Fisheries Division Monthly Activity Report October-November 2012

Transcription

1 Fisheries Division Monthly Activity Report October-November 2012 FISHERIES RESEARCH Effectiveness of Stocking 7-inch Channel Catfish to Reservoir Fisheries: Otoliths samples used to identify contribution of stocked channel catfish were processed, and tissues to identify stable isotopes are still being processed. Habitat mapping using side-scan sonar continued. (OSU Coop) Habitat Use and Movement by Fishes using Shallow-water Habitats in Three Scenic Rivers in Oklahoma Information for Developing Instream Flow Guidelines: Preliminary data analyses of fish abundances using ordination techniques revealed important habitat variables and some general trends in habitat use by species. More specific hierarchical-multivariate models are being investigated to determine influential variables at the species and community level. Some added benefits of multivariate models are predictions under hypothetical scenarios and inclusion of rare species, all of which are not possible with ordinations. Species length-frequency histograms have been created to separate juvenile and adult fish to reduce variation in these analyses due to ontogeny. Data collections for movement and survival analyses were completed, and PIT-tag receivers were removed from Flint Creek. Tag-retention trials on darters (Etheostomaspp.) were completed. Wetted-area data were collected at higher discharges at sites on lower Flint Creek and both sites on the Illinois River. Temperature-data loggers have been collected from the field; we are currently summarizing temperature data. (OSU Coop) Genetic Analysis of Demographic Dynamics of Paddlefish in Grand Lake O the Cherokees: The microsatellite library is under development. (OSU Coop) Arkansas River Striped Bass Evaluation:A presentation on the Arkansas River striped bass fishery is being prepared for the SDAFS Spring meeting in February Data analysis is ongoing. Multiple methods of estimating the striped bass population are being explored and tested statistically. (G. Summers) Grow-out catfish stocking:analysis of size structure and catch rates of channel catfish collected is ongoing. (G. Summers) Walleye stocking evaluation:ofrl staff collected walleye from Fort Supply and Foss Lakes using night electrofishing. Twenty-seven walleyes were collected from Fort Supply, and over 100 fish were collected from Foss. Walleye otoliths have been aged and are being prepared for OTC mark analysis. Additional sampling at Fort Supply has been scheduled. Hefner and Spavinaw Lakes will also be sampled in the coming weeks. (G. Summers) Tailwater Blue Catfish Food Habits:Blue catfish otolith mounting and preparation for aging is ongoing. Stomach samples have been frozen for analysis this winter. Repairs were made to the IsoMet saw so sectioning for age analysis could continue. (G. Summers) Walleye Length Limit Evaluation:Gill nets were not set due to low water conditions although 27 walleye were collected by boat electrofishing of which 14 were female and 13 were male. Attempts to collect additional walleye by electrofishing will be made. (G. Summers) Walleye Sex Ratio Evaluation:OFRL staff coordinated with regional Fisheries crews to determine which walleye lakes are being netted in fall OFRL staff will supplement walleye from gillnet samples with electrofishing samples to provide large enough sample sizes to perform FAST analysis. Chickasha Lake (SW Region) will be the first lake sampled. An additional literature review has been completed to determine how other states regulations have affected walleye populations. (G. Summers)

2 Other Research Laboratory Activities: GIS assistance was given to NCR by web meeting. An EXCEL SSP data summary template is ongoing. Server maintenance was performed. A statistics class was attended. Staff hosted Catfish Committee meeting. OFRL technician presented results from the Technician Meeting as part of meeting his requirements for the ODWC Leadership Program. The presentation focused on developing open and meaningful communication, leadership at any level, safety in field work, and empowering employees through mentorship from more experienced staff. Staff continued to plan the SDAFS Reservoir Committee Meeting by inviting guest speakers from the Missouri Department of Conservation to present results of a large-scale habitat evaluation project on Table Rock Reservoir. Regional fall sampling data is being entered and edited as