MOE POND LIMNOLOGY AND FISII POPULATION BIOLOGY: AN ECOSYSTEM APPROACH C. Mead McCoy, C. P.Madenjian, J. V. Adall1s, W. N. I-Iannan, D. M. Warner, M. F. Albright, and L. P. Sohacki BIOLOGICAL FIELD STArrION COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK Occasional Paper No. 33 January 2000 STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT ONEONTA
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MOE POND LIMNOLOGY AND FISII POPULATION BIOLOGY:
AN ECOSYSTEM APPROACH
C. Mead McCoy, C. P.Madenjian, J. V. Adall1s, W. N. I-Iannan, D. M. Warner,
M. F. Albright, and L. P. Sohacki
BIOLOGICAL FIELD STArrION COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK
Occasional Paper No. 33 January 2000
STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AT ONEONTA
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to express my gratitude to the members of my graduate committee: Willard Harman, Leonard Sohacki and Bruce Dayton for their comments in the preparation of this manuscript; and for the patience and understanding they exhibited w~lile I was their student. ·1 want to also thank Matthew Albright for his skills in quantitative analyses of total phosphorous and nitrite/nitrate-N conducted on water samples collected from Moe Pond during this study. I thank David Ramsey for his friendship and assistance in discussing chlorophyll a methodology. To all the SUNY Oneonta BFS interns who lent-a-hand during the Moe Pond field work of 1994 and 1995, I thank you for your efforts and trust that the spine wounds suffered were not in vain.
To all those at USGS Great Lakes Science Center who supported my efforts through encouragement and facilities - Jerrine Nichols, Douglas Wilcox, Bruce Manny, James Hickey and Nancy Milton, I thank all of you. Also to Donald Schloesser, with whom I share an office, I would like to thank you for your many helpful suggestions concerning the estimation of primary production in aquatic systems. In particular, I wish to express my appreciation to Charles Madenjian and Jean Adams for their combined quantitative prowess, insight and direction in data analyses and their friendship. To Jeff Allen whom through our conversation concerning the fate of golden shiner in Moe Pond brought to mind the beginnings of a trophic dynamics hypothesis, thanks Jeff.
Most of all I want to thank Mead, Beulah and Leonard for their love.
ABSTRACT
Moe Pond is located in upstate New York. It's watershed discharges into Otsego Lake which flows into the Susquehanna River. Moe Pond's watershed lies within a nopublic-access experimental area. The primary vegetation type present in the watershed is mixed northern hardwood and coniferous forest. The pond was treated with 56 tons of limestone in the late 1960's which has continued to influence the limnology.
The pond is a dimictic, unregulated, earthen-dike impoundment with surface area equal to 15.6 hectares and a mean depth of 1.8 meters.
Three maxima in phytoplankton biomass were observed: two summer blooms, 27 June and 24 August, 1994 and one autumnal peak 16 November, 1994. Annual mean chlorophyll a in 1994-1995 was 22.4 1-19/1. Annual mean total phosphorous was 30.4 1-19/1. Mean nitrite/nitrate-N concentrations were between <40-90 1-19/1 during the year. Annual mean alkalinity ranged in concentration from 13-20 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen concentrations exhibited hypoxic conditions in water 2.0-3.0 m in depth on only two occasions: 28 March, 1994 just prior to spring overturn and 13 July, 1994 - sixteen days after the annual maximum in phytoplankton biomass. The annual mean pH ranged from 6.70-9.12. A regression equation was developed to estimate chlorophyll a from Secchi depth measurements. Carlson's trophic state index (TSI) empirical model found the pond to be eutrophic, utilizing total phosphorous, chlorophyll a and Secchi depth values. Gross daily photosynthetic production, 3.47 g O)rn', was determined by a diel community metabolism study, which was conducted 18 June through 19 June, 1995. Many incongruities were observed in the data collected during the limnological investigation that suggests that the pond is atypically eutrophic.
The pond fish community consists of two species: brown bullhead, Ameiurus nebulosus, and golden shiner, Notemigonus chrysoleucas. The fishery is unexploited.
