Lake Ontario€¦ · FWCO, Jordan River NFH, and La Crosse FHC have been instrumental in providing...

Vol. 10 No. 6May 2012

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Program

Lake OntarioBloater Reintroduction Efforts

Help with Thunder BayReef Habitat Restoration Project

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 / May 2012 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.

To view other issues of “Fish Lines,” visit our website at:http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/fishlines.htm

Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Program - Midwest Region

-USFWSThe weather was cool but the fishing was hot for the first annual “Rainbowsfor Veterans Fishing Derby” at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.

Features4

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Lake Ontario BloaterReintroduction EffortsThe Midwest Region Fisheries program serves a key role in Lake Ontario’sdeep-water cisco restoration efforts.BY DALE HANSON, GREEN BAY FWCO

Help with Thunder Bay ReefHabitat Restoration ProjectAlpena FWCO is assisting with a reef restoration project in Lake Huron’sThunder Bay.BY ADAM KOWALSKI, ALPENA FWCO

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

3Fish Lines / May 2012Table of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of TontentsTable of Tontents

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Fabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupBY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EATON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFH

Biologists Attend Annual Fish Health MeetingBiologists Attend Annual Fish Health MeetingBiologists Attend Annual Fish Health MeetingBiologists Attend Annual Fish Health MeetingBiologists Attend Annual Fish Health MeetingBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!BY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFHBY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFH

Great Lakes Mass Marking: 2012 Season BeginsGreat Lakes Mass Marking: 2012 Season BeginsGreat Lakes Mass Marking: 2012 Season BeginsGreat Lakes Mass Marking: 2012 Season BeginsGreat Lakes Mass Marking: 2012 Season BeginsBY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BABY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BABY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BABY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BABY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BAY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCO

Annual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHCBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

Confusion (Among Sturgeon) ContinuesConfusion (Among Sturgeon) ContinuesConfusion (Among Sturgeon) ContinuesConfusion (Among Sturgeon) ContinuesConfusion (Among Sturgeon) Continuesin the Big Muddyin the Big Muddyin the Big Muddyin the Big Muddyin the Big MuddyBY ANNA CLARK, HEABY ANNA CLARK, HEABY ANNA CLARK, HEABY ANNA CLARK, HEABY ANNA CLARK, HEATHER CALKINS AND HILARTHER CALKINS AND HILARTHER CALKINS AND HILARTHER CALKINS AND HILARTHER CALKINS AND HILARYYYYYMEYER; COLUMBIA FWCOMEYER; COLUMBIA FWCOMEYER; COLUMBIA FWCOMEYER; COLUMBIA FWCOMEYER; COLUMBIA FWCO

Zebra Mussel Control Research Marches OnZebra Mussel Control Research Marches OnZebra Mussel Control Research Marches OnZebra Mussel Control Research Marches OnZebra Mussel Control Research Marches OnBY NABY NABY NABY NABY NATHAN ECKERTHAN ECKERTHAN ECKERTHAN ECKERTHAN ECKERTTTTT, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH

Iron River NFH Lends a Helping HandIron River NFH Lends a Helping HandIron River NFH Lends a Helping HandIron River NFH Lends a Helping HandIron River NFH Lends a Helping HandBY 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

Green Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UW-Green Bay-Green Bay-Green Bay-Green Bay-Green BayAquatic Ecology ClassAquatic Ecology ClassAquatic Ecology ClassAquatic Ecology ClassAquatic Ecology ClassBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWARARARARART COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCO

Middle School Kids enjoy Earth Day on theMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day on theMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day on theMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day on theMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day on theKaskaskia and Mississippi RiversKaskaskia and Mississippi RiversKaskaskia and Mississippi RiversKaskaskia and Mississippi RiversKaskaskia and Mississippi RiversBY JOHN WESTBY JOHN WESTBY JOHN WESTBY JOHN WESTBY JOHN WEST, CAR, CAR, CAR, CAR, CARTERTERTERTERTERVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCOVILLE FWCO

Love is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the Water at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEYBY JENNIFER BAILEY, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH, GENOA NFH

Carterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpIdentification VIdentification VIdentification VIdentification VIdentification VideoideoideoideoideoBY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCO

Supporting Scientific CurriculumsSupporting Scientific CurriculumsSupporting Scientific CurriculumsSupporting Scientific CurriculumsSupporting Scientific Curriculumsat Wilson Elementary Schoolat Wilson Elementary Schoolat Wilson Elementary Schoolat Wilson Elementary Schoolat Wilson Elementary SchoolBY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCOBY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCOBY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCOBY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCOBY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCO

Rainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for Veterans Day Fishing Derby ateterans Day Fishing Derby ateterans Day Fishing Derby ateterans Day Fishing Derby ateterans Day Fishing Derby atNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFHNeosho NFHBY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EABY JANICE EATON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFHTON, NEOSHO NFH

TTTTTrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOBY 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

WWWWWorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our FutureBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCOBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

Hatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFHBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Coldwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedBY DALE BAST AND SHABY DALE BAST AND SHABY DALE BAST AND SHABY DALE BAST AND SHABY DALE BAST AND SHAWN SANDERS, IRON RIVERWN SANDERS, IRON RIVERWN SANDERS, IRON RIVERWN SANDERS, IRON RIVERWN SANDERS, IRON RIVERNFHNFHNFHNFHNFH

Ohio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance Talks Everything fromalks Everything fromalks Everything fromalks Everything fromalks Everything fromWWWWWatershed Groups to Ingram Barge Companyatershed Groups to Ingram Barge Companyatershed Groups to Ingram Barge Companyatershed Groups to Ingram Barge Companyatershed Groups to Ingram Barge CompanyBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCOBY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

Improved Fish Cam begins 2012 SeasonImproved Fish Cam begins 2012 SeasonImproved Fish Cam begins 2012 SeasonImproved Fish Cam begins 2012 SeasonImproved Fish Cam begins 2012 SeasonBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWBY STEWARARARARART COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAT COGSWELL, GREEN BAY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCOY FWCO

Midwest 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 7-19...................................................................