it arrives at OFRL. OFRL staff continued to provide guidance to and answer questions from field staff about methods used in fall SSP sampling. Fall SSP data is being entered and edited as it arrives at OFRL. Staff continued to participate in the Gulf Coast Prairie LCC Science Team through correspondence and webinars while focal species identification is ongoing. Staff recorded presentations at the OKAFS meeting in Stillwater prior to production as podcasts. One hundred and forty six presentation recordings from the 2012 AFS Meeting in St. Paul were produced into podcast for the Parent Society. Work continues on a webpage modification for downloading GSP points of reservoir fish attractors that include maps of each lake and locations and type for each fish attractor. SAS Web Portal for retrieve historic SSP sampling analyses continues to be updated. Updates to the Digital Atlas of Oklahoma Fishes continued with OSU museum data slowly being added to the database. Staff assisted NWR at Foss with fall SSP gill netting and shad netting. Assistance continued to the OSU Coop Unit in preparing new Federal Aid documents for a stream survey evaluation project. Technical assistance was provided to six private pond owners. OFRL staff continued to assemble fish habitat/structure documents for the habitat manual update. SDAFS archive material continues to be reviewed prior to digitizing. Boats and equipment were maintained and HACCP procedures were performed after sampling. (G. Summers) FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OKC Region Management Activities: Downstream sites along Lightning Creek via Santa Fe pond in OKC were inspected for possible fish loss. Three hundred spider blocks were transported to the H.B. Parsons Fish Hatchery for storage. Assistance was provided with delivery of channel catfish at Lexington WMA. Fish stocking reports were received and then filed. Annual inspections of boating and fishing access projects throughout region were made with repair needs recorded and sport fish restoration signs were replaced at several sites. Boat courtesy dock plans for Liberty Lake and Paul s Valley Lake were reviewed and compliance documents were prepared. Assistance was provided with a trout derby/clinic for special needs kids at Tinker AFB in OKC. Water levels at the OFRL plant growing cells were maintained. Technical assistance was provided to six stakeholders regarding rough fish removal, rotenone use and availability, pond water quality, aeration systems for ponds, fish stocking rates and Oklahoma fish farmers.(g. Summers) Northwest Region: Completed fall gill netting and shad netting on Foss. An excellent catch of hybrid striped bass was obtained and threadfin shad from a 2007 stocking were collected. Assisted North Central Region with gill netting Skiatook. An attempt was made to sample Ft. Supply but water levels were too low. Continuing to monitor American Horse Dam repairs. The 3:1 slope is in place within 26 feet of the dam s crest. Regional personnel attended the Fisheries Division meeting and Regional supervisor and biologist attended the AFS meeting. Two trout stockings were observed at Lake Watonga. Repairs are being made to walleye nets. Obtained estimates for rip-rap needs at Lake Elmer. Regional technician qualified for Law Enforcement marksmanship. Technical assistance was given to four pond owners. (J. Stahl) Northeast Region: Provided general assistance to public.ensured routine maintenance of state vehicles was performed.attended Fisheries Division Meeting.Worked on caviar sales.participated in regional staff meeting.maintained fish division equipment for NER.Completed weekly and monthly timesheets, vehicle logs, and P-card paperwork.ordered supplies and equipment for NER fish management.continued data analyses on paddlefish including RPC , netting and band recovery, Grand Lake paddlefish

