Fisheries Division Monthly Activity Report April 2014

Transcription

1 Fisheries Division Monthly Activity Report April 2014 FISHERIES RESEARCH Habitat Use and Movement by Fishes using Shallow-water Habitats in Three Scenic Rivers in Oklahoma Information for Developing Instream Flow Guidelines: Final data analyses and preparation of the Final Report continued. (OSU Coop) Standardized Methods for Sampling Oklahoma Streams: We used cluster analysis to construct ecomorphological trait groups of stream fish species of the Ozark Highlands of Oklahoma. We began developing a capture-efficiency model for the sunfish group (Ambloplites, Lepomis, and Micropterus) using both snorkeling and tow-barge electrofishing plus seining. Several sample sites were selected, and our sampling technique will be refined in the next month. (OSU Coop) Fine-scale Genetic Structuring of American Paddlefish Populations in Oklahoma: Laboratory work is currently underway. DNA is being extracted from paddlefish tissues and measured for quality and quantity prior to the microsatellite genotyping. (OSU Coop) Developing a Multiple Spatial Scale Model to Predict the Distribution of Oklahoma s Freshwater Mussel Assemblages with an Emphasis on the Small Rivers of Southeastern Oklahoma: Hypotheses were completed for our AIC analyses to determine which abiotic and biotic factors most likely influence mussel presence. Preliminary diagnostic testing (influential points and linearity) and data conditioning (e.g., transforming ratios) are underway and will drive our choice of model for the final analyses of the habitat data. (OSU Coop) Determining Factors Affecting the Distribution of Endangered Fish and Crayfish Species with Emphasis on the Ozark Region of Northeastern Oklahoma: The Final Report is near completion. (OSU Coop) Impact of Flow Alterations to Crayfishes in Southeast Oklahoma, with an Emphasis on the Mena Crayfish (Orconectes mena): The Final Report was submitted in April. (OSU Coop) Understanding the impacts of surface-groundwater conditions on stream fishes under altered base-flow conditions: A student was hired to complete the hyporheic dye-tracer studies beginning in July. Equipment was purchased as approved in the grant. We requested a change in the dye-tracer chemical that we plan to use. (OSU Coop) Processing and Vouchering of Large-River Fish Samples Collected for Monitoring Listed and At- Risk Fish: The database of processed samples for FY13 was completed. We picked up new samples and started processing these samples. (OSU Coop) Grow-out catfish stocking: Catfish survey boxes are being checked for completed survey cards. Hoop nets are being maintained and field sampling preparation continues. (K. Kuklinski) Walleye length limit evaluation: Walleye data from five lakes have been analyzed using FAST software. The results were used to justify a walleye length limit change (from 18 inches to a proposed 14 inches) which will be discussed at an upcoming biologist meeting. (K. Kuklinski) Statewide Fisheries Programs Operations and Maintenance: OFRL staff created a creel schedule for SE Region staff and provided support for conducting creel interviews on ODWC lakes. Archived SSP data and outputs were shared with regional fisheries crews. Regional fall SSP data were analyzed returned to regional crews. Fall age and growth data are being analyzed. Spring SSP data are being

2 entered and edited as they arrive at OFRL. Two Lake Record fish were entered into the server database by OFRL staff. One Lake Record vendor was added to the database by OFRL staff. (K. Kuklinski) Federal Aid Coordination: Two federal aid grant reports were reviewed and edits made by OFRL staff. Review of payments to OSU cooperators is ongoing. (K. Kuklinski) Other Research Laboratory Activities: OFRL library coding of literature is ongoing. OFRL staff attended a monthly staff meeting to discuss upcoming projects and tasks. Purchase of research and management equipment is ongoing. Research proposals are being written for Fisheries Division staff review and submission to the Research Review Committee. Reviewed recently received scientific journals and texts. Fin clip samples from two OKC region lakes were transferred to OU for genetic analysis. OFRL staff continues to organize the summer meeting of the SDAFS Reservoir Committee. OFRL staff attended and assisted with the Lake Arcadia Educator s Summit event. Staff presented power point presentations to educators about Fisheries Division activities, and assisted in fish sampling techniques demonstration. OFRL staff continues to assist personnel at the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery with alligator gar spawning and care. OFRL staff continues to assist