2012 Vol. 10 No. 6

ASSISTANT REGIONAL DIRECTORTodd Turner

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

-USFWSA youngster enjoys fishing at GenoaNational Fish Hatchery’s fishing derby.

mailto:[email protected]

















4 Fish Lines / May 2012 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Lake Ontario BloaterLake Ontario BloaterLake Ontario BloaterLake Ontario BloaterLake Ontario BloaterReintroduction EffortsReintroduction EffortsReintroduction EffortsReintroduction EffortsReintroduction Efforts

BY DALE HANSON, GREEN BAY FWCO

The US Fish & Wildlife Service Region 3fisheries program now serves a key role inLake Ontario’s deep-water cisco restoration

efforts! For the last three years the Green BayFWCO, Jordan River NFH, and La Crosse FHC have

been instrumental in providing fertilized eggs fromwild-caught bloater, a native species of deep-watercisco, to be used in ongoing restoration efforts led bythe New York State Department of EnvironmentalConservation (NY DEC), Ontario Ministry of NaturalResources (OMNR), and Great Lakes Fishery Com-mission. The restoration strategy depends on theService’s “egg-take” surveys during the winterspawning season as a source of fertilized eggs. Theseeggs are then reared in a hatchery for several monthsand most will be stocked into Lake Ontario as juve-niles while up to a few thousand may be reared tomaturity to develop a genetically diverse hatcherybroodstock. Bloaters, and more generally ciscoes,have an important ecological role and their restora-tion is quickly gaining traction throughout the GreatLakes.

Great Lakes prey fish populations were historicallycomprised of a diverse community of native ciscoes.Since the 1950’s non-native alewives have become thedominant preyfish, or planktivore, in Lakes Michigan,Huron, and Ontario, and in fact deep-water ciscowere extirpated from Lake Ontario. More recently,

invasive quagga mussels have spread throughout theGreat Lakes and, as efficient filter feeders, they havedrastically reduced food availability in pelagic or openwaters. Great Lakes alewife populations have plum-meted in response to lower pelagic productivity and

lake managers are now very concerned withhigh volatility in predator-prey relation-

ships. Reestablishing a diverse preyfish community, one that may

be more adaptable tooligotrophic conditions,is quickly becoming atop priority in the GreatLakes to reduce thepotential threat ofcollapse among toptrout and salmon preda-tors.

Lake Ontario has re-cently developed aStrategic Plan for theReestablishment ofNative Deep-waterCiscoes. The strategic

plan calls for annual stocking of 500,000 deep-watercisco juveniles into Lake Ontario by 2015, in hopesthey will inhabit deep-water areas of the lake (bottomdepths greater than 45 meters). Is this a Mission

-USFWSAs pictured, this Lake Michigan deep-water cisco inhabits depths > 40m. When caught in a gillnet, the fish’s swim bladderexpands as it is lifted to the surface, lending to the common name “bloater” for this species of cisco.

-USFWSThe Jolene, and other similar boats were used in “egg-take” surveys in LakeMichigan for the bloater donor source to be used for reintroduction of bloatersin Lake Ontario.

5Fish Lines / May 2012Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

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

Impossible? A reintroduction program of this magni-tude requires a suitable “donor” source populationand the best fit is Lake Michigan, which supportspopulations of bloaters which are genetically similarto Lake Ontario’s existing shallow-water cisco popula-tion. But how do you collect large numbers of viableeggs from a fish which spawns in 300’ water in themiddle of the winter?

Service staff including Roger Gordon and Paul Haver(Jordan River NFH), Ted Eggebraaten, Ted Treska,and Dale Hanson (Green Bay FWCO) accompaniedcommercial fishers on nine separate occasions (Janu-ary 21st – February 24th, 2012) for these “egg-take”

surveys. Each trip involved the commercial tugboatsbreaking through several inches of ice at the dock andventuring 10 to 15 miles off the northern Door Penin-sula of Lake Michigan where commercial gillnetswere set to catch spawning bloater. Once bloaterswere removed from the nets, eggs were removedfrom the ripe females and placed in a container wherethey were fertilized with milt from males. Fertilized

eggs were then disinfected with an iodine solution tominimize the transfer of viral and bacterial disease,and stored at temperatures near 4 degrees Celsiusuntil they were delivered to the OMNR White LakeFish Culture Station for rearing.

Genetic samples from each parent were collected andtheir subsequent progeny will also be analyzed toassess the origin of future Lake Ontario caughtbloater and to ensure sufficient genetic diversity isretained within the juveniles retained for hatcherybroodstock purposes. Additionally, bloater were sentto the La Crosse Fish Health Center for diseasescreening as these Lake Michigan origin fish can not

be stocked in Lake Ontario waterswithout a clean bill of health, i.e.

not a vector of new diseaseinto Lake Ontario. Fi-

nally, fertilizedbloater eggs werealso sent to the U.S.Geological SurveyTunison Lab forrearing experimentsaimed at increasingbloater survivalwithin hatcheryenvironments; lowjuvenile survival haslimited the successof restorationefforts in previousyears.

The Service’s 2012contribution to LakeOntario bloaterrestoration was ahuge success! Whileit is still too early toknow how manybloater juvenileswill be stocked outin Lake Ontario

later this year, preliminary results look promisingwith the Service providing the restoration effortmore than 300,000 fertilized eggs. The Strategic Planobjective of annually stocking 500,000 juvenile bloaternow appears achievable by 2015. These are excitingtimes as state, provincial and federal agencies allwork together to rehabilitate native cisco populationsfor the health of the Great Lakes.

-USFWSRoger Gordon of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery spawns a ripe female bloater chub. Milt from male fish will be added tothe eggs to complete egg fertilization.


















6 Fish Lines / May 2012 Featured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured ArticlesFeatured Articles

Help with Thunder Bay ReefHelp with Thunder Bay ReefHelp with Thunder Bay ReefHelp with Thunder Bay ReefHelp with Thunder Bay ReefHabitat Restoration ProjectHabitat Restoration ProjectHabitat Restoration ProjectHabitat Restoration ProjectHabitat Restoration Project

BY ADAM KOWALSKI, ALPENA FWCO

Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) is assisting with a reef restorationproject in Thunder Bay, which is in Lake

Huron on the eastern shore of Alpena, Michigan. Overthe years, cement kiln dust has leached into LakeHuron, degrading a near shore reef. This leachingcaused a loss of spawning and rearing habitat for laketrout, lake whitefish and other reef spawning fishes.In 2002, the cement kiln dust pile was capped and a

retaining wall was constructed to prevent furtherleaching. Pre-construction monitoring of egg and frysurvival on existing spawning habitat was completedin 2009.