3 telemetry (adults), and Spring River paddlefish telemetry (juveniles).attended Oklahoma Chapter American Fisheries Society annual meeting.attended meeting with GRDA and FERC over Salina Project Relicensing Initial Study Report.Attended Neosho Bottoms meeting in OKC and Jenks.Prepared application packet for 2013 Paddlefish Research Internship program.prepared supplies and equipment for paddlefish netting season.participated in Catfish Committee meeting at OFRL.Performed creel surveys on Chimney Rock Lake for GRDA.Performed SSP gill netting on Copan, Hudson, Chimney Rock, and Keystone Lakes.Continued juvenile paddlefish telemetry research in Spring River.Performed experimental gill netting and electrofishing on the Spring River.Provided technical assistance to multiple private pond owners on fish stocking, fish management, and aquatic vegetation control.assisted in stocking YOY paddlefish in Grand Lake.Continued ongoing adult paddlefish telemetry research in Grand Lake.Investigated reported potential carp fish kill on Copan Lake.(B. Gordon) North Central Region: Regional personnel s main responsibility during this time period was SSP Sampling. Lakes Sooner and Skiatook were sampled by SSP Gill Netting. Otoliths were collected for selected species. Hybrid abundance at Sooner was at record low levels and Skiatook Hybrids were above average abundances. Maps were made with locations of stations for gill netting and shad netting regional lakes. Nets were distributed to all regions from the division order. Evaluation trips were made to Lake Carl Blackwell to observe Seismic sampling and its impact of the fish communities. No adverse impacts were observed. An invoice was submitted for salary and equipment use from Dawson Industries. Regional personnel attended the annual Fish Division Meeting and the OKAFS Annual meeting and workshop on electrofishing. Two trout stockings were assisted with and the size of trout were satisfactory. Several meetings were attended on the 2013 Fishing Guide. Progress has been made with the new I&E staff. Two detection trips were made on Kaw Lake to locate tagged striped bass and hybrids. The same fish were detected at approximately the same locations. There has been little movement from these fish over the past several months. The SUR in the dam forebay and in the stilling basin were pulled and data files were downloaded to laptop, files were erased on the SUR and redeployed for continued monitoring. Same three fish were still located in the Kaw Stilling Basin below the dam. The Boating Access project from Guthrie was updated and submitted to OKC for processing. Discussions from OG&E s Sooner Lake personnel have begun concerning a new Boat Dock. The Skiatook Fish Nursery Pond construction continued. Final dirt work and grading the pond bottom have begun. Valves were installed at several elevations and funds were sought after to complete project. Staff went to OKC to look through employment applications for the NCR Technician position. Applications were pulled for interviews. Staff meetings to prioritize regional activities were made, boats and equipment were winterized and stored and netting equipment was readied for season. Office duties were completed as needed and many calls were answered in reference to deer hunting season by Fish Staff. (B. Wentroth) Southwest Region: Gill netted sport fish at Ellsworth, where catch rates were average for all species. Gill netted Chickasha and found high channel catfish abundance, but found below-average catch rates for other species. Completed shad netting at Tom Steed where catch rates declined with temperature, compared to September. Entered SSP data.attended electrofishing workshop in Stillwater.Received approval from BOR and prepared new boat ramp site with LM at Fort Cobb. Formed and poured two sections (40 ft) of new boat ramp and repaired old dock at Crow s Roost East. Met with Caddo County Commissioner for assistance agreement on in-kind CRE work. Water levels at Fort Cobb are at 35-year lows and only one ramp is usable. Disassembled old Vanderwork dock. Planning and site visit for Rocky BA project. Coordinated installation of three new docks at Duncan lakes.checked vegetation pens and brush piles in low water habitat at Ft. Cobb.Attended Fish Division meeting and state AFS meeting. Ordered and installed signs at Quartz Mountain explaining trout area closure. Data write up for F11AF Prepared questions and proficiency exam, and conducted secretary interviews for region office. Utility trailer maintenance. Cleaned dirt pile left on entry road. Revised MOU for Medicine Park trout fishery- signed by Director and delivered to MP. Made presentation to Commission on SW trout problems and opportunities. Made changes to trout regulations for fishing guide. Reorganized office and constructed new desk.(l. Cofer) Lake Maintenance: Two loads of rock were transported to Ft. Cobb for boat ramp repair. Both dozers were transported to Grady County WMA to work on ponds. Crew went to Lakes Chambers and Vincent to