OU graduate student with collection, propagation and morphometric measurements of shortnose and spotted gar at OU facilities. Attended a meeting with retired OFRL Supervisor and Responsive Management Specialist to discuss and edit the 2014 Angler Opinion Survey. OFRL staff continues to provide input and analyses regarding catfish angling, harvest, and potential regulation changes. Technical assistance was provided to 22 stakeholders regarding farm pond stocking program, potential lake record fish, pond management questions, controlling aquatic vegetation and algae, and local angling opportunities. (K. Kuklinski) FISHERIES MANAGEMENT OKC Region: OKC Region personnel attended a monthly OFRL staff meeting to discuss upcoming projects and tasks for June. OKCR biologist also attended the June meeting of the OKC Game and Fish Commission. Attended a ceremony opening Kitchen Lake to the public. Close to Home fish feeders were maintained and filled with feed. Purchased YSI water quality test kit, habitat buoys and rope via p-card. Hauled jon boat back from Canton lake after NWR used for collecting walleye for Walleye Rodeo. Drove habitat barge at Arcadia Lake for monthly maintenance check. Verified fish attractor waypoints at Spring Creek and lower pool areas for digital atlas on Arcadia. OFRL plant growing cells were maintained. Assisted with plant transfer for Ft. Cobb aquatic plant project. Checked weed growth at Dahlgren Lake at Lexington WMA, Thunderbird Lake, and Draper Lake. Technical assistance was provided to 18 stakeholders involving farm pond fishing stocking strategies, adding habitat to ponds, weed control methods, saugeye and sunfish fishing activity at local reservoirs, inventoried fish population of an old farm pond in Norman for land owner, provided locations and fishing activity on several Close to Home ponds, discussed regulations at Close to Home ponds, identified fish species for local angler and discussed improvements to fishing pond at Lazy E with staff. Prepared and submitted reports to Hatchery Section for recent hybrid sunfish stocking events. Fish stocking reports were received and entered into the OKC Region files. Prepared boat and equipment for Florida bass stocking trip at Lake Thunderbird. Reviewed initial plans for construction and placement of new boat courtesy dock and gangways at main marina at Lake Hefner in OKC. Organized a planning meeting for the Norman Trout Derby sponsorship and ways to publicize. Gave a presentation about fishing opportunities in Oklahoma to staff members at the Dept. of Corrections Administration building in OKC. HACCP procedures were performed on fish hauling tanks, jon boats and Blue Wave boat after outings. Detailed insides of trucks. (K. Kuklinski) Northwest Region: An agreement was reached with American Horse contractor to repair erosion issues. Spring electrofishing was conducted at Carl Etling. Lakes Optima, Shultz, and Beaver were visited. Approximately 20,000 fingerling largemouth bass and 12,000 bluegill brooders were stocked at Etling. Four pond surveys were conducted. Weekly water quality sampling at Canton began. Water quality appeared normal with no stratification. Canton aerators were scheduled for deployment. Hatchery staff was assisted with hybrid striped bass production. Regular scheduled vehicle maintenance was completed. Staff assisted Colorado Parks and Wildlife with identifying potential sites for plains minnow

3 broodstock collection. Survey cards were collected and refilled at each lake. A sampling schedule was determined for the upcoming hoop netting. (C. Patterson) Northeast Region: Northeast Region fisheries personnel provided general assistance to public, ensured routine maintenance of state vehicles was performed. Personnel attended HRDS training Developing Creative Problem Solving Skills and It s All About You: Branding for a More Confident You. Personnel assisted with tear down of old Paddlefish Research Center at Twin Bridges State Park. Northeast Region fisheries personnel participated in regional staff meetings; maintained fish division boats, trailers and equipment; maintained Jenks office and shop facilities; completed weekly and monthly timesheets, vehicle logs, and P-card paperwork; and ordered supplies and equipment for fish management. Personnel conducted interviews for the vacant technician position. Personnel answered multiple pond management questions of pond owners and other constituents and conducted site visits for individuals requesting fish from farm pond stocking program. Personnel conducted interviews for local television and newspaper entities regarding fish related issues. Personnel investigated private pond fish kills. NER personnel continued updating