The goal of this project is to mitigate degradedspawning habitat by using limestone cobble (donated

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

by Lafarge North America) to build several newspawning reefs, creating approximately two acres ofnew spawning habitat to increase reproduction ofreef-spawning fishes in Thunder Bay. Although theproject is focused on lake trout, other reef-associatedfishes (e.g., lake whitefish, walleye, smallmouth bass)should also benefit.

Twenty four new reefs were constructed from lime-stone cobble in the summer of 2011. During the

fall of 2011, Alpena FWCO assisted theMichigan Department of Natural Re-

sources (DNR) with collecting eggs onthe newly constructed and existing

reefs using egg traps provided bythe University of Vermont.

Alpena FWCO also providedassistance by electrofishingon the newly constructedand existing reefs, lookingfor adult lake trout.Electrofishing was onlysuccessful for adult laketrout on the existing reefs.During the spring of 2012,Alpena FWCO assisted indeploying 120 fry traps.Traps will be checked andplankton tows completedweekly by the MichiganDNR and Alpena FWCO.All fry will be collected atboth new and old reeflocations and identified.

The potential outcomes forthis project are to improve

habitat and reproduction of lake trout and movetoward rehabilitation of self-sustaining lake troutpopulations. This project should also enhance spawn-ing habitat for walleye, lake whitefish, smallmouthbass and other native benthic species. Increasedfishing opportunities for all user groups and increasedtourism should also be a benefit of this project.

-USFWS/JosephGerbyshakThe Alpena Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and Michigan Department of Natural Resources prepare egg trapsfor deployment, to collect eggs on newly constructed and existing spawning reefs in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron.


7Fish Lines / May 2012Tonservation 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

Fabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupFabulous Friends GroupBY JANICE EATON, NEOSHO NFH

The Friends of the Neosho National Fish Hatcherymembers never tire or lack for creativity and

generosity. This amazing support group has been

Biologists Attend Annual Fish HealthBiologists Attend Annual Fish HealthBiologists Attend Annual Fish HealthBiologists Attend Annual Fish HealthBiologists Attend Annual Fish HealthMeetingMeetingMeetingMeetingMeeting

BY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

The week of March 12th, Ken Phillips, Eric Leis andSarah Leis of the La Crosse Fish Health Center

(FHC) attended the annual fish health biologist meet-ing in Pine Mountain, Georgia. The meeting wasdesigned for fish health biologists from the nine Fishand Wildlife Service fish health centers to get to-gether and exchange ideas and current research. Themeeting lasted two days and a third day was devotedto team building. On the first day of the meeting, National FishHealth Coordinator Joel Bader attended. There wasdialogue between Joel, fish health project leaders andbiologists about fish health policies, Title 50, theNational Aquatic Animal Health Plan and the Na-tional Aquatic Animal Health Pathogen TestingNetwork. The following day, the discussions focusedon the wild fish health survey database, ring-testingand viral sensitivity between different fish healthcenters, current scientific research at several fishhealth centers, and a tour of the Warm Springs Fish

Technology Center. The meeting provided excellentopportunities for veteran and new biologists to gettogether and discuss ideas and concepts.

particularly busyand productiveduring 2012.Along with the“Rainbows forVeterans Fish-ing Derby”, oneof the group’s many projects was hosting the largestNeosho Chamber of Commerce “First Friday Coffee”here at the hatchery in February. Seventy or sochamber members enjoyed the new visitors centerand an array of breakfast treats prepared by volun-teers. Our gift shop/book store is open six days a weekand is operated solely by our Friends group, underthe management of volunteer Betty Wright. Othervolunteers run the shop on a daily rotation. Ourvaried arts and crafts items from local artists and ourwonderful selection of conservation and nature bookshave been a big hit with the public. All proceeds helpto fund our fishing derbies and outreach projectsthrough our support group.

For further info about the Neosho NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

-USFWSFriends of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery President Russell Hivelydiscusses Friends projects at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.

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

-USFWS/SarahLeisF ish health biologists marvel at the 6.3 million gallon exhibit at the GeorgiaAquarium.




















8 Fish Lines / May 2012 Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

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

Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!Fish Nets in the River!BY ANGELA BARAN, GENOA NFH

The 2012 walleye spawning season sprang upon thestaff at Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) a

full two weeks early this year! Dan Kumlin and JeffLockington set 50 hoop nets on March 21st and hatch-ery staff started collecting fish on March 22nd. Thewarm weather and lack of snow melt tricked thewalleye into spawning sooner than usual, but is creat-ing a staggered spawning season.

Without the spring snow melt flows, the river hasvery low current and the fish are not forced towards

shore for spawn-ing. The localfishermen out onthe river arereporting catch-ing fish all overthe channel andespecially in thedeeper parts ofthe river, makingit a challenge for us to capture the fish! For themonth of March, 181 fish have been spawned and over11 million eggs collected, starting the season off well.We are hoping this trend will continue, allowing us tofill our requests for over 15 million eyed eggs. Theseeggs will be sent to various state and tribal partners,with a portion remaining to be stocked in our ponds tofulfill our fish requests and to become mussel hosts.

In addition to the walleye spawning, Genoa NFHassists the La Crosse Fish Health Center with collec-tion of various species of fish for the Wild Fish HealthSurvey. This survey is conducted every year to moni-tor wild populations of fish for new and emerging fishhealth concerns.

Great Lakes Mass Marking:Great Lakes Mass Marking:Great Lakes Mass Marking:Great Lakes Mass Marking:Great Lakes Mass Marking:2012 Season Begins2012 Season Begins2012 Season Begins2012 Season Begins2012 Season Begins

BY JAMES WEBSTER, GREEN BAY FWCO

The Great Lakes mass marking team began the2012 tagging and marking season at two state fish

hatcheries in Illinois and Indiana that rear Chinooksalmon for release into Lake Michigan.

The mass marking team utilizes the AutoFish™tagging and marking system to tag and fin clip allhatchery reared Chinook salmon released into LakesMichigan and Huron. The AutoFish™ system is a self-contained mobile fish marking and tagging system thathas the ability to apply coded-wire tags and adiposefin clips to trout and salmon at high speeds withminimal handling stresses. The tagging trailer fleet ofthe Great Lakes Mass Marking Program, headquar-tered at the Green Bay Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Office (FWCO), consists of four AutoFish™trailers and one manual trailer.