4 check area and pick up trash. We picked up our computer in OKC after it was repaired and we all got caught up on our time sheets. The shoreline was burned off at Burtschi and trash was picked up. Oil was changed in all small engines. All vehicles, equipment, buildings and grounds were serviced and maintained as scheduled or as needed. (T. Waters) East Central Region/Northeast Streams:Reviewed 80 plus applications for the Porter office secretary position. Prepared questions both oral and computer skills questions for the upcoming secretary interview. Participated in the interview for the secretary position. Continued to work on program software issues with the COE to better evaluate data collected from the lower Illinois River including temperature both air and water, DO, and releases data. Compiled data for regarding the AREP program for assistant chief.attended AFS and the fisheries division meeting in Stillwater.Attended monthly staff meeting at the Porter office. Biologist and Supervisor prepared abstracts and submitted to SDAFS for consideration. Continued to develop a lake management plan for Greenleaf Lake. Grow-out channel catfish were stocked at Vian, Muldrow, Honor Heights Park and Adar City Lake. Installed side scan hardware on shocking boat to enable future use of sidescan graph.participated in weekly conference calls with the COE and SWPA regarding issues in the lower Illinois River.Met with an OSU post doctorate hydrologist on the Illinois River to discuss stream modeling opportunities and the necessary data to conduct modeling designed to maximize water quality and water quality impacts and reach while conserving water and not disrupting hydropower operations.attended a SEAFWA planning meeting in OKC. Staff assisted streams with numerous activities throughout this reporting period. Modified trout stocking schedule for the ODWC website.conducted a lake profile on Tenkiller Reservoir. Compiled probe temperature and DO data collected from the lower Illinois River. Conducted night time smallmouth bass electrofishing on Tenkiller. Reservoir was down approximately 8 feet and the number of smallmouth sampled was lower than expected likely due to the water level and habitat displacement. Began purchasing materials and reviewing literature regarding construction of trotlines used to sample sturgeon. Provided technical assistance to Connors State College regarding a fishery management plan for the ponds located on school property. Continued with scheduled weekly trout stockings. Prepared for and presented a program to the Tahlequah Fly Fishers regarding the lower Illinois River trout stream and continuing developments. Drafted general details for a press release relating to a donation of $1000 by the Tahlequah fly Fishers and submitted to I&E. Continued to work with the City of Webbers Falls regarding a courtesy dock. Application packet is near completion and ready to submit for further review. Assisted with the AFS awards committee duties.prepared for and presented Oklahoma streams material at AFS. Attended Spring Creek Coalition and smallmouth bass club meetings.drafted and submitted abstract for SDAFS 2013 on investigation of relationship between flow and recruitment of age-0 smb. Reviewed stream related literature on smallmouth bass growth, stream productivity and Ozark cavefish. Worked on Field Guide to Fishes of Oklahoma. Met with landowners and obtained access for stream or I&E projects on Spring, Spavinaw and Barren Fork creeks. Corresponded with the Nature Conservancy and landowner on 14 Mile Creek regarding conservation easements.maintained holding tank for sturgeon and recorded sturgeon footage. Assisted with stream cleanup day on Spring Creek. Conducted final stream classifications and measurements at study sites on Barren Fork, Spring, Spavinaw, Honey and Buffalo Creeks. Created electronic maps of study sites and began summarizing and proofing data. Measured stream flow on 14 Mile and Sallisaw Creeks. ed pics and video of Ozark longear sunfish to ichthyologist at Bavarian Natural History Collection Museum.Assisted hatcheries with channel catfish distribution. Assisted I&E with photo/video shoots on fall foliage, stream fishing, and landowner perspective pieces. (J. Burroughs) Southeast/Central Region & Southeast Streams: Higgins, Holdenville, and Streams/Durant office and grounds were maintained. SER, CR and Streams equipment was maintained as necessary. All necessary logs, reports and forms were completed as required. Budgets were maintained as necessary. Regular maintenance of SER, CR and Streams vehicles was conducted as necessary. Staff reviewed and discussed in-stream flow information to assess options and needs for future sampling. Regional supplies, parts and goods for projects were acquired. Information was gathered for the Hugo fisheries management plan draft. Staff prepared equipment and maps for fall netting. SER biologist discussed Pine Creek EA and HEP models with supervisor and USACE limnologist and attended meeting with Spiro water manager, Spiro s environmental consultant, Spiro Mayor, Representative James Lockhart, Senator