and corresponding on potential boating access project in Bartlesville, OK. Personnel tagged and stocked fish for Zebco Free Fishing Days and other regional Aquatic Education events. Personnel conducted family fishing clinic at Afton Vo-Tech pond. Personnel transferred fish between reservoirs to help improve forage base for fishery. Personnel reviewed, discussed and made recommendations to proposed rule changes for walleye, sauger, and saugeye. NER personnel worked online GIS courses. All s received from the FERC subscription services were reviewed and commented on if necessary. All documents received from GRDA were reviewed and comments were provided if necessary. Planning and preliminary work continued on the shovelnose sturgeon research project in the Arkansas River. Staff sampled the Arkansas River for shovelnose sturgeon (see photos). NER personnel assisted with striped bass brood stock collections below Keystone Lake. NER personnel investigated a fish kill in the Arkansas River below Keystone Dam and a potential fish kill in the Cimarron

4 River above Keystone Lake. Reports for kills were drafted and submitted as necessary. Northeast Region staff continued ongoing adult paddlefish telemetry research in Grand Lake. Continued working with cooperators on boating access projects at Wolf Creek on Grand Lake, and at Conners Bridge on the Neosho River. (J. Johnston) North Central Region: Regional staff entered and analyzed spring electrofishing data for Pawhuska and Carl Blackwell lakes. Staff collected shad net data from Skiatook Lake to determine if there was a total threadfin shad winter kill. Out of 14 floating nets sets, no threadfin were collected. Attempts to collect 40 age 1 largemouth bass for genetic analysis were not successful with only 13 bass collected. The low water temperatures during the winter significantly impacted FLMB survival in Skiatook Lake. Assistance was provided OSU by collection of Smallmouth bass genetic material from Skiatook Lake. Staff discussed possible research projects to submit to the review committee. Comments were made on the walleye length limit proposal to be considered at the rule change meeting. The Skiatook Nursery Pond was stocked with fingerling Florida largemouth bass and the pond was evaluated for plankton and minnow abundance. Fingerlings FLMB were also stocked into Sooner Lake by boat. Channel catfish and hybrid sunfish were transported and stocked into twelve fishing ponds. Five fishing clinics were held at Ponca City s Marland Mansion, Willow Springs and Camp McFadden; also at Lookout Lake and Pawnee Bill State Park. Fishing poles were provided to the OSU Student Chapter of the OKAFS for two fishing clinics. The Fisheries Sessions at the Arcadia Outdoor Education Summit were coordinated and assisted with to provide teachers with classroom information on what the ODWC does and why we do it. Trap net was set and demos on bass and catfish electrofishing were made. Supervisor attended the monthly meeting of the Oklahoma Striped Bass Association to present equipment needs from the ODWC that the association can support through their donations. Also answered their questions and discussed hybrid research with the group. The Final Edit meeting on the Fishing Guide was attended and the proof was reviewed and comments noted. Discussions with the Asst. Director pertaining to the recommendation to move the Pawhuska Trout Area were finalized. The Pawhuska City Manager was contacted asking the city council to approve an agreement to annually lower the lake 3 feet to provide adequate bank fishing access. The council did not agree, so the ODWC will move the trout area to Perry CCC Lake this fall. Boating Access applications from M.J. Lee Lake and Eagle Lake projects were reviewed and forwarded to OKC for acceptance. Discussions with Pawnee on their application were made to clarify site information. Habitat work was coordinated with local angler from Perry Lake. Fish heads collected by store operator at Lake Carl Blackwell were picked up to determine ages on trophy saugeye and hybrids. Technical assistance was provided the City of Pawnee concerning pumping water into the lake for drinking purposes from the Arkansas River and one local pond owner. Regular staff meetings were held to plan and prioritize regional activities. Approve two lake record hybrid striped bass from Kaw Lake. ANS signage was posted at McMurtry Lake for boaters. Grounds maintenance was performed as needed and equipment was maintained and serviced. Office duties and reports were completed prior to deadlines. (B. Wentroth) Southwest Region: Electrofished Lake Helen-total catch rate: 165 fish/hr; Catch rate of bass > 14 inches: 27 fish/hr. Seined and