Project Title: Status and Assessment of Northern Snakeheads, Channa argus, and Native Fishes in the Big Piney Watershed Following Operation Mongoose Project Summary: During spring of 2009, rotenone was applied to a majority of the Big Piney Creek watershed to eradicate/control snakeheads ( Operation Mongoose ). In concert with this effort, UCA collected data on over 700 snakeheads and 40 native fish species. Snakeheads continue to exist in Big Piney Creek, and it is important to monitor this population and collect data pertinent to understanding and controlling this potentially damaging, invasive species. Additionally, the re-establishment of the native bottomland hardwood fish fauna is a unique opportunity to study a group of fishes in need of conservation. Project Leaders: Dr. Reid Adams Associate Professor and Interim Chair of Biology radams@uca.edu, 501-450-5915 and Dr. Ginny Adams Assistant Professor and Environmental Science Program Coordinator gadams@uca.edu, 501-450-5917 Department of Biology University of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas 72035 Project Partners: Lee Holt, Fisheries Biologist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Brinkley, Arkansas, rlholt@agfc.state.ar.us, 870-734-4581 Jeff Farwick, Fisheries Biologist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Brinkley, Arkansas, jfarwick@agfc.state.ar.us, 870-734-4581 Lindsey Lewis, Biologist, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Conway Field Office, Conway, Arkansas, Lindsey_Lewis@fws.gov, 501-513-4489 Clint Johnson, Graduate Student, Department of Biology, University of Central Arkansas, crj30_06@yahoo.com Budget Summary: Total Project Cost: $ 168,225.00 (Year 1 - $88,710; Year 2 - $79,515) Total Requested from SWG: $108,493.00 (Year 1 - $57,101; Year 2 - $51,392) Matching Funds (Cash) from UCA: $7,000 Matching Funds (Inkind) from UCA: $46,732 Matching Funds (Inkind) from AGFC: $6,000
Project Statement Need: Northern Snakehead, native to parts of China, Russia, and Korea, is considered an injurious invasive species in the United States (USFWS). A wide physiochemical tolerance (reportedly even terrestrial environs), high reproductive potential, and voracious, predatory feeding habit characteristic of snakeheads are the perfect storm combination for a successful, damaging animal invader. The Northern Snakehead was first documented in open waters of Arkansas by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) during spring 2008. Prior to this finding, the only other established population in the U.S. was in the Potomac River basin. Subsequent surveys during spring and summer of 2008 identified several locations of occurrence within the Big Piney Creek drainage. Big Piney Creek, located near Brinkley, Arkansas, flows into Big Creek, which flows directly into the lower White River. No natural or manmade barriers prevent snakeheads or other fishes from moving between Big Piney Creek and the White River. In response to the seriousness of the situation, AGFC, with assistance from the USFWS and UCA, attempted to eradicate snakeheads from the Big Piney Creek drainage during spring 2009. Operation Mongoose entailed the impressive, coordinated application of rotenone to a majority of the Big Piney watershed (~ 640 km of stream) over eight days. During the application, UCA quantitatively sampled (depletion of blocked stream reaches of known area) snakeheads, native fishes, and selected amphibians at 45 sites throughout the watershed; we deployed block nets 24 hrs prior to rotenone application to a given area. Greater than 700 snakeheads were collected, and they were found at over 22 locations. The native fish community was comprised of approximately 40 species and included fishes of both recreational (e.g., bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish) and conservation (e.g., lake chubsucker and taillight shiner) importance. In collaboration with AGFC and USFWS, we have continued to sample fishes at 19 of the original study sites established during Operation Mongoose to study the re-colonization of the Big Piney watershed and monitor snakeheads. Sampling during late summer 2009 indicated many species were re-establishing populations in Big Piney Creek. One notable exception was that small-bodied species indicative of bottomland hardwood wetlands (e.g., taillight shiner and banded pygmy sunfish) have not re-colonized. Of additional paramount concern was the capture of 52 snakeheads at multiple locations, indicating snakeheads continue to exist in Big Piney Creek; we notified Lee Holt (AGFC) regarding the new snakehead captures. Figure 1. We have collected 52 snakeheads in Big Piney Creek post Operation Mongoose. These fish were captured at 3 locations that were not planned monitoring sites of AGFC. Continued monitoring is paramount, as researchers documented a 950% increase in abundance in the Potomac River from 2004 to 2005. Data on the reproductive ecology of snakeheads is critical to understanding their population dynamics in Big Piney Creek. Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan Priorities This project will contribute to three funding priorities including, 1) improve understanding of distribution and abundance for large river fishes of conservation need (e.g., lake chubsucker and paddlefish), 2) survey headwater aquatic biodiversity, and 3) maintain wetland integrity. Although in a degraded state, the Big Piney Creek watershed contains patches of intact bottomland hardwood wetland with fishes indicative of swamps in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. These habitats are relatively understudied, and the current project is an
opportunity to fill numerous data gaps. Study sites span approximately stream orders 1 to 4, and fish assemblages in headwaters of lowland river systems are probably less studied than corresponding upland habitats. Additionally, data will be collected on fishes typical of larger rivers (e.g., buffalo) due the connectivity with Big Creek and the White River. The discovery of snakeheads in Arkansas was made following the establishment of the current Funding Priorities. However, a reproducing population of snakeheads in waters open to the Mississippi River has the potential for far-reaching consequences. For example, 16 of 24 large river fishes listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need are found in the lower White River in the vicinity of Big Creek. Objectives: We have a standardized, quantitative method already established to monitor native fishes and snakeheads in Big Piney Creek. This research has previously provided valuable scientific data and aided on-the-ground management and conservation. We propose to continue this research in pursuit of the following objectives: 1) to monitor and quantify re-colonization patterns of native fish assemblages in a bottomland hardwood wetland watershed and 2) to continue monitoring snakehead abundance and distribution in Big Piney Creek and collect life history, population structure, and ecological data on this potentially damaging invasive. Methods: Fish and habitat data will be collected using previously established methods at 19 established locations within the Big Piney Creek watershed. We propose to make four sampling events: fall 2010, spring 2011, fall 2011, and spring 2012. Twenty-four hours prior to sampling, a site will be blocked upstream and downstream with standard-meshed nets. Rotenone will be applied to the blocked area by certified personnel (e.g., Clint Johnson). Application of potassium permanganate at both block nets will confine the kill to the blocked area. We have experience with this technique and successfully controlled our kill zone when using this method during the late summer 2009 sampling. Sampling with rotenone maintains standardization and relativity with data collected during Operation Mongoose. Additionally, this method is effective at sampling native fishes and snakeheads in the structurally complex habitats of Big Piney Creek. Following 24 hrs, fish will be removed from the blocked area using seines and dip nets. Large, native specimens will be identified in the field and length measured. Small-bodied individuals and all snakeheads will be taken back to the laboratory. Diet and reproductive data will be collected on snakeheads and other species of interest (e.g., bowfin). Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize abundance, distribution, life-history, and re-colonization rate data. A combination of univariate and multivariate inferential statistics will be used to quantify fish-habitat relationships, changes in abundance through time, and life-history parameters between species and other populations (e.g., Potomac River snakeheads). Figure 2. A standardized, quantitative sampling method is already established using block nets to express fish catch per unit of area. This is an unprecedented opportunity to collect data on fishes in a bottomland hardwood ecosystem following large-scale application of rotenone. Re-colonization data are critical to evaluate piscicide use as a control measure for invasive species.
