. Evermann (1896) reported that the Sawtooth Valley Lakes were teeming with red fish. Bjornn (1968) estimated that 4,360 sockeye returned to Redfish Lake in 1955. These numbers no longer exist. In the 1980's, less than 50 . Snake River sockeye salmon survived to spawn (Bowler 1990). Since 1990, only 14 sockeye have returned. Because of recent declines, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (SBT) petitioned the National - Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to list · Snake River sockeye as endangered. As a result, Snake River sockeye were listed and …

Fisheries And Oceanography Off Galicia, Nw Spain: Mesoscale Spatial And Temporal Changes In Physical Processes And Resultant Patterns Of Biological Productivity, K. R. Tenore, M. Alonsonval, L. P. Atkinson, J. M. Cabanas, R. M. Cal, H. J. Campos, F. Castillejo, E. J, Chesney, N. Gonzalez, R. B. Hanson, C. R. Mcclain, A. Miranda, M. R. Roman, J. Sanchez, G. Santiago, L. Valdes, M. Varela, J. Yoder

CCPO Publications

The Galician shelf off NW Spain (43N degrees 9W degrees) exhibits mesoscale spatial and temporal changes in biological productivity associated with upwelling. Spatial heterogeneity results from local geomorphic and land-sea interactions superimposed on the large scale atmospheric processes that produce upwelling. Wind-induced upwelling events, commonly of short (i.e., week) duration, are more common in the summer than in the winter. A Series of cruises, including some time series sampling, and satellite imagery analysis showed that surface upwelling was more common and persistent on the northern coast compared with the western coast off the coastal embayments, the Rias Bajas. Nearshore off …

Sport Fisheries Of The Belgrade Lakes, Maine Department Of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife

Maine Collection

Sport Fisheries of the Belgrade Lake

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Augusta, Maine 1994.

Contents: Belgrade Lakes Chain, Some Vital Statistics / Some Features of the Seven Major Waters of the Belgrade Chain of Lakes / A Partial List of Fish Species That Occur in the Major Waters of the Belgrade Chain of Lakes / East Pond Oakland and Smithfield / Great Pond Oakland, Belgrade, and Rome / Long Pond Mt. Vernon, Rome, and Belgrade / Messalonskee Lake Oakland and Belgrade / North Pond Smithfield, Rome, and Mercer / Salmon Lake and McGrath Pond Belgrade and Oakland