The tagging season began on March 6th at theIllinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR)Jake Wolf hatchery near Pekin. By March 10th,270,541 Chinook salmon were tagged and clipped at

-USFWSStaff from the Genoa National Fish Hatchery pull to shore to spawn and quicklyrelease Mississippi River walleyes.

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

-GreatLakesMass-MarkingTeamAn AutoFish fish marking/tagging trailer is set up at Illinois Department ofNatural Resource’s Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery.

an average throughput of 7,789 fish/hour. Uponcompletion of the Jake Wolf project, the trailer wasdisinfected and then moved to the Indiana DNRMixsawbah hatchery. At Mixsawbah 227,314 fishwere tagged and clipped at an average throughput of8,452 fish/hour during March 12th -14th.


Aquatic Species Conservation and Management

At the end of the spring tagging season, aboutfour million hatchery reared Chinook salmon fromeight hatcheries in four states will be tagged andclipped. An additional 375,000 Chinook destined forLake Superior will receive an adipose fin clip only.

This will be the second year that all Chinook salmonstocked into Lakes Michigan and Huron are tagged inthis manner. This tagging effort, when coupled with anexpanded tag recovery effort, will benefit the man-agement of this valuable fishery in the years to come.

Annual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsAnnual Spring Health InspectionsBY SARAH LEIS, LA CROSSE FHC

Every spring, staff from the La Crosse FishHealth Center (FHC) travel to the six National

Fish Hatcheries (NFH) in Region 3. This past Febru-ary and March, La Crosse FHC staff members trav-eled to Iron River NFH, Jordan River NFH, GenoaNFH, Pendills Creek NFH and Sullivan Creek NFHfor their annual spring inspections. The inspectionsoccur twice a year, once in the spring and once againin the fall. These inspections are an important compo-nent of hatchery production and management pro-grams that ensure the fish are free of disease patho-gens prior to transportation and stocking into thewild.


At each hatchery, all species and year classes offish were examined for certifiable pathogens. Thesepathogens are: Yersinia ruckeri, Edwardsii ictaluri,Renibacterium salmoninarum, Aeromonassalmonicida, Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus(IPNV), Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus(IHNV), Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus(VHSV), Spring Viremia of Carp Virus (SVCV),Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) and Myxoboluscerebralis. These bacterial, viral and parasitic patho-gens are a concern to fish health biologists and hatch-ery managers due to their economic and environmen-tal impacts, as well as their ability to cause highmortality events in hatchery settings.

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

Love is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the WLove is in the Water at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHater at Genoa NFHBY JENNIFER BAILEY, GENOA NFH

Genoa National Fish Hatchery’s (NFH) staff andvolunteers prepared for spring by harvesting

captive brood fish from overwintering ponds andstocking them into spring brooding ponds to spawn.Six species (largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellowperch, black crappie, bluegill and channel catfish)were paired up and stocked into brooding ponds tomeet station production goals.

Largemouth and smallmouth bass along withchannel catfish are an integral part of the station’sefforts to produce freshwater mussels for recoveryand restoration programs in the upper Mississippiwatershed. They act as hosts for larval freshwatermussels during the larval stage of the mussel lifecycle. Bass and catfish as well as crappie, bluegill andperch also help in providing sport and recreationalfishing opportuities for American families at U.S.Army installations, National Wildlife Refuges, and inother state and other federal waters. These species

are also important in providing fishing opportunitiesat Tomah Veteran’s Hospital, Camp Decorah BoyScout Pond, and in Native American waters. Severalspecies are also provided to universities, the U. S.Geological Survey, and other research entities eachyear.

Managing nine separate brood stocks to producequality fingerlings for many different programs is noeasy undertaking. Fish must receive the best food,care and handling throughout their life cycle to ensurethe best quality eggs, fry and fingerlings. Wild fish arecaptured from disease-free waters every five yearsto supplement existing brood stocks and introducenew genetics to stocks. After many years of hardwork as a brood fish, fish must be retired from thestock. This year, largemouth and smallmouth basswere retired to the Tomah Veteran’s Hospital Pond toprovide great fishing experiences for veterans andtheir families.
























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

Carterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpCarterville FWCO Films Asian CarpIdentification VIdentification VIdentification VIdentification VIdentification Videoideoideoideoideo

BY JENNIFER L. JOHNSON, CARTERVILLE FWCO

It’s no big secret that Asian carps (i.e. silver, bighead, black, and grass) are an issue throughout

much of the Mississippi River watershed, and theCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office(FWCO) has been working to stop these invasivespecies. But did you know that some people are stilltransporting these fishes across state and countrylines? Under the Lacey Act it is illegal to import,export, or transport live species which are deemed tobe injurious. Asian carps (except grass carp), likemany other invasive species, fall into this injuriouscategory.

In March, the Carterville FWCO assisted theExternal Affairs office in shooting an Asian carpidentification video in hopes of preventing futureillegal transportation. The idea is that law enforce-ment officers and wildlife inspectors will use thisvideo as a training tool to learn how to distinguish thedifferent types of Asian carps from other fish.

CartervilleFWCO crewmembers col-lected the vari-ous Asian carpspecies, viaelectrofishing,around theconfluence of theKaskaskia andMississippi Rivers. Then Katie Steiger-Meister withExternal Affairs filmed and photographed eachspecies while Carterville assistant project leader SamFinney and biologist Jeff Stewart pointed out eachcarp’s identifying characteristics. They also explainedsome ways to identify a live fish from a dead fish andhow these fish can survive so long on ice. If individu-als can properly identify Asian carps and whether ornot the fish are alive, the spread of these invasivespecies could be minimized.

-USFWSCarterville Fish and Wildlife Conservatin Office biologist Jeff Stewart points out identifying characteristics of silverand bighead carp, while Katie Steiger-Meister of External Affairs films for an Asian carp identification video.

For further info about the Carterville FWCO: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Fisheries/library/StationFactSheets/carterville.pdf



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

Supporting Scientific Curriculums atSupporting Scientific Curriculums atSupporting Scientific Curriculums atSupporting Scientific Curriculums atSupporting Scientific Curriculums atWWWWWilson Elementary Schoolilson Elementary Schoolilson Elementary Schoolilson Elementary Schoolilson Elementary School

BY JOSEPH GERBYSHAK, ALPENA FWCO

As part of the Connecting People with Nature(CPWN) initiative, staff from the Alpena Fish

and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) has beeneducating students at Wilson Elementary Schoolabout environmental topics that meet their currentscience curriculum. For the past four years, we haveprovided hands-on learning, both in the classroom andduring outdoor field trips, for the same cohort ofstudents that are now in fifth grade. The involvementof the Alpena FWCO at Wilson Elementary Schoolprovides a change of pace for the students and uniqueinsight from conservation professionals. On March 28th, biologist Joseph Gerbyshak wentinto the classroom and taught two classes about thelife history of the peppered moth. Gerbyshak taught ahands-on activity that mimicked the coloration changeof this type of moth during the Industrial Revolution.This interactive activity simulated natural selection.