electrofished at Lugert. Attempted to find bass in Lugert via snorkel sampling. Creel data analysis. Hoopnetted Vanderwork-ccat sizes improving over past samples. Hoopnet Jap beaver-catch rate low but quality size ccat. Coordinated Aquatic Ed fish stockings. Picked up new aquatic ed poles from OFRL. Took aquarium to Ft Sill fishing derby with 300 kids in attendance. Painted Rocky dock walkway. Installed time lapse cameras at Department Lakes to monitor boating access pressure. Sprayed Weeds at Jap Beaver, Hall and Vanderwork boating access areas. Trimmed trees around boating access areas. Checked BA projects at Lawtonka, Duncan and Comanche lakes. Checked Caney Creek BA site with SCR RS. Removed willow trees and unwanted terrestrial vegetation from Ft. Cobb plant cages. Checked and repaired holes in veg cages. Planted aquatic plants on floating wetlands at Hunter Park. Planted and treated vegetation in Lawton experimental ponds. Worked on Waurika Lake Report, figures and tables. Stocked FLMB in Elmer Thomas and Lawtonka. Transferred crappie from Watonga lake to Rocky and Altus-Lugert. Held quarterly planning and safety meeting. Checked Waurika and Jap Beaver. Installed canoe hoist in barn. Conferred with DEQ on Red River fish kill and water quality issues. Prepared Doc Hollis pond plan. RS attended HRDS class. (L. Cofer)

5 Lake Maintenance: Mowing was performed at the following lakes: Jap Beaver, Elmer, Vanderwork and Burtschi. These areas were checked for maintenance needs. Trash detail was performed at Burtschi. Some time was spent setting up foundation for new residence; also assisted moving it in and setting it up. All buildings, grounds, equipment and vehicles were maintained as scheduled and repaired as needed. (T. Waters) East Central Region: Transported aquatic ed. fish for Greenleaf and Connors. Maintained aquatic ed poles and equipment. Conducted an educational program for Connors day camp. Assisted with fishing clinic on free fishing weekend at Greenleaf State park. Conducted an educational program for Wagoner 4H. Prepared for, and gave presentation on Oklahoma streams and freshwater mussels at Outdoor Education Summit at Lake Arcadia. Shocked striped bass brooders at Keystone. Continued with scheduled trout stockings on the lower Illinois River. Transported and stocked sauger from Byron Hatchery to Webbers Falls Reservoir. Entered and edited SSP data on computer. Stocked bonus large trout in the Illinois River. Met with game wardens to discuss the need for regulation changes on striped bass below Eufaula. Conducted regular maintenance of sampling gear, boats, and trailers. Completed monthly narrative, end of month paperwork, online leave reporting, and Pcards. Arranged access to closed boat ramp with county officials. Draft bio interview questions and schedule interviews. Completed habitat evaluation in preparation of sampling on region lakes. SSP sampling was completed on Webbers Falls Reservoir. Conducted shocking for threadfin on Tenkiller Reservoir. Removed bass otoliths from Stillwell and Stigler City Lakes. Scheduled dog training presenters, completed applicant forms, and continued trying to find dog food representatives to be present at this year s expo. Met with private landowner next to the Watts property to discuss rebuilding a mutual fence. Attended customer service HRDS class. Continued with drafting a report/methods paper for AFS. (J. Burroughs) NE Streams Program: Sanded, fiber glassed and made repairs to hauling tank. Worked on stream regulation change revisions. Research display board prices. Drafted and signed PMP for stream tech. Prepared questions for angler opinion survey. Attended Spring Creek Coalition meeting. Prepared LIR data loggers for deployment. Reviewed streams related literature. Repaired boom, seat and tire on stream electrofishing boat. Replaced bunk boards on stream boat trailer. Setup and synced YSI sondes. Reviewed fish kill procedures. Met with Conservation Commission to tour sites for potential SARP funding grant for stream bank restoration. Participated in scheduled COE conference calls regarding management of the lower Illinois River. Discussed the future of the trout program and potential funding concerns with Trout Unlimited. Met with representatives from the tow barge manufacturer to discuss repairs, modifications and sampling protocol. Conducted maintenance of the Watts property on the lower Illinois River including brush hogging, weed cutting and limb clearing. Discussed future stream access with OSRC. Picked up tow barge from OSU students. Evaluated problem with tow barge and took the barge back to manufacturer to be checked out. Checked condition of large trout stocked in the lower Illinois River. Began