The bullhead population was estimated to be 4,057 using a Schnabel capturerecapture method of population estimation with mean total length = 134 mm. Bullhead mean weight was estimated to be 50 g for a 175 mm modified Fyke net captured individual. Density was estimated at 260 bullhead/ha using the Schnabel population estimate and 13 kg/ha using mean weight at length estimates. Annual survival rate of age II through age V bullhead was 48% as estimated from a Peterson length frequency analysis (n=1370). Condition factor K (TL) for age II through age >V was found to be K = 1.29 (n=26).
Golden shiner population structure analysis demonstrated an unimodal size distribution (i.e. stunting) with a maximum total length of 115 mm (n=137). Shiner mean weight was estimated to be 7.5 g. The shiner population estimate was 7,154 assuming a Poisson distribution of seven beach seine haul replicate samples. Shiner density was estimated to be 5 kg/ha and 686 shiner/ha.
Top-down biomanipulation is recommended to effect a trophic cascade in Moe Pond. The hypothetical consequences of stocking largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, adults are that an improvement in water quality and fish community growth and survival will result. Prior to biomanipulation a variety of additional research projects should be executed to provide greater understanding of phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos community dynamics.
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CONTENTS
Acknowledgments i Abstract. ii Contents iii List ofTables iii List of Figures iv List of Appendices v Introduction 1 Methods 9 Results (Limnology) 15 Results (Fish Population Biology) 34 Discussion 44 Literature Cited 53 Appendices A-1
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Limnological mean values for Moe Pond from 28 march, 1994 to 10 April, 1995 and sampled at the same location between 0900 h - 1200 h 16
Table 2. Pearson correlation coefficients for all possible parings of limnological parameters measured in Moe Pond 1994-95 28
Table 3. Estimate of brown bullhead population (Schnabel, 1938), in Moe Pond, 1995, using a multiple census method of capture-recapture with inverse modification (Ricker, 1975) (table format adapted from Van Den Avyle, 1993) 42
Table 4. Limnological values for Moe Pond from 11 July, 1968 through November, 1989 (Sohacki, 1972 and unpublished data) 45
Table 5. Comparison of brown bullhead length at age and condition factor at various locations 49
Appendix A. Moe Pond Hydrolab and Seccl1i depth data collected from 28 March, 1994 through 10 April, 1995 A-1
Appendix B. Moe Pond alkalinity and calcium concentration data collected 6 May, 1994 through 10 April, 1995 B-1
Appendix C. Moe Pond total phosphorous (TP) and .nitrite/nitrate-N (N02/N03-N) concentrations taken at various depths from 28 March, 1994 through 10 April, 1995 C-1
Appendix O. Chlorophyll a extracted from phytoplankton collected from Moe Pond 28 March, 1994 through 10 April, 1995 0-1
Appendix E. Moe Pond diel community metabolism study E-1
Appendix F. Moe Pond hydrological (Le. discharge) data collected 16 June, 1994 through 15 August, 1995 F-1
Appendix G. Moe Pond fish survey data collected 15 June through 15 August, 1995 G-1
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INTRODUCTION
I. Cultural History
Moe Pond (N 42° 43', W 74° 56') is located near the Village of Cooperstown, in Otsego County, New York. The pond was named for Henry Allen Moe, a past member of the New York State Historical Association (Harman, 1995). It is an artificial impoundment with an earthen dam and concrete emergency spillway (Clikeman, 1978). The west concrete spillway abutment face is dated 1939, indicating that the impoundment construction was completed nearly sixty years ago. A drainage devise having an adjustable flow valve passes through the base of the dike allowing for impoundment level drawdown and discharge of water into Willow Brook, and ultimately to Otsego Lake.
The pond was drained in 1964 and a fire line was installed serving the Farmer's Museum, Inc. and the New York State Historical Association in Cooperstown (Harman, 1972). In 1965 a line connecting the Leatherstocking Golf Course irrigation system with the fire line was completed (Harman, 1972). Using the pond water caused discoloration to the pin flags and golf course greens (Harman, 1972). In 1966 twenty-one tons of limestone were applied to the pond followed by an additional 35 tons in 1967 (Harman, 1972). The limestone treatment was recommended by Cornell University and was successful in removing the discoloration (Harman, 1977). In 1967 the golf course stopped using water from the pond to irrigate.