Students quicklygrasped theconcept of howenvironmentalchange can drivenatural selectionfor a certaincolor phase.Students en-joyed the activ-ity while learn-ing about thefundamentalprinciples behindnatural selec-tion. Educational sessions like this help connectchildren with the natural world by providing support-ive hand-on scientific activities.

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

Rainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for VRainbows for Veterans Day Fishingeterans Day Fishingeterans Day Fishingeterans Day Fishingeterans Day FishingDerby at Neosho NFHDerby at Neosho NFHDerby at Neosho NFHDerby at Neosho NFHDerby at Neosho NFH

BY JANICE EATON, NEOSHO NFH

Approximately 300 veterans and active militarypersonnel caught their trout limits during the

“Rainbows for Veterans Fishing Derby” on March 3rd.There were an estimated 1,000 attendees. The eventwas sponsored by the Sugar Creek Gobblers ofMcDonald County (a chapter of the National WildTurkey Federation), Missouri Department of Conser-vation and our wonderful support group Friends ofthe Neosho National Fish Hatchery. It was a grandday with lots of smiles, grilled hamburgers andhotdogs, music provided by the military jazz band ofFort Leonard Wood, the National Anthem sung byAmerican Idol winner Ashley McCready, and manydignitaries including State Representative BillReiboldt and our own Assistant Director for Fisher-ies and Habitat Conservation, Bryan Arroyo. Manyexhibitors were on hand including the Columbia Fishand Wildlife Conservation Office. Volunteers evencleaned, bagged and iced the fish for veterans to takehome. We appreciate the service of all the men andwomen of our armed forces. Plans are underway tomake next year’s event even bigger and better.For further info about the Neosho NFH: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/neosho/

-USFWSVeterans and active military attend opening ceremonies at Neosho NationalFish Hatchery’s “Rainbows for Veterans Fishing Derby.”




















Public Use

TTTTTrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOrout Unlimited EXPOBY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

On March 24, biologist Nikolas Grueneis of the IronRiver National Fish Hatchery (NFH) attended

the Trout Unlimited Fishing Expo in Ashland, Wiscon-sin. This is the tenth year in a row that the hatcheryhas participated in the annual event. The Wild Rivers

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

Middle School Kids enjoy Earth Day onMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day onMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day onMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day onMiddle School Kids enjoy Earth Day onthe Kaskaskia and Mississippi Riversthe Kaskaskia and Mississippi Riversthe Kaskaskia and Mississippi Riversthe Kaskaskia and Mississippi Riversthe Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers

BY JOHN WEST, CARTERVILLE FWCO

On two beautiful early spring days, the MiddleMississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, U.S.

Army Corp of Engineers, and the Carterville Fishand Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) teamed upto educate over 150 Murphysboro, Illinois, MiddleSchool 7th graders at the Kaskaskia Lock and Damarea for their Earth Day celebration. The studentswere educated on the importance of large river andbottomland ecosystems. This was accomplished withthe use of four stations that the students rotatedbetween throughout the day. The four stations illus-trated the importance and function of the KaskaskiaRiver Lock and Dam, gave the students a boat ride onthe river, a nature trail hike through a bottomlandforest, and a hands on demonstration on fisheriestechniques and the various fish species captured fromthe river that day.

First, students had the opportunity to have abehind-the-scenes tour of the Kaskaskia River Lockand Dam. They were taught river hydrology con-

-USFWSA girl is captivated by the live coaster brook trout in an aquarium at the “TroutUnlimited Expo”, which was held in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Chapter of Trout Unlimited holds this yearly event toraise awareness about local and national fisheries andenvironmental issues. The auction raises funds tosupport projects such as stream habitat restorationand environmental education programs.

This year’s auction was held at the NorthernGreat Lakes Visitor Center. The Iron River NFHalong with other state, federal, non-profit, and privateagencies and groups provide information, entertain-ment, and educational materials to all attendees. Thehatchery set up a booth with information about thefederal hatchery system, national fisheries issues,stocking information, and employment opportunitieswith the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The biggest draw to the booth every year is thelive fish display. An aquarium was set up with liveadult coaster brook trout. The beautiful coloration ofthe lively fish always draws a crowd. The Wild RiversChapter has been a valuable partner to the IronRiver NFH for many years. They have assisted uswith fly tying demonstrations and fly casting lessonsduring our annual open house event as well as pro-vided volunteers during our lake trout and brooktrout spawning season.

-USFWSMiddle School students observe the Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries crew’selectrofishing demonstration on the Kaskaskia River.

13Fish Lines / May 2012

Public Use

invasive species such as silver carp, bighead carp andgrass carp. The fisheries instructors stressed theimpact of invasive species on an ecosystem. The kidswere given the opportunity to touch the fish and askquestions. Nets and electrofishing gear were demon-strated and safety issues were emphasized. Thechildren watched from shore as the fisheries crewshocked jumping silver carp which was a huge hit!

Both days were a huge success especially with thewarm March temperatures. Most importantly, the 7th

graders really enjoyed themselves and learned a lotabout the natural world around them. They were allvery well behaved and asked really good questions.The level of river experience among the kids rangedfrom perhaps future biologists to kids who had neverbeen on a boat. A quote from one 7th grade student,while riding on a boat for the first time in his life,sums up both days: “Man! I feel like a million bucks!”


Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs

cepts, the functions of the dam lock controls, and alsoexplained the navigation and flood control purposes ofthe Dam. Next, the river ride was taken on boats tothe confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippirivers. Carterville FWCO biologist Sam Finney andother instructors explained the importance of riversand their function while giving the kids an opportunityto be out on the river on what turned out to be twobeautiful days. After that, a hike through the bottom-land forest of the Kaskaskia provided fun for thechildren as well. Here, they had the opportunity toidentify trees and observe the unique wildlife thatlives in river bottom ecosystems.