drafting abstract for upcoming SEAFWA meeting. Repair tow barge and test to see its functioning properly. Sanded, fiber glassed and painted canoes. Poured anchors for LIR DO probes. Tagged smallmouth bass in buffalo creek. Conducted stream survey on Snow Creek. Surveyed Buck Ford, No Head, Goats Bluff, Todd and Echota areas on Illinois River and Boy Scout / Welling areas on Barren Fork. Measure stream flows on Snake, Spring and Sallisaw creeks. Measure stream width / Depth ratios on Snake and Spring Creek. Installed stream temperature probes on Sallisaw, Honey, Barren Fork and Spring creeks. Entered flow data from Spring and Snake Creeks. Prepared comments on SGCN list and access sites map for OSU project. Met with Spavinaw Creek landowners, gained access and GPS coordinates for OSU bank erosion study and scouted for stream sampling sites on Upper Illinois River for OSU stream project. (B. Brown/J. Burroughs) Central Region: Staff conducted routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment as necessary; Completed and updated all logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories as needed; And performed HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Attended SE Region staff meeting at Holdenville office. Purchased replacement Bimini top for creel boat. Began aging crappie otoliths from fall 2013 sampling. Began proofing creel survey data sheets. Continued 2014 spring creel survey on the Central Pool area of Eufaula Lake. Picked up loose habitat buoys around the Crowder area on Eufaula Lake. Conducted pond electrofishing survey for Sac and Fox tribe in Lincoln County. Answered calls regarding: catfish dying in fish basket at Area 51 Marina on Eufaula Lake, where

6 to get grass carp for Okmulgee County farm pond, and filamentous algae growth at Prague Lake. Assisted Durant Hatchery with stocking FLMB fingerlings at 3 sites on Eufaula Lake. Worked with City of Eufaula regarding Eufaula South Point project and future potential project. Attended Eufaula South Point project ribbon cutting ceremony. Checked boating access projects at Okmulgee, Dripping Springs, Okemah, and Wetumka lakes with supervisor. Conducted fishing clinic for Hughes County 4-H clubs at Camp WOW near Calvin. Tried to get video of longnose gar spawning on the riprap of Blocker Bridge on Eufaula Lake. Assisted with the Outdoor Education Summit at the Arcadia facility. (D. Bowen) Southeast Region: Staff conducted routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment as necessary; Completed and updated all logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories as needed; And performed HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Staff discussed sunfish management options. Biologist and Technician investigated accessibility to optional sunfish pond near Talawanda lakes and toured McAlester City Lake and Carl Albert Lake. A staff meeting was attended at Holdenville. Staff collected 40 bass fin clips from Carlton Lake for Florida strain genetic testing. Staff conducted an electrofishing survey for the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma. Staff assisted Robbers Cave State Park Naturalist stock the nature center s aquarium with native fish. The LMFR trout stream was toured with new intern and a staff meeting was held at Presbyterian Falls to discuss SE streams goals. Staff delivered heated power washer to Beavers Bend Marina operator. Biologist participated with fishing clinic at McAlester pond. Biologist coordinated with USFS to tag fish, deliver equipment and demonstrate hoop netting. Biologist assisted with Latimer County 4-H fishing clinic at Robbers Cave State Park. Staff assisted with stocking FLMB at Sardis, Broken Bow and Pine Creek Lakes. Catfish were stocked at Cattail pond at Robbers Cave State Park. Staff replaced conservation passport signs at Nanih Waiya and Ozzie Cobb Dept. lakes. Reserve game wardens participated in defensive tactics course. Biologist coordinated with I&E for Outdoor OK filming at Pine Creek Lake. Prepared questions for recreational/creel surveys in southeast region. Worked on regulation change language regarding Wister tailrace. (K.James) Jay Barfield with a blue catfish near Hugo Lake Marina on (K. James) SE Streams: Staff conducted routine maintenance of buildings and grounds, vehicles, boats, motors and equipment as necessary; Completed and updated all logs, reports, forms, budgets, and inventories as