In 1967 the property that is now considered to be the upper site (parcell), which includes Moe Pond and its watershed, was transferred to the State University of New York College at Oneonta (SUNY Oneonta) for the sum of One Dollar from the Leatherstocking Corporation (Harman, 1972) (Figure 1). The upper site encompasses 362.37 acres (146.65 ha) (Harman, 1977). As a result of ownership transfer to SUNY Oneonta, the entire upper site was designated a restricted access experimental research area (Harman, 1977).
New Pond (N 42° 89', W 74° 57') is adjacent to the west shore of Moe Pond and lies within the upper site parcel (Figure 1). It was created in the 1960's as a consequence of airport runway construction causing water to be impounded and diverting the pond outflow from the west toward the east (Figure 1). New Pond is named in memory of John G. New, Professor and first chair of the Biology Department at SUNY Oneonta.
Also included in the sale was another parcel where the main laboratory is located (N 42° 43', W 74° 55') along the southwest shore of Otsego Lake, just northwest of the Village of Cooperstown.
II. Natural History
The following literature review of studies and theses published in the Annual Reports and Occasional Papers of the Biological Field Station (BFS) is intended to illustrate the body of work that has preceded the present study, and
its relevancy to the study of Moe Pond's ecology and watershed.
Superficial Geology and Soils A preliminary study of the geology of the Otsego Lake drainage basin,
which includes Moe Pond, was done by Sales (1974) and led to further efforts in understanding the importance of geology to the biota of the Otsego Lake watershed.
Harman and Sohacki (1976) listed and mapped the soil types that occurred in the Otsego Lake watershed including those of the Moe Pond drainage sub-basin.
In 1977 two studies concerning the geology of the Otsego Lake drainage basin were completed: Fleisher (1977) Glacial Geomorphology of the Upper Susquehanna Drainage; and Sales et a!. (1977) Geological Investigation of Otsego Lake /I. The underlying geology of the Moe Pond basin and contiguous watershed is composed of dark bluish gray shales, arenaceous shales and flaggy, and fine-grained argillaceous sandstone of the middle Devonian Panther Mountain Formation (Harman, 1977). The pond substrate is mostly channery, silt and sand derived from Devonian shales and glacial deposits (Harman, 1977).
Soils in the Willow Brook drainage basin, of which the Moe Pond subdrainage basin is a portion, are developed in glacial lodgement till which veneers the bedrock. The high clay content of this till and the impermeable nature of the underlying shales and siltstones reduce the infiltration capacity. Therefore, during heavy precipitation or snowmelt rapid saturation of the substrata occurs, and runoff directly into the stream is favored over infiltration (Clikeman, 1978). Komorowski (1994) generally describes the soils in the Moe Pond watershed to be Lordstown-Mardin-Bath with a pH range of 4.2 - 7.8.
Watershed and Hydrology The Moe Pond sub-drainage basin (i.e. watershed) lies near the
headwaters of the Willow Brook drainage basin. There are no permanent tributaries that discharge into the pond. During the late winter and early spring period, while the ground is still frozen, snow-melt and precipitation are released as overland flow and subterranean runoff, due to poor soil infiltration capacity. Hillside seeps then form to create an ephemeral tributary that flows into the north end of the pond.
The Willow Brook drainage basin is comprised of 4 sub-basins totaling 1.26 square miles (3.26 km 2) of which the Moe Pond sub-basin is 0.29 square miles (0.75 km 2
) and comprising 23% of the total drainage basin (Clikeman, 1978). Willow Brook flows through the Village of Cooperstown before discharging its waters into the south-end of Otsego Lake which is positioned at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River drainage basin.
The Moe Pond surface area is 38.6 acres (15.6 ha) (Sohacki, 1972). The entire Moe Pond watershed encompasses 185.8 acres (75.2 ha) (Clikeman, 1978). The surface area of the pond is approximately 21 % of the total Moe Pond watershed acreage. Slightly over half of the acreage of the upper site is within
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the boundaries of the Moe Pond watershed (Figure 1). Clikeman (1978) found that Moe Pond contributed only 24% to the total
Willow Brook drainage basin discharge, but that the impoundment's storage capacity was important in lessening the impact of storm events and flooding to the lower portions of the watershed. In January, 1978 it was empirically determined that Moe Pond discharged 30.9 cfm (0.52 cfs) into Willow Brook, and that in September of the same year there was negligible discharge (Clikeman, 1978).