5 Mark Allen, PVIA, OCC, ORWA, and ODEQ to discuss watershed management. SER, CR and Streams staff attended Fish Division and AFS meetings. Shocker boat transom supports were repaired. A blue sucker was collected and provided to Oklahoma Aquarium for exhibit. SER technician entered data. CR biologist checked on Eufaula Lake record bass listing, picked up donated plastic buckets at Bethel, repaired trailer wiring on electrofishing boat trailer, assisted SE Region by welding cracks in electrofishing boat, assessed and repaired wiring problem on netting boat, and mended nets. Streams technician continued to monitor flow and thermal changes along the Lower Mountain Fork River, access sites for sampling streams and rivers in the SER were researched, visited Bubble Plume Diffuser Project site at Broken Bow Reservoir to assess status of existing equipment, coordinated and conducted bi-weekly, mitigation and surplus trout stockings at the Lower Mountain Fork River with Cedar Lake Trout Fishery and hatchery staff. Supervisor met with streams management staff to coordinate upcoming activities, future directions and to clarify staff responsibilities, worked with trout vendor regarding LMFR and Robbers Cave trout schedules and assisted with LMFR and Robbers Cave trout streams, assisted with NRCS fishing clinic at Holdenville, submitted ODWC lake maintenance needs to Assistant Chief, contacted and worked with Nature Conservancy regarding possible conservation easements along the Kiamichi River, sampled Kiamichi River fish populations at two sites near Clayton, visited with homeowners association regarding potential boating access project, reviewed Eufaula lake level proposal information, reviewed LMFR re-regulation hydropower project information, assisted Lawter fishing tournament staff with releasing of tournament fish with CR biologist, and visited Ozzie Cobb lake to assess needs. SER biologist and technician conducted Shad net sampling in Sardis Lake to evaluate forage abundance. Fall gill netting surveys were conducted at New Spiro, Sardis and Pine Creek. CR biologist conducted gill net sampling on Wetumka and Shawnee Twin Lakes, saugeye electro fished Wewoka and Shawnee Twin #1, attempted to saugeye electro fish Holdenville Lake and gill net Tecumseh Lake but low lake levels prevented sampling. Streams technician assisted with Shad netting at Texoma. CR technician Porter and streams technician assisted with stream survey work on Kiamichi River. SER and Streams staff planted cypress trees along evening hole on LMFR in cooperation with LMFR foundation and enhanced fishing access walkways on the evening hole foot trails by filling in the low spots prone to holding water/mud with large cobble. Staff handled telephone calls from trout anglers concerned with new vendor/odwc stocking operations and scheduling. Streams technician provided technical assistance to SEOSU students on fishery sampling techniques. SER staff facilitated the Higgins office as a polling site for the Latimer County election board. SER biologist assisted the Spiro water manager in preparing a newspaper article on watershed impairments, and provided assistance to ANS biologist and OKC news crew in shooting a film on Asian carp below Hugo. Cedar trees were cut off the Wister WMA and hauled to New Spiro. Two new brush fish attractor locations were established in New Spiro Lake and marked with buoys. CR biologist picked up donated pipe from Holdenville donor, checked progress of boat dock replacement project at Okemah Lake, printed and mailed project expiration letters to cooperators, mailed fishing clinic report forms to Aq. Ed. Coordinator, and conducted 2 fishing clinics with Hughes County NRCS, and passed on fish kill info to SC Region. SER technician picked up polypipe order for spider block construction. Streams technician continued assisting OBS staff with documenting the presence and