7 needed; And performed HAACP protocol on all equipment and maintained logs as required. Coordinated and conducted tri-weekly, mitigation and surplus trout stockings at the Lower Mountain Fork River with Cedar Lake Trout Fishery and hatchery staff. Held meetings with streams management staff to coordinate upcoming activities, future directions and to clarify staff responsibilities. Assisted with the harvest and stocking of FLMB to SER Lakes. Continued to monitor flow and thermal changes along the Lower Mountain Fork River. Monitored flows and temperatures in regional waters. Completed and submitted EOM reports. Managed files on computers. Met with and discussed water issues with Beavers Bend Marina staff pertaining to ANS. Picked up power washer from OKC warehouse and delivered it to Beavers Bend Marina. Discussed streams and met with division chiefs. Met with ODTR staff and provided suggestions for new display in Nature Center in BBSP. Selected intern for summer internship. Researched access sites on rivers in SE streams region and developed maps. Installed informational sign below Hugo Dam. Visited access points along the UMFR to determine accessibility in the region. Purchased equipment needs. Sampled fish in Broken Bow Lake and UMFR. Seined reaches of the UMFR. Attended Defensive tactics for CLEET requirements. Reviewed Broken Bow re-regulation dam Draft Operations MOA. (J. Barfield) South Central Region: Staff assisted with FLMB stockings at Ardmore City, McGee Creek, Arbuckle, Murray, and Mountain Lakes as well as channel catfish stockings at Blue River PFHA. ANS stencils were painted at Jean Neustadt and Ardmore City Lake boat ramps. Pending boating access projects were discussed with Cooperators and draft cooperative agreements were reviewed. Staff performed an electrofishing demonstration at OU Biological Station, assisted with I&E filming and media coverage efforts of the FLMB production series, and provided review and comments for related articles and news releases. Maintenance was performed on office buildings, grounds, and equipment. Staff worked on data analysis and modeling efforts, reviewed regulation change proposal and draft fishing guide, discussed habitat survey questions with Responsive Management, discussed issues with lake records vendor, coordinated statewide bass stockings through Bass Stocking Committee, and provided intern orientation. Blue River PFHA staff maintained area grounds, campsites, and roads and coordinated archeological survey related to pending fence maintenance approval. Technical assistance was provided to several landowners in Bryan and Carter Counties. Staff responded to a reported fish kill in a Lake Texoma backwater. A fish kill on the Red River was investigated, water and fish samples were collected for subsequent analysis, and staff participated in a related multi-agency conference call. Staff attended a HRDS class, CLEET training, and performed vehicle maintenance. Monthly Highlight: FLMB stockings in Regional water bodies. (M. Mauck) Environmental: Assisted Wildlife Diversity staff on monthly surveys for species of greatest conservation need on Crosstimbers WMA. Participate in Wildlife Diversity meeting. Complete 2 hour online CLEET training. Discussed ODWC involvement in active management of rattlesnakes in western Oklahoma with particular focus on rattlesnake roundups. Coordinated with TCTC on Neosho Bottoms Restoration Plan revisions. Assisted TNC with fish surveys on The Tall Grass Prairie Preserve in Osage County. Continued efforts to improve communication and information flow with ODEQ and other stakeholders on fish kill investigations. Continued discussion will OAG office to finalize settlement agreement with Kelco on mussel restocking of Deep Fork River. Coordinated with IFC representatives on IFC biennial meeting/conference. Attend OCLWA executive board meeting and continue preparation for annual meeting. Participated in USFWS meeting to update stakeholders on American Burying Beetle compliance issue. Prepared presentation for the Instream Flow Council Biennial meeting in June. Coordinate with ODEQ and OADDL on necropsy and tissue analysis for investigation if fish kill in the Red River. (W. Ray) Aquatic Nuisance Species: Assisted The Nature Conservancy with fish assemblage stream surveys at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Osage County. Conducted non-game and SGCN surveys at Crosstimbers WMA in Love County. Issued various aquatic import permits for Tulsa Zoo and aquaculture facilities. Attended two HRDS courses at OSU Tulsa. Conducted Arkansas River Shiner surveys with the US Fish and Wildlife Service on the South Canadian River. Sent ANS outreach materials to Greenleaf State Park and Martin Park Nature Center. Placed order for Sonotronics telemetry equipment for bighead carp and SGCN in the Grand River system State Wildlife Grant. Purchased 5 heated power washers for marina operators for zebra mussel control under ANS grant N-1-R-1. (C Tackett)