Following the work done by Clikeman (1978), a Moe Pond watershed estimated monthly water budget model was developed in an attempt to predict discharge form the outlet of Moe Pond into Willow Brook for all months of the year. It was determined that the estimated discharge for the months of June through October, in any given year, would be zero or no spill. The month with the single greatest estimated predicted discharge was 0.69 cfs in March (McCoy, 1994).
New Pond is not within Moe Pond's natural watershed boundaries. However, due to cultural alterations in drainage pattern, its altered outflow discharges into Moe Pond during storm events (Harman, 1995) (Figure 1). New Pond has a surface area of 0.5 hectares and a mean depth of 4 ft (1.2 m) and a maximum of 8 ft (2.4 m) (Harman, 1999).
Terrestrial Fungi and Non-Vascular Plants Marr (1970) collected, identified and mapped the locations of the fungal
species found throughout the upper site; in addition he included a species list of all lichens, bryophytes and tracheopyhtes found. A survey listing the slime molds at the upper site was completed by Marr (1971). A study that built on the earlier work done by Marr (1970) was completed by Kerlinger in 1975 locating and compiling a species list and key to the lichens found in the upper site, and Otsego County.
In 1985, Marr extended his studies of the upper site fungi community.
Terrestrial Vascular Plants Powell (1968) did a survey of woody and herbaceous plants at the upper
site and complied an extensive list of species present. Beginning in 1970 Dayton initiated work within the Moe Pond watershed
examining the differences between forest and old field primary production. This worked continued in the watershed until 1972. In 1973 he investigated AboveGround Dimensions and Weights of Representative Forest Trees at the upper site. In 1974 he constructed a map of all the major plant communities found in the upper site. Mathieu (1979) conducted a biomass study of a stand of Pinus resinosa (red pine) on the upper site. A compilation of all previous information collected on the upper site in regard to vascular plants was done by Settle (1981 ).
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Terrestrial Invertebrates A general invertebrate survey of the upper site was conducted by Raver
(1968) and listed a diversity of taxa. MacNamara and Harman (1974) collected and produced a species list of the terrestrial mollusks found in the northern hardwood forest of the upper site. Some of the mollusk specimens were found in guts of the terrestrial stage of the common newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) that inhabits the same area. Butts (1968 to present in BFS Annual Reports) has continued to monitor populations of mosquitos at the upper site since it's ecological studies began. In addition, Butts has monitored the waterfowl activity on Moe Pond and in Experimental Area 5, also found on the upper site, as well as deer tick populations throughout the area.
In 1975, Norton and MacNamara completed a study of the terrestrial mites found at the upper site, which were identified from gut samples taken from the terrestrial stage of the common newt (i.e. red eft). During the present study of Moe Pond and the previous fish survey of New pond (McCoy and Urban, 1995) no specimens of the aquatic stage of the common newt were observed by the investigator.
House (1981; '1982) collected and completed an illustrated guide and key to the adult dragonflies and damselflies. Some of the specimens used in the key were collected at the upper site.
Terrestrial Vertebrates John G. New continued to oversee vertebrate studies and monitoring at
the upper site from 1968 to 1982. Through his efforts an extensive vertebrate collection has been maintained at SUNY Oneonta. In 1968, Reuss completed a survey of the small mammals found at the upper site. Jorgenson (1974) also surveyed the small mammal species of the upper site. MacNamara (1976) cond ucted a study of The Diet and Feeding Habits ofthe Terrestrial Stage of the Common Newt, all newts being collected from the upper site, Ward (1979) compiled a list of the Birds of the Biological Field Station (i.e. the upper site). Osenni (1984) studied the Ecological Determinates of Distribution for Several Small Mammals. This investigation was completed within the boundaries of the upper site.
Limnology Stam and Wassmer (1968) did an initial investigation of Moe Pond's
limnology during the summer months of that same year, and found that CO2 and O2 concentrations both decreased over time at all depths. Total Phosphorous increased at the bottom and decreased at the surface over time. Light penetration decreased over the summer and temperature increased at all depths over time. pH remained slightly acidic throughout the study.