spread of Didymospheniageminata (i.e., didymo) at the Lower Mountain Fork River. CR biologist attended insurance benefits meeting at OKC office. Technician Newman received 20 year pin at November Commission meeting. SER, CR and Streams staff conducted HACCP protocol on all equipment as needed and maintained logs as required. (D. Groom) South Central Region: Assisted with weekly trout stocking at Blue River PFHA.Looked over Department web site and submitted changes.provided educational program for Durant Intermediate School.Held meetings with regional staff to coordinate upcoming activities, future directions and to clarify staff responsibilities.attended Blue River AGO meeting in Sulphur.Attended joint Fish Division / OKAFS meeting in Stillwater.Worked on Lake Murray Management Plan.Inspected property line and recent survey work at BRPFHA. Visited with area users and fisherman at BRPFHA.Inspected Lake Texoma access relative to low pool elevations.prepared draft agenda and meeting logistics for pending ODWC/TPWD joint meeting. Reviewed Lake Texoma Advisory Committee resolution.compiled regional response for I&E focus efforts. Drafted SDAFS presentation abstract.discussed regional issues and topics with Central Office staff.maintenance of office building, grounds and equipment.maintenance, mowing and litter removal at Blue River PFHA.Performed trap net surveys on Ardmore City Lake, Scott

6 King Lake and Arbuckle Lake.Shad gillnetting on Lake Texoma.Entered and summarized SSP data.attended HRDS in OKC.(M. Mauck) Environmental: Assisted USFWS with survey and status assessment of Arkansas River Shiners in the Canadian River. Assisted Byron Hatchery staff with repair of drain structure within hatchery pond.coordinated with USFWS and joint ventures to help prepare material for NAWCA grant to acquire land adjacent to Deep Fork Refuge. Prepared and presented data on Poteau River Mussel Survey at OKAFWS meeting. Participated in SEAFWA working group to assess petitioned species and their status and potential or need for federal listing. Participated in Oklahoma Clean Lakes and Watershed Association Executive Board meeting.(w. Ray) Paddlefish RPC: Planted 3 trees at Paddlefish Research Center. Ordered new carcass trailer.fixed night light at Twin Bridges.Shipped scanners to Marel.Worked with DEQ on permits.worked on budget for Ft. Gibson Paddlefish.Corrected Area 45 inventory. Tim worked 7 hours of law enforcement: delivering regulations and responding to deer calls. Mounted temperature alert system in caviar cooler and freezer.attended fisheries division meeting and OKAFS.Paddlefish telemetry. Stock CCF. Shocked for Paddlefish.Installed new mailbox at the center. Had septic tanks pumped at Twin Bridges for termination of permit.returned bass from Fish and Chips tournament.(t. Miller) FISH HATCHERIES HOLDENVILLE FISH HATCHERY: Various fish were sampled and feeding rates were adjusted accordingly. Water quality parameters were monitored in culture ponds. Hatchery reservoir water level and pumps were monitored. Distributed 7,410 rainbow trout from Greer s Ferry National Fish Hatchery to the Illinois River. One pond of channel catfish fingerlings were harvested and stocked into public waters. One hatchery pond was stocked with channel catfish for additional growth. Hatchery staff deterred herons, egrets, cormorants and river otters from culture ponds. Ponds were mowed, disked and graded for upcoming culture season. Water return sumps were cleaned and repairs were performed on return pumps. Leaks were repaired in three places of hatchery water line. Hatchery roads were graded and maintained. Hatchery grounds were maintained though out the month. Repairs were made to ponds, nets, seine and screens where needed. Shop and vehicle storage buildings were cleaned as needed. Repairs and maintenance to buildings, equipment and hatchery grounds were made as needed. DATE SPECIES NUMBER WATER 11/14/12 Rainbow Trout 7,410 Illinois River 10/16/12 Channel Catfish 3680 Stanley Draper 10/16/12 Channel Catfish Shawnee #1 10/16/12 Channel Catfish Shawnee #2 10/16/12 Channel Catfish 1320 Davenport 10/16/12 Channel Catfish Langston 10/16/12 Channel Catfish Meeker City 10/17/12 Channel Catfish 1,800 Nichols Park 10/17/12 Channel Catfish 880 State Vet Hosp. 10/17/12 Channel Catfish 920 Clearview (J.Davenport) Durant Hatchery: Pellet trained Flmbbroodstock and future broodstock were monitored and fed several times per day. One channel catfish fingerling pond was harvested and fish were split and stocked back into two hatchery rearing ponds for use in One Hybrid Sunfish spawning pond was harvested and 4,125 fingerlings were put into the kettle room tanks for feeding adding further growth to them throughout the winter and the remaining fingerlings were fed to Flmb future broodstock. DH personnel assisted SE Region and Streams personnel with trimming tree limbs along Lower Mtn. Fork River stocking site areas. DH staff met Cedar Springs Trout Farm personnel and assisted with 3 separate trout stockings at the Mtn. Fork River during this reporting period. DH personnel made 2 trips to the Greers Ferry NFH and one to