8 Paddlefish RPC: Fisheries personnel provided general assistance to public, ensured routine maintenance of state vehicles and equipment was performed, worked on caviar sales, and made numerous facility repairs and maintenance at the Paddlefish Research Center. Attended staff meetings; completed weekly and monthly timesheets, vehicle logs, and P-card paperwork. Broke down and cleaned the facility to end the 2014 processing season. A total of 2,405 paddlefish were turned in to the PRC in The heaviest fish weighed lbs. A total of 9,000 lbs of caviar packaged. Collected paddlefish harvest and age data from Ft. Gibson Lake. Maintained required logs by FDA for approval of caviar sales. Moved final caviar to cold storage warehouse. Closed-out PRC Internship program, including exit interviews and performance evaluations. Error-checked PRC database and prepared reports for CITES. Continued paddlefish larvae collections on the Neosho and Spring Rivers. Error-checked paddlefish E- check database and contacted anglers for further information. Summarized PRC harvest data for Commission meeting. Assisted with fishing clinic at Afton Vo-tech. Prepared caviar for shipment to buying agent. Continued ongoing paddlefish acoustic telemetry activities on Grand Lake. HIGHLIGHT PRC staff finally closed the book on the original Research and Processing Center at Twin Bridges State Park ( ). The entire assembly was dismantled and removed from the site. Utility improvements made at the site will be used by the state park when they install a new office building. (B. Gordon) FISH HATCHERIES Holdenville 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. Hatchery staff deterred herons, egrets, cormorants and river otters from culture ponds. A pond of channel catfish grow outs was harvested and stocked into the Blue River PHFA. Three ponds of Florida largemouth bass fingerlings were harvested and stocked into public waters. Two ponds of northern largemouth bass were harvested and fingerlings were distributed to farm pond applicants. Two ponds were prepared and stocked with 250,000 hybrid striped bass fry. Channel catfish spawns were collected bi-weekly then eggs were transferred to the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery for their production needs. Holdenville personnel assisted the Durant Hatchery with the distribution of Florida largemouth bass to public waters. Aquatic Education catfish were delivered to the hatchery and stocked into holding ponds. Coordinated and distributed the stocking of 9 aquatic educational clinic ponds. Hatchery personnel repaired leaks in pond dikes of ponds 9 and 11. Hatchery personnel sprayed Roundup around hatchery building and structures to assist in weed control. Hatchery ponds were mowed, disked and graded for upcoming culture season. Hatchery roads were graded and maintained.

9 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 6/3/14 Channel Catfish 2063 Blue River PHFA Okmulgee Kiddie #2 6/3/14 Channel Catfish 100 Pawnee Bill State Park(small pond) Camp 6/3/14 Channel Catfish 100 McFadden Pond 6/3/14 Channel Catfish 300 Ft Sill ponds 6/12/14 Channel Catfish 100 Robbers Cave State Park pond 5/21/14 Channel Catfish 200 OKC-Dolese Park Pond 5/21/14 Channel Catfish 200 OKC-Crystal Lake 5/29/14 Channel Catfish 400 Choctaw-Ten Acre 6/9/14 Channel Catfish 100 Willow Springs Pond 6/9/14 Channel Catfish 100 Marland Mansion 5/27/14 Florida LMB 105,200 Eufaula 5/28/14 Florida LMB 30,350 Sportsman 5/28/14 Florida LMB 31,825 Prague 5/28/14 Florida LMB 30,400 Wetumka 5/28/14 Florida LMB 30,400 Okemah City 6/10/14 Northern LMB 14,400 Wes Watkins (J.Davenport) Durant Hatchery: Ten Flmb fingerling rearing ponds and 3 Flmb fry ponds were harvested with a total of approximately 1,184,656 fish stocked into public waters during this reporting period. I & E staff visited the DFH to cover FLMB fingerling pond harvest and public stockings for ongoing FLMB media series. Durant Hatchery staff assisted with scheduled trout stockings at the Mtn Fork River. Approximately 1,118,240 Koi fry were transported from the A.E. Wood State Fish Hatchery in Texas and stocked into Durant Hatchery rearing ponds for future forage needs. Multiple rearing ponds were saran bagged, filled and fertilized for Bluegill and Goldfish spawning and channel catfish fry stockings. Tours were given to 5 people and packets with general ODWC information were distributed to walk-in visitors that were assisted during this reporting period. Luke Taylor, Fisheries Tech for DFH transferred to the Byron Fish Hatchery in June. Interviews were conducted in OKC to fill 2 Hatchery Technician vacancies. DH staff attended weekly hatchery staff meetings to plan out the work week(s) ahead. Hatchery roads were