In 1971, Harman commented on the state of Moe Pond as being incongruous with ecological expectations. The watershed being well vegetated and protected from further cultural land use disturbances, in combination with soil parent materials derived from strongly acidic shales, would lead to the
5
expectation that the trophic state would tend to be more oligotrophic (Harman, 1971). In contrast to this expectation, the pond exhibited characteristics of being a highly eutrophic water body (e.g. planktonic blooms in the summer resulting in Secchi depth measurements of less than 0.5 m, as well as late summer algal bloom die-ofts resulting in layers up to 1 cm in thickness over the surface of the pond) (Harman, 1971). Bacterial decomposition caused an extremely noxious situation. Harman suspected some previous unknown cultural impact on the pond's productivity which was later determined to have been associated with 56 tons of limestone having been added before BFS acquisition (Harman, 1972). The paucity of benthic invertebrate populations and aquatic macrophytes found in the system was indicative of a situation normally seen in oligotrophic and dystrophic waters (Harman, 1971). Extremely high densities of planktonic algae and several species of zooplankters were seen and appeared to support the idea that the pond had been recently artificially fertilized (Harman, 1971). Sohacki (1972) presents a range of limnological data collected over the years from 1968 through 1972 that supports the conclusions made by Harman (1971) that Moe Pond was eutrophic. Blue-green algae were determined to dominate the phytoplankton community (Sohacki, 1972). A morphometric map of the Moe Pond basin with bathometric contours was developed by Sohacki and Reuss in 1969 and included in Sohacki (1972).
Aquatic Macrophytes and Macroalgae Harman (1971) surveyed and identified the four species of submergent
macrophytes found in Moe Pond: Chara sp., Najas flexilis, Potamogeton pusillus and Eleocharis sp. Phragmites was found at the upper site in 1994 at the south end of Moe Pond on the east side of the spillway outlet. Plant material removal was conducted in an attempt to halt its expansion and continued colonization by this invasive species.
Zooplankton The zooplankton community present in Moe Pond was described by
Harman in 1971.
Macrobenthos Harman (1971; 1972) describes the macrobenthos present in Moe Pond
by species. Harman and Olsen (1972) list the macrobenthos genera found in New Pond. Also, in 1972, Harman and Herrmann reported their findings concerning The Population Dynamics of Two Species of Freshwater Gastropods inhabiting Moe Pond. Harman and Katsigianis (1973) studied trematodes (i.e.flukes) that were parasitizing Moe Pond aquatic gastropods and golden shiner. The aquatic mollusks of both Moe and New ponds were listed by McNamara and Harman (1974) as well as, those found in the northern hardwood forest community of the upper site. Some of the species listed for the terrestrial environment were taken from gut samples of red etfs.
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Aquatic Vertebrates A survey conducted on Moe Pond's fish community by Stam and New
(1968) using a minnow seine found only two species to be present: brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and golden shiner (Notemigonus cryso/eucas) (AFS, 1991).
In 1968, Reuss surveyed and listed by species the amphibians and reptiles (i.e. snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and eastern garter snake (Thalmnopis sirtalis)) that occurred at the upper site (Conant and Collins, 1991).
A survey of the Moe Pond fish community was conducted in the summer of 1993 as part of an Otsego Lake drainage basin wide fish survey of all the streams and smaller standing water bodies found in the watershed (Foster, 1995). It was reported by Foster that no change in the fish community had occurred since first surveyed by Stam and New (1968). In 1977, New compiled a comprehensive list of all the recorded occurrences of aquatic and terrestrial herptofauna at the upper site.
A preliminary fish survey of New Pond was conducted in the summer of 1994 to determine fish species composition and population structure. It was found that pumpkinseed, Lepomis gibbosus was the only fish species present. The mean total length of the fish sampled (n=490) was 47 mm and the range found to be 18-140 mm. The mean total length suggested that the pumpkinseed population exhibited slow growth (i.e. stunting). A few large individuals were present in the population. The majority (80.6%) of the population was clustered between 33-57 mm in total length (McCoy and Urban, 1995). Pumpkinseed were not found in Moe Pond.