7 the Norfork NFH during this period to haul 11 Rainbow Trout back to the Blue River for stocking. Aquatic plants grown for stocking into public waters were maintained. Large mesh Gillnets were put into one Flmb future broodstock pond to test as a potential tool for otter control. DH staff attended Fish Division and AFS meetings in Stillwater. Several DH personnel gave presentations at the meetings. DH personnel continued working on online USFWS fish disease class material. Durant Hatchery secretary interviews were held at the hatchery office. Tours were given as needed, packets with general ODWC information were distributed and numerous walk-in visitors were assisted during this reporting period. All fish species were monitored and fed as water temperature and weather conditions permitted, sampled regularly, water quality maintained and recorded, and nuisance aquatic vegetation was controlled. Flmb fish feed was delivered and stored accordingly. Hatchery grounds, buildings, equipment, and vehicles were maintained. Chemical spray pump was winterized as was the fish building and all other necessary lines and locations. Water return pump was repaired and set back in place in the Phase 1 & 2 water return pump station. Repairs to other equipment, dip nets and seines were completed. DH staff continued monitoring and deterring otters, cormorants, and herons. The shop and office were cleaned weekly and as needed. The following fish were distributed to public waters. DATE SPECIES NUMBER SIZE NO/LB WATER STOCKED COUNTY 10/15 CCF* 6, Wetumka Hughes 10/16 CCF** 10, Meeker City Lincoln 10/16 CCF** 14, Shawnee #1 Pottawatomie 10/16 CCF** 11, Shawnee #2 Pottawatomie 10/31 RBT*** 4, Blue River Johnston 11/05 RBT**** 2, Blue River Johnston 11/07 RBT*** 2, Blue River Johnston Source: *Tishomingo NFH **Holdenville Hatchery ***Greers Ferry NFH **** Norfork NFH (G. Schomer) Byron Hatchery: Fish culture activities slowed down this month at the Byron State Fish Hatchery. The culture activities completed this month include harvesting 1 pond of hybrid sunfish and 1 pond of channel catfish. The channel catfish were transported to Fort Cobb Reservoir and the hybrid sunfish were moved into the recirculation system in the fish house. Water levels were monitored and maintained in hatchery ponds and fish were fed daily. The recirculation systems with sand filter and bio-filters were set up and water circulation started. The sand filter was back-flushed daily and fish were fed in those tanks as well. Maintenance activities completed this month include construction of new cover for wells, repair of pump electrical systems, and maintenance of vehicles as needed. Shops and offices were cleaned and trees trimmed on the hatchery. Other activities completed this month include assisting Manning hatchery with channel catfish stockings, completion of routine office duties, and worked on Durant Repair Project engineering phase. Staff attended Division meeting and OKAFS meeting.the following fish were stocked this month. DATE SPECIES DESTINATION NUMBER SIZE TYPE 10/17/12 Channel Catfish Ft. Cobb 2,584 7 Public (S. Spade) J A Manning Hatchery: Serviced and maintained equipment and vehicles as scheduled or needed.new Tires installed on 2003 pickup. Assured water quality by cleaning draw boards.fed fish daily.harvested 3 ponds of channel catfish.harvested 1 pond of goldfish for brooders and forage.moved over 25,000 Channel Catfish to Lexington WMA, Adams Lake, Elmor-Thomas WMWR, Black Kettle, Skipout, Tom Steed, Porter Regional Office and Del Zachery.Hauled 2000 paddlefish from Tishomingo to Grand Lake.Hatchery Manager and Asst Manager attended one minute manager HRDS class.all Fish employees attended the Division Fish meeting and AFS conference in Stillwater, OK.Interviewed for Full time Secretary position.(t. Wright)