DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FARS-SW08
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Greg Garman
Abstract
Approximately 100 brook trout were transplanted into each of four Virginia streams in September 2008. Garth Run and Kinsey Run were re-introductions, and Wildcat Hollow and Sweet Run were new introductions. Single pass electrofishing (EF) surveys were conducted with a backpack electrofisher five times during the study. Selected trout > 70 mm but < 100 mm and all trout > 100 mm received a Biomark® 134.2 kHz passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag to identify individual fish upon recapture. Trout were present in all streams almost three years post introductions. Catches decreased across the first four surveys. Young of year catch rates severely decreased from June 2009 (n = 77) to June 2010 (n = 7). Adult refuge under low flow conditions and environmental factors such as elevated stream temperatures and drought were determined to be potential limiting factors of brook trout success. Future monitoring is needed to further assess the populations.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
December 2011