Finally, the fisheries group was taught about riverfish ecosystems, invasive species, and techniques thatbiologists use in the field. Carterville biologists andtechnicians Jeff Stewart, John West and JennyJohnson showed a variety of fish to the kids such asgar, catfish, suckers, shad, sunfish, drum as well as

Green Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UWGreen Bay FWCO Assists UW-Green-Green-Green-Green-GreenBay Aquatic Ecology ClassBay Aquatic Ecology ClassBay Aquatic Ecology ClassBay Aquatic Ecology ClassBay Aquatic Ecology Class

BY STEWART COGSWELL, GREEN BAY FWCO

The Green Bay Fish and Wildlife ConservationOffice (FWCO) assisted an aquatic ecology class

from UW-Green Bay with a field trip and mentoringprogram. The field trip was designed to provide anoverview of electrofishing equipment and how it isused as a management tool. Time was spent discuss-ing the various electrofishing gear types and safetyprecautions at the Green Bay FWCO. The class thentraveled to a local lake to assist with an

electroshocking demonstration with an 18 foot longboom shocker boat.

The mentoring program involved having a studentassist with a restoration/monitoring project andproviding hands-on involvement. Habitat biologistsprovided an opportunity to learn about fish passage atthe Meqon-Thiensville Dam on the Milwaukee Riverand to assist with a Fish Cam monitoring system. Thestudents then had to write a paper and present theirfindings at a symposium on the UW-Green Bay cam-pus.






















Conserving this Nation’s fish and otheraquatic resources cannot be successfulwithout the partnership of Tribes; theymanage or influence some of the mostimportant aquatic habitats both on andoff reservations. In addition, theFederal government and the Servicehave distinct and unique obligationstoward Tribes based on trustresponsibility, treaty provisions, andstatutory mandates. The FisheriesProgram plays an important role inproviding help and support to Tribes asthey exercise their sovereignty in themanagement of their fish and wildliferesources on more than 55 million acresof Federal Indian trust land and intreaty reserved areas.

Cooperation with Native Americans

Iron River NFH LendsIron River NFH LendsIron River NFH LendsIron River NFH LendsIron River NFH Lendsa Helping Handa Helping Handa Helping Handa Helping Handa Helping Hand

BY CAREY EDWARDS, IRON RIVER NFH

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates afish hatchery in Cherokee, North Carolina. Two

years ago, the facility experienced a major floodingevent and lost several thousand fish due to a cloggedwater intake, effectively shutting the water off to

their hatchery.Program Man-ager RobertBlankenshipcontacted IronRiver NationalFish Hatchery(NFH) with thehopes of obtain-ing any surpluscoaster brooktrout eggs tosupplement his losses. Iron River NFH was able tosupply the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with35,490 coaster brook trout eggs.

Since then, the Tribe has requested all of thebrook trout eggs that would normally be surplus. Thisyear’s excess coaster brook trout egg production wasover 398,000 eggs. Generally, these eggs would bedestroyed after all existing requests are met, butwith the request coming from the Cherokee Tribe, allof the hatchery’s brook trout eggs will be utilized.

Once the eggs were sufficiently developed (eyed-up), they could be disinfected and packaged for ship-ping. Eggs were counted by volumetric displacement,disinfected in an iodine bath and wrapped in moistcloth. Special coolers were used to ship eggs over-night from Iron River, Wisconsin, to Cherokee, NorthCarolina. The eggs arrived in great condition and theTribe was very appreciative of the support that theIron River NFH provided.

The Iron River NFH maintains approximately6,000 adult lake trout and coaster brook trout. Thesefish are spawned each fall and eggs are collected forrestoration programs in the Upper Great Lakes.Eggs are shipped annually to other entities, includingfederal, state and tribal agencies, throughout theMidwest Region.


-USFWSBiologist Nick Grueneis of the Iron River National Fish Hatchery packagesbrook trout eggs for shipment to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whooperate a fish hatchery in Cherokee, North Carolina.



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

Zebra Mussel Control ResearchZebra Mussel Control ResearchZebra Mussel Control ResearchZebra Mussel Control ResearchZebra Mussel Control ResearchMarches OnMarches OnMarches OnMarches OnMarches On

BY NATHAN ECKERT, GENOA NFH

For over a year now, Genoa National Fish Hatch-ery (NFH) has been providing fish and freshwa-

ter mussels for a research project at the U.S. Geo-logical Survey lab in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A bacte-ria, Pseudomonas flourescens, has been found to be aneffective agent to kill invasive zebra mussels. Currentresearch aims to determine if the application of thisbacteria has a negative effect on native fish and

mussels. Severalspecies of fishand mussels willbe exposed tothe bacteria at levels at and above normal treatmentrates. If it can be shown that the compound does nothave a negative effect on the natural environment, wemay gain another tool in the fight against zebramussels.

Our largest obligation for the project is to provideseveral species of freshwater mussels at various

life stages. We agreed to provide glochidia(mussel larvae), newly metamorphosed

juveniles and sub-adult (about one inch)mussels of seven different species.

Target species for the project includethe fatmucket, plain pocketbook,

black sandshell, hickorynut,Higgins’ eye, mucket and wash-board. To date, we’ve been able toprovide glochidia from eachtarget species and our shipmentof fatmucket juveniles thismonth means we’ve only got twospecies left before we’ve pro-vided all seven of those as well. Last summer we placedmussel cages out hoping toproduce enough sub-adult mus-sels to cover project needs. Ourinitial cage counts tell us thattwo of the species (fatmucketand hickorynut) are in the bag,with cages placed for two oth-ers. Plans for this spring includestocking mussel cages with theremaining species on our list.With over another year remain-ing on the project, we are ingood shape to meet all of theproject requirements.


-USFWSResearch on these juvenile mussels aims to determine if the application of a bacteria called “Pseudomonasflourescens” has a negative effect on native mussels. This bacteria is an effective agent to kill invasive zebramussels.



















Confusion (Among Sturgeon)Confusion (Among Sturgeon)Confusion (Among Sturgeon)Confusion (Among Sturgeon)Confusion (Among Sturgeon)Continues in the Big MuddyContinues in the Big MuddyContinues in the Big MuddyContinues in the Big MuddyContinues in the Big MuddyBY ANNA CLARK, HEATHER CALKINS AND HILARY MEYER;

COLUMBIA FWCO

In March, the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Office (FWCO) continued to assist on a multi-

office project occurring on the Missouri River. Re-searchers from the U.S. Geological Survey ColumbiaEnvironmental Research Center (CERC), biologistsfrom the Columbia and Nebraska Ecological ServicesField Offices and field crews from Columbia FWCOare working together to investigate occurrences ofintersex (male and female reproductive tissues) inshovelnose sturgeon from the Missouri River.