Ecosystem Level Studies The studies described below are of a more diverse nature. They were
conducted to assess a variety of ecosystem factors at work concurrently. Monostory (1971) investigated Stream - Lake Productivity Relations in the
Otsego Lake Watershed. This study appears to have set in place the foundation for finer-resolution stUdies to follow (e.g. Iannuzzi, 1991; Albright et aI., 1996). In 1975, Dayton broadened his investigations and conducted a study of Upland Forest Vegetation Along the Susquehanna Headwaters. Marr (1989) completed a synthesis work of the Forest Communities and Mycorrhizal Associates of the Upper BFS Site. Innauzzi (1991) completed an investigation of The Chemical Limnology and Water Quality of Otsego Lake. A study of the Periphyton Biomass and Identification Found in the Tributaries of Otsego Lake in Relation to Selected Environmental Parameters was completed by Komorowski (1994). A limnological and Biological Survey of Weaver Lake was conducted by MacArthur (1995). In 1996 Albright et al. completed their work concerning Hydrology and Nutrient Budgets for Otsego Lake. A compilation of 60 years of ecological investigations of the Otsego Lake watershed culminated in The State of Otsego Lake 1936 - 1996 (Harman et aI., 1997).
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III. The Present Study Previous studies, as described above, of the Moe Pond ecosystem have
tended to be specialized in their scope, but when taken as a whole characterize rather well the terrestrial and aquatic components of the system. In addition, the ecosystem level investigations that have been conducted on the entire Otsego Lake watershed and other smaller sub-units within the watershed have been instructive in attempting to use an ecosystem approach to Moe Pond.
Limnology The limnological investigations were conducted over twelve consecutive
months so as to describe the seasonal and with depth variations observed in the individuallimnological parameters measured. A 24-hour community metabolism study was completed while collecting fish ecology data during the summer following the completion of the Iimnological investigations. This empirical data set was then used to characterize the trophic state of the pond ecosystem during the non-winter months of maximum phytoplankton biomass, as well as used to examine some of the trends and patterns observed over the study period.
The previous limnological data collected and cultural information known concerning the ecology of Moe Pond (Stam and Wassmer, 1968; Harman, 1971, 1972, 1977; Sohacki, 1972) has been instrumental in gaining a long term perspective of the changes that have occurred over thirty years and allows for a discussion of its limnological ontogeny.
Fish Population Biology Following the completion of the limnological data collection, an
investigation of the Moe Pond fish community was conducted to assess all species present. Brown bullhead population size, structure, annual survival rate and condition were evaluated. Golden shiner population size and structure were assessed, but other aspects of their population biology were not investigated because of limitations inherent in the types of capture gear deployed during the study.
Previous work had been done in relation to the fish community present in Moe Pond (Stam and New, 1968; Foster, 1995), using a qualitative methodology. The present study approach was comprehensive in its sampling design so as to assess quantitatively as many aspects of the fish community composition and structure as was possible given resource limitations.
Other intentions of the study were to gain adequate insight into the fish ecology of Moe Pond so as to be able to offer suggestions as to potential management improvements that could be implemented to increase the fish faunal diversity and enhance its productivity. As a consequence of the above stated objectives the potential effects of conspecific, environmental and nonpiscine predation on the fish community are discussed.
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METHODS
Limnology Limnological analyses were performed and/or water samples collected
from Moe Pond approximately every two weeks from 28 March, 1994 through 10 April, 1995, except for the period of 4 January through 6 February, 1995 when a midwinter thaw prevented sampling either due to thin ice or ice-out conditions.
The single water quality station used in the present study was chosen at a location of maximum depth of 3.8 m (Sohacki, 1972). All open-water sampling was conducted from a rowboat at the buoy-marked site, identified as WQ on Figure 2. The winter and early spring periods of through-the-ice sampling required the use of a manual 8" ice-auger. All through-the-ice water quality analyses and sampling were conducted at the same site as the open-water phase.
Secchi disk transparency was determined over the side of a boat or through-the-ice to the nearest 5 cm of depth.
A Hydrolab Surveyor II® with probe model # SVR2-SU and Sonde unit with model 4041-CA circulator assembly was used to determine depth (m), watertemperature CC), dissolved oxygen [mg/l], pH and specific conductance (IJS/cm). The Hydrolab probe was calibrated before field use on a weekly basis for four parameters. Hydrolab measurements were routinely taken at 0.5 m intervals, beginning at the surface to 3.0 m in depth, with the exception of 28 March and 6 May, 1994 when the depths differed slightly from the standardized routine.