Outcomes and Benefits: Bottomland hardwood ecosystems are difficult to study and quantitative, timeseries data sets of this magnitude are relatively rare. A continuation of sampling established during Operation Mongoose presents an unprecedented opportunity to fill data gaps on uniquely-adapted swamp species that are imperiled in Arkansas and throughout their range or are extinct in parts of their range (e.g., lake chubsucker, taillight shiner, and bantam sunfish). Direct outcomes will be descriptive data and models that can be used to conserve and manage these species and habitats. Big Piney Creek is a valued local fishery resource, and we will collect abundance and size-structure data that can be used for monitoring the re-establishment of important sportfish populations. Regarding snakeheads, life-history and ecological data can be used to further understand and predict impacts of snakeheads on native fishes. For example, we have already documented differences in growth patterns between Arkansas and Potomac River populations. We have demonstrated the ability and desire to work closely with on-the-ground AGFC personnel; all snakehead captures will be immediately reported so that appropriate actions can be taken (e.g., small-scale eradication/control measures). An indirect benefit of the project will be the contribution of numerous corresponding UCA student projects that have already started and can be continued. Additionally, the newly-formed UCA American Fisheries Society subunit (> 25 members) can actively pursue and assist in local public outreach efforts related to snakeheads and assist eradication/control efforts. This project presents many, varied opportunities for the professional development of students. Location of Work: Sampling will occur in the Big Piney watershed just east of Brinkley, Arkansas. The watershed is located in the Mississippi River Alluvial Plain ecoregion. Big Piney Creek is in the White River ecosystem. Budget: Budget Category State Wildlife Grant Funds (Federal) Cash Match (Non-Federal) In-Kind Match (Non-Federal) Total Project Cost Salaries 73,630.00-34,000.00 107,630.00 Supplies and Materials 9,500.00 - - 9,500.00 Travel 10,500.00 - - 10,500.00 Equipment 5,000.00 7,000.00 12,000.00 Indirect Costs 9,863.00-18,732.00 28,595.00 TOTAL 108,493.00 7,000.00 52,732.00 168,225.00 Existing Resources and Budget Justification: Boats, nets, field meters and laboratory equipment (e.g., microscopes) already exist at the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will provide rotenone and potassium permanganate. A cash match of $7,000 is being provided by UCA to cover the costs of a new boat motor for use on the project. Inkind salary match includes salary match from Reid Adams, Ginny Adams and project partners Lee Holt and Jeff Farwick from AGFC. The primary budget needs are salaries to cover the cost of graduate students, undergraduate students and PI summer salary. Travel costs include the monies to cover hotel expenses during sampling.
Qualifications: The University of Central Arkansas is uniquely qualified to complete this research due to qualifications of principal investigators, proximity to the sites and the collection of preliminary data prior to and during Operation Mongoose. Over 1,250 person hours (equal to over $20,000) were provided as in-kind during the initial Operation Mongoose to collect baseline data on fish communities and monitor snakehead abundance, life history and diet. Since the initial sampling, we have completed a second round of samples and have presented papers at a variety of venues. Dr. Reid Adams, MS University of Mississippi, PhD Southern Illinois University, greater than 15 years as a researcher of river and floodplain ecosystems that includes publications of approximately 10 peerreviewed papers, numerous presentations (> 35) given at professional meetings, and mentoring of many undergraduate and graduate student projects. Many of his projects have included data collection on nonindigenous species inhabiting large river systems. Dr. Ginny Adams, MS University of Arkansas, PhD Southern Illinois University, greater than 15 years as a researcher in a variety of ecosystems. While working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she examined the population dynamics of the zebra mussel in the Mississippi River basin. In 2004, she coauthored a chapter on nonindigenous aquatic species in the Shawnee and Hoosier National Forests and has conducted contractual work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create and update a web site on the identification and current status of nonindigenous aquatic species. Lee Holt, MS Arkansas Tech University, greater than five years as a fisheries biologist. He is a member of the American Fisheries Society and the Arkansas Chapter. He has extensive knowledge of Big Piney Creek habitats and local landowners. Jeff Farwick, BS in Natural Resources at Ohio State University, greater than 25 years of experience as a fish biologist. He is a member of the Arkansas Chapter of AFS and is an AFS Certified Fisheries Scientist. He has extensive knowledge of Big Piney Creek and local landowners. Lindsey Lewis, MS University of Central Arkansas, greater than 8 years of experience as a fish biologist. He is a member of the Arkansas Chapter of AFS. He has first-hand knowledge of snakeheads in Big Piney Creek habitats and will primarily serve an advisory role. Clint Johnson, Clint spent six years as a technician for Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In addition to his job, he completed a departmental Honor s Thesis on grotto sculpin. His extensive field and research experience as an undergraduate allowed him to begin work on the snakeheads while still an undergraduate (Operation Mongoose) and he choose to stay at UCA to complete his MS thesis on the snakeheads. Clint has already given 6 presentations (5 on his undergraduate thesis), including a presentation on the snakeheads at the Southeastern Fishes Council where he received an award for his presentation.