Dr. Diana Papoulias of the CERC has been work-ing to find the cause of intersex in sturgeon for over10 years. This current two-year study focuses onwhat effect hormonally active agents (HAAs - endo-crine disruptors that interfere with important hor-monal processes) and thermal influences may have onthe incidence of reproductive abnormalities within thenative shovelnose sturgeon populations in the Mis-souri River.

Shovelnose sturgeon are often used as surrogatesfor the endangered pallid sturgeon because of over-lapping ranges, similar morphologic features andsimilar life histories. Fish collection sites were se-lected in proximity to facilities and outfalls that maycontribute HAAs or have thermal effects on thesystem (waste water treatment plant effluent, waste-water treatment wetland, combined sewer systemoutfalls and facilities that discharge “cooling wa-ters”). Some HAAs can accumulate in river and lakesediments, where bottom feeding fish (i.e. shovelnoseand pallid sturgeon) may consume them directly orindirectly.

Columbia FWCO field crews collected shovelnosesturgeon and biological technicians Heather Calkins,Anna Clark, Hilary Meyer, Jordan Fox, Lloyd Duganand Jennifer Gorman performed necropsies. Bothmale and female shovelnose sturgeon from threedifferent sites across Missouri were processed.Performing each necropsy required detailed precisionand a steady hand. Blood was drawn from each fishand processed, then placed on ice to be examinedlater. Researchers at the CERC lab will examine theplasma (the clear fluid portion of the blood) from bloodsamples for traces of hormones. Each sturgeon wasthen externally and internally examined for abnor-malities and sex determination. Tissue samples weretaken from the reproductive organs and liver for latercellular and molecular examination. When an intersexfish was found, the brain tissue was snap frozen.During each step, photographs were taken to recordabnormalities and confirm visual examination. Todate, two intersex shovelnose sturgeon have beenfound during visual dissections.

We appreciate and enjoy the opportunity tocollaborate within and among agencies for the good ofnatural resources.

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

-USFWS/HeatherCalkinsJennifer Gorman (Fish and Wildlife Service), Mandy Annis (Columbia Environ-mental Research Center) and Hilary Meyer (Fish and Wildlife Service) examinethe intersex gonads of a shovelnose sturgeon.

Leadership in Science and Technology




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

Improved Fish Cam beginsImproved Fish Cam beginsImproved Fish Cam beginsImproved Fish Cam beginsImproved Fish Cam begins2012 Season2012 Season2012 Season2012 Season2012 Season

BY STEWART COGSWELL, GREEN BAY FWCO

The early spring caused the Fish Cam crew toscramble to get the system in place in order to

capture earlyfish migrations.The Fish Camwent in on March 7th, at the Mequon-ThiensvilleFishway and will be in place until ice up this winter.The system was modified over the winter and nowhas many upgrades including: a permanent sealedcamera box, gate modification, camera box filling/venting system, light attachment tabs, fish chutemodifications, and camera box handles. These im-provements will allow installation and maintenance tobe performed in a more efficient manner. Preliminarydata from last fall’s trial run showed over 100 salmonpassing through the Fish Cam from September 27th

2011 through October 2nd 2011. Informal counts fromthis spring show several hundred steelhead, and wellas many other fish species and several mammalspassing through the Fish Cam. A dedicated Fish Camwebsite with a live 24/7 picture will be completed inthe next several weeks. Stay tuned!

-Luke RofflerA walleye passes through the Mequon-Thiensville Fishway on the MilwaukeeRiver during the early morning hours on March 8th, 2012.


Ohio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TOhio River Basin Alliance TalksalksalksalksalksEverything from WEverything from WEverything from WEverything from WEverything from Watershed Groupsatershed Groupsatershed Groupsatershed Groupsatershed Groupsto Ingram Barge Companyto Ingram Barge Companyto Ingram Barge Companyto Ingram Barge Companyto Ingram Barge Company

BY ROB SIMMONDS, CARTERVILLE FWCO

The Ohio River Basin Alliance strives to bringtogether a diverse mix of interests and expertise

to foster cooperation and collaboration on water-related issues in the basin. Judging by the attendeesat the spring 2012 meeting, they are doing a prettygood job of doing just that. We heard brief thoughtsfrom representatives of ten different watershedgroups. They each brought unique perspectives andinsights into the challenges they face and how theyhave been successful. We heard from industry repre-sentatives, like Ingram Barge Company, on their

efforts toward environmental sustainability. We heardfrom local governments like the City of Nashvillewhich is still recovering from the major flood in 2010.The flood tested the City of Nashville in many ways,but it also served to bring the community togetherand has resulted in Nashville becoming a leader inemergency response. And as always, the meeting wasan opportunity for working groups to continue for-warding goals of the partnership and for the partnersto reconnect.




















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

Coldwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedColdwater Fish Culture RevisedBY DALE BAST AND SHAWN SANDERS, IRON RIVER NFH

The Coldwater Fish Culture Course has beenaround for over 40 years. Once upon a time, this

now two week course was six months in duration. Tostart each day, classmates would spend half a day inintense course work and the remainder in hands-on

fish culture training…an old school method of honingand polishing fish culturists. Upon successful comple-tion of the course, students were promoted andreassigned to a new facility. This course has trainedfish biologists both the art and science of fish culture.Since its inception, advancements have been made inaquaculture, new technologies have been developedand the course has been modified along the way.

ColdwaterFish Culture is acore course thatNational Conser-vation TrainingCenter (NCTC)wanted to reviseagain and con-tinue into thefuture. After several years of work, all the notes,presentation materials, and instructor training werecomplete and ready to be delivered from March 19th

to 30th 2012. In this new digital age of networking andtechnology, the course has incorporated new methodsof information delivery as well as holding on to thetried and true methods of hands on training….a new/old school blending.

The two week class had five state and two federalinstructors teaching 27 students from Maine to Mis-souri; Arizona to Washington. There were state,tribal, private and federal employees studying, con-ducting hands-on exercises, and touring local hatcheryfacilities in order to learn the latest science andtechnologies in fish culture. In the group were ShawnSanders (student) and Dale Bast (instructor) from theIron River National Fish Hatchery (NFH).