continuously graded and maintained during this period. Hatchery grounds were mowed, weed-eated and fence lines/structures sprayed. All fish species were monitored and fed, water quality maintained, D.O. s checked and recorded, fish sampled, plankton sampled and supplemental fertilization added as needed. Dip nets were mended or repaired. Hatchery grounds, buildings, equipment, and vehicles were maintained, cleaned and equipment repaired. DH staff continued monitoring and deterring otters, cormorants and herons from culture ponds and hatchery water supply reservoirs. The shop and office were cleaned as needed. The following fish were distributed to public waters: DATE SPECIES NUMBER SIZE NO/LB WATER STOCKED COUNTY 05/19 FLMB 100, ,423 Beggs City Okmulgee 05/19 FLMB 71, ,529 Weleetka Okfuskee 05/19 FLMB 105, ,338 Schooler Choctaw 05/19 FLMB 95, ,300 Crowder Washita 05/27 FLMB 90, McGee Creek Atoka 05/27 FLMB 30, ,095 Nanih Waiya Pushmataha 05/27 FLMB 90, Sardis Pushmataha 05/27 FLMB 15, ,095 Ozzie Cobb Pushmataha 05/27 FLMB 30, ,095 Raymond Gary Pushmataha 05/27 FLMB 30, Elmer Thomas Kingfisher 05/27 FLMB 59, Lawtonka Comanche 05/27 KOI TX 1,118,240 Fry Durant St. Fish Hatchery Bryan

10 05/28 FLMB 90, Broken Bow McCurtain 05/28 FLMB 90, Arbuckle Murray 05/28 FLMB 22, ,095 Durant Lake Bryan 05/28 FLMB 76, Murray Carter 05/29 FLMB 15, Mountain Lake Carter 05/29 FLMB 13, Murray Carter 05/29 FLMB 8, Durant Lake Bryan 05/29 FLMB 15, Cedar Lake LeFlore 05/29 FLMB 60, Pine Creek McCurtain 05/30 RBT** Lower Mtn. Fork River McCurtain 06/6-8 NLMB 26, Farm Pond DFH Bryan 06/06 NLMB 5, Farm Pond Porter Wagoner 06/10 NLMB 8, Carter Lake Marshall 06/19 RBT** Lower Mtn. Fork River McCurtain Source: *Durant State Fish Hatchery **Cedar Springs Trout Farm DH Staff Assisted (G. Schomer) Byron Hatchery: This reporting period saw the completion of the spawning season for hybrid striped bass and striped bass. Production activities for these species this month included incubation, hatching, feeding and monitoring of the fry in the fish house. Fry of both species were shipped when they reached the age requested. Other fish culture activities completed include setting, fertilizing, stocking, and sampling hybrid striped bass ponds (4), sunfish ponds (3), plus setting two channel catfish ponds, and 1 Florida largemouth bass pond. The Florida largemouth bass fingerlings were trained to take a pelleted diet and fed daily. This month two saugeye ponds, one bluegill, one sauger, and one hybrid sunfish pond were harvested and fish stocked. Largemouth bass were handed out to farm pond owners also this month. Maintenance activities completed this month include completing repairs to residence 4 (kitchen floor, and sheet rock in utility closet. Reservoir aerator was repaired this month and routine building, grounds, and vehicle maintenance was also completed. Work was started by contractor on installation of electricity to 8 ponds on east side of the Byron Hatchery. Other activities of significance this month include the assistant hatchery manager attending supervisor training, and hatchery supervisor attending bass committee meeting and making trip to Durant hatchery. Durant repair grant documents were completed and submitted to Federal Aid at USFWS. Bid from J.S. Haren was accepted for work to be done at Durant. The following fish were stocked this month. Species Number Length Great Salt Plains saugeye 57, public Shawnee 1 saugeye 34, public Shawnee 2 saugeye 29, public Waurika saugeye 110, public Crowder saugeye 5, public Kaw striped bass 200,000 fry public Northcentral Region hybrid sunfish 1,000 6 public OKC region hybrid sunfish 1,100 6 public Hatfield Pond hybrid sunfish public Bonham Pond hybrid sunfish public Etling bluegill 12,500 2 public Etling largemouth bass 1,500 1 public H.B. Parsons hybrid striped bass 450,000 Fry transfer Holdenville hybrid striped bass 225,000 Fry transfer Manning Hatchery hybrid striped bass 900,000 Fry transfer (S. Spade)

11 J A Manning Hatchery: Performed routine maintenance to equipment and vehicles as scheduled or needed. Seined bass fry from spawning ponds and placed fry into rearing ponds. Harvested bass and gave out to farm pond applicants. Transported excess farm pond bass to northwest region to be distributed to NW lakes. Fertilized bass pond and hybrid ponds to promote plankton. Sprayed catfish ponds to control algae. Fed catfish and monitor water quality in catfish ponds daily. Installed aerators in catfish ponds. Mowed and ran weedeater around hatchery grounds. Took truck to OKC to turn in. Received new truck and outfitted it for hauling fish. Gave hatchery tour to OKC group from private high school. Secretary began updating front office. (T. Wright)