A Wildco® vertical opaque PVC alpha bottle (Cat NO.1940 046) was used to collect all water samples. Samples were collected at three depths in the water column: 0.0-0.5 m (subsurface), 1.0-1.5 m (mid-column) and 2.0-2.5 m Uust-offthe-bottom). Chlorophyll a water samples were stored for transport from the field to the lab in (3) 2 I translucent Nalgene® HOPE bottles. Samples collected for total phosphorous (TP), nitrite/nitrate-N (NO/N0 3 -N), alkalinity and calcium analyses were stored and transported from the field in (3) 500 ml clear Lexan1!l bottles. All processing, preservation and/or analyses of field samples were begun within a couple hours of completion of field sampling on the same day of collection.
On each sampling day from each of the three 500 ml water samples collected at different depths in the water column (i.e. subsurface, mid-water and off-the-bottom), one sub-sample each was taken and analyzed for NO/N03 -N (25 ml), TP (40 ml), alkalinity (100 ml) and calcium (50 rnl).
Nitrite/nitrate-N sub-sample volumes of 25 ml were vacuum-filtered to remove suspended organic matter and the filtrate then preserved at < 4°C (Albright et aI., 1996). The method of analysis performed on the sub-samples was cadmium reduction (APHA, 1989). Sub-samples analyzed from 28 March through 24 August, 1994 were found to be undetectable at or below a concentration of 50 I-Ig/l. During this period of investigation only two sub-sample values were higher than the detection limit. Although, the detection limit of the
~ \...ata" qualit}' (WQ) A modified Fyte net (FN) ___
beach seine (llS) ~ minnow trap (M1/ • gill net (GN) .... Ot1t:r lr.1wt (OT)
Figure 2 Basin morphometry of Moe Pond (Sohacki, 1972). All fish capture gear and water sampling station are indicated.
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method in use during this time period did not permit precision below 50 1-19/1, it was estimated that the values for NO/N03 -N were in the range of 0-30 1-19/1 (Albright, 1995). Analysis completed on NO/N03 -N after 24 August, 1994 through 10 April, 1995 was of a greater sensitivity and capable of detecting concentrations of NO/N03 -N as low as 30 1-19/1.
Preservation of each 40 ml TP sub-sample was accomplished through persulfate digestion using 0.4 ml standard acid solution (USEPA, 1983; Albright et ai., 1996). All TP sub-samples were then placed in Erlenmeyer flasks and aluminum foil capped. Final TP analysis was completed using a single reagent ascorbic acid method (USEPA, 1983).
The method for determining alkalinity was modified from Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (1992), New York State Department of Health, ELAP Certification Manual (1994) and USEPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes (1983) (MacArthur, 1995). Alkalinity titration using 0.02 N Hel and bromcresol green indicator (100 ml bromcresol green + 100 rnl isopropyl alcohol) was performed on each 100 ml sub-sample.
A Fisher Scientific Accumet® pH meter 50 was used to determine titration endpoint for both alkalinity and calcium analyses. Samples were titrated to a pH of 4.6 for alkalinity. The pH meter was used in combination with the colorimetric methods.
Murexide (ammonium purpurate) indicator was used in the determination of calcium concentration (MacArthur, 1995). The EDTA titrimetric method was chosen for calcium analysis on all 50 ml sub-samples (APHA, 1983).
Two sub-samples from each of the three water column samples collected at different depths were analyzed for chlorophyll a throughout the study period, except from 28 March through 27 May, 1994 when only one sub-sample at each depth was analyzed. Each sample was vacuum-filtered at.:: 400 mg Hg through a GFIA glass microfibre filter which was then cryopreserved to be extracted and analyzed within two weeks of preservation. The quantity of water filtered for each sub-sample was determined by the relative plankton density. All chlorophyll a sample values were determined using the spectrophotometric method (APHA, 1989).
Quattro Pro@ V 8.0 was used for statistical analysis of limnological data colleted. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated for each possible pairing of lirnnological parameters to determine whether the correlation coefficient was significantly different than zero, t-test with a =0.05 was used (Rohlf and Sakal, 1981; Sokal and Rohlf, 1995). A predictive regression equation of the form log (y) = (a) - bx, was developed to quantify the relationship between Secchi depth and chlorophyll a, where y =chlorophyll a concentration (pg/l] and x =Secchi depth (m). The intercept, a, was estimated at 4.5167 and the slope, b, was estimated at -1.2509. Back-transforming, the equation becomes: y = 91.533e- 12509,.