With the careful guidance of Matthew Pattersonof NCTC, the class moved smoothly and successfullythrough the course. Daily feedback and class adjust-ments were made that helped keep the class produc-tive and complete.


-USFWS 2012 Coldwater Fish Culture Class

Hatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeHatchery LifeBY RANDY OBERMILLER, PENDILLS CREEK NFH

Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery’s (NFH)technician Randy Obermiller recently completed

painting the interior of government quarters #24.Pendills Creek NFH has three residential houses onsite which staff members occupy. The houses areoccupied by Project Leader Curt Friez, technicianTech Randy Obermiller, and the station’s new biolo-gist will occupy the third.

During the winter months when fish cultureactivities are relatively slow, it is an excellent time totake on projects which require a longer time periodcommitment. With the recent vacancy in quarters #24,it was an excellent opportunity to give the interior a

fresh coat of paint along with some additional cos-metic improvements.

Living on station comes with an added responsibil-ity for staff members. Staff members must respond toany additional incidents that may occur after hours atthe hatchery. Incidents typically can occur duringwind and storm events, electrical bumps, and poweroutages. A Sensaphone, a remote monitoring systeminstalled at the main hatchery building, automaticallycalls staff members at their homes and alerts them toany unexpected events that may affect the culturedfish. Staff members can then respond quickly toaddress the situation and resolve issues according toprotocol.



19Fish Lines / May 2012

The fall season, when foliage is at its peak,presents a special challenge to the facility. Thecombination of wind and heavy leaf accumulation canadversely affect and impede the hatchery’s waterflow. The water intake at Videans Creek, which isthe hatchery’s main water source, can becomeclogged with leaves, twigs and branches. This con-stricting of the water flow can severely impact thehealth of the fish in the hatchery’s raceways. Staffmembers living on station monitor and clean off theintake screens of any debris which may have accu-mulated each night during this period.

During the winter and early spring, the facilityrears lake trout fry in as many as four tanks housedinside the main hatchery building, prior to beingmoved to the outside raceways. This year, the frybeing raised numbers over 200,000. The fry arecurrently being cultured on well water. An after-hours power outage or bump in electricity, shuttingdown or interrupting the well could threaten andresult in a catastrophic event for the fish. Fortu-nately, if such an after-hours event did occur, staffmembers would be alerted by the alarm system andrespond immediately with a backup plan in place toinsure the safety of the fish.

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

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

WWWWWorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our Futureorking for Our FutureBY COLBY WRASSE, COLUMBIA FWCO

In keeping with our efforts to promote workforcedevelopment, we have built a strong relationship

with the C.A.R.E (Career Awareness Related Expe-rience) program. This valuable program is adminis-tered through the City of Columbia, Missouri, andprovides Columbia youth ages 14-18 the opportunityto develop job skills and learn about a career ofinterest. The Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conserva-tion Office (FWCO) has hosted many C.A.R.E. stu-dents in past years and the relationship is mutuallybeneficial, as the students earn a paycheck whilelearning work and life skills; and we receive someextra help.

Brandon Schmidt worked for us through the careprogram from January through March of this year.Brandon’s work ethic and mechanical aptitude madehim a valuable asset in the shop, and he seemed toreally enjoy fieldwork. Brandon is 17 years old andattended Hickman High school. After high school, heplans to go to college to become a conservation agentfor the State of Missouri. Some of his hobbies includehunting, fishing, watching bull riding and playing

-USFWSBrandon Schmidt hoists a healthy blue catfish, caught on his first day of fieldwork for the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.

basketball. We wish Brandon the best of luck as hepursues his career. The maturity and work ethic hedisplayed while working with us should serve him wellin his future endeavors.

Workforce Management

Tonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation BriefsTonservation Briefs


















20 Fish Lines / May 2012

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
















21Fish Lines / May 2012Tontact 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 Office480 W480 W480 W480 W480 West Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.est Fletcher St.Alpena, 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)

Todd Turner ([email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected][email protected])

















22 Fish Lines / May 2012 Fish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish TailsFish Tails

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 Accountability Spring Distribution BeginsSpring Distribution BeginsSpring Distribution BeginsSpring Distribution BeginsSpring Distribution Beginso Nick Starzl, Iron River NFHNick Starzl, Iron River NFHNick Starzl, Iron River NFHNick Starzl, Iron River NFHNick Starzl, Iron River NFH

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

Aquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive SpeciesAquatic Invasive Species

Public UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic UsePublic Use

La Crosse Fish Health Center Assists withLa Crosse Fish Health Center Assists withLa Crosse Fish Health Center Assists withLa Crosse Fish Health Center Assists withLa Crosse Fish Health Center Assists withPCR Exercise at WPCR Exercise at WPCR Exercise at WPCR Exercise at WPCR Exercise at Western Testern Testern Testern Testern Technical Collegeechnical Collegeechnical Collegeechnical Collegeechnical Collegeo Eric Leis, La Crosse FHCEric Leis, La Crosse FHCEric Leis, La Crosse FHCEric Leis, La Crosse FHCEric Leis, La Crosse FHC

Heredity in the ClassroomHeredity in the ClassroomHeredity in the ClassroomHeredity in the ClassroomHeredity in the Classroomo Heather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCO

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

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

Habitat Restoration Planned forHabitat Restoration Planned forHabitat Restoration Planned forHabitat Restoration Planned forHabitat Restoration Planned forCheboygan CountyCheboygan CountyCheboygan CountyCheboygan CountyCheboygan County, Michigan, Michigan, Michigan, Michigan, Michigano Heather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCOHeather Rawlings, Alpena FWCO

WWWWWorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Managementorkforce Management

-Wildlife ForeverJudges for the State Fish Art Contest included (Lt. to Rt.): Rick Dow – North American Media Group; ToddTurner – Fish and Wildlife Service; Dave Schad – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; TrishaBlake – FLW Outdoors, and; Ted C. Hansen – Artist/Educator.

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=31714&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Distribution

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=27074&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=PCR

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=27074&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=PCR

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=31781&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Heredity

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=31780&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Cheboygan

http://www.fws.gov/fieldnotes/regmap.cfm?framesFlag=0&arskey=31780&callingKey=executive_summary&callingValue=Cheboygan

















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