In an attempt to characterize the trophic state of Moe Pond chlorophyll a, total phosphorous and Secchi depth were applied to a trophic state index (TSI) model developed by Carlson, 1977. Interpolation of Carlson's TSI values
11
presented in the table below were required to accurately reflect the chlorophyll a, TP and Secchi depth data gathered during the study:
TSI Secchi depth (m) Surface Phosphorous Surface (mg/m 3
A diel community metabolism study was undertaken from 2000 h on 18 June to 2000 h 19 June, 1995 (Welch, 1968; Hall and Mott, 1975). All. Iimnological measurements were taken at water sampling site WQ (Figure 2). A Hydrolab~ was used to collect measurements of depth, dissolved O2 , pH, temperature and specific conductance at 0.5 m intervals from the surface to 3.0 m in depth every 4-hours. An estimate of gross daily photosynthetic production was calculated simply by using three points in time during the 24-hour period: 2000 h on the18th
, 0800 h on the 19th and 2000 h on the 19th. A weighted mean
of O2 concentration was used to represent the relative portions (% volume) of the water column at each of the three depth intervals in relation to the pond volume: 0.0 - 1.0 m (42.8 % of volume) , 1.0 - 2.0 m (37.0 % of volume) and 2.0 - 3.0 m (20.2 % of volume). The method used to find relative volume at each depth interval was to cut paper sections along bathymetric contour lines and weighing each paper portion to find it's relative weight to volume ratio. The difference between oxygen concentrations measured near dusk (2000 h on 18 June) and
=t::. 02 illumthose measured near dawn (0800 h on 19 June) ; while the difference between the O2 concentrations measured at 0800 h on the morning of 19 June and near dusk at the end of the 24-hour study (2000 h on 19 June) = t::. 02max
(Tailing, 1969).
Hydrology Observations and measurements of discharge (Q) from the outlet of Moe
Pond were made from 16 June, 1994 through 15 August, 1995, concurrently with limnological or fish ecology data collection. Flow depth was measured using a thin plastic 10 cm pocket ruler placed on the spillway, in such a way as to prevent the creation of a pressure wave. The spillway width is 14.6 feet (4.45 m). Using the critical flow equation an estimate of Q was made for each day
12
= W y15 vsurveyed: Q cis g where w (ft) is width of the spillway, y (ft) is water depth over the spillway and g is the critical flow constant (32.2 ft/sec) (Palmer, 1994).
Fish Population Biology Moe Pond fish community diversity, density, size and structure were
investigated from 15 June through 15 August, 1995. Fish were field identified using Eddy and Underhill (1978)..
Brown bullhead population size and structure were surveyed. Total lengths (TL) were recorded for fish captured. Occasionally during the study combined weights were taken of smaller fish, while larger fish were weighed individually. Mutilation of adipose 'fin (i.e. fin-clip) was used in marking bullhead prior to release back into the population (Wydoski and Emery, 1983). All live fish captured were released back into Moe pond. Bullhead.:5. 33 mm in TL were not marked prior to being returned to the water. A combination of passive and active fish capture gear were deployed, including modified Fyke nets, beach seine, minnow traps, gill net and an Otter trawl (Hubert, 1996; Hayes, 1983). Figure 2 displays all fish capture gear set locations. The gill net and Otter trawl were found to be ineffective in sampling the two fish species found in Moe Pond and were discontinued in their use after initial trials.
Golden shiner population size and structure were assessed using the same capture gear deployed to study bullhead population parameters (see above). Total lengths were recorded and some weights were taken before fish were released into the pond. All live fish were returned to the water. No marking of golden shiner was done prior to release.
Modified Fyke nets were deployed for approximately a 24-hour period, either individually or two traps on the same day. The leader measured 48 feet by 3 feet and was set perpendicular to shore. Dimensions of the box portion of the net were 2' x 6' X 3'. The hoop net measured 10' beyond the rear of the box. The four hoops integrated into the rear portion of the net each had a diameter of 2 Y:z'. The net had no wings. Mesh size throughout the net was Y:z". A buoy line and weight were attached to the net-end at the time of final set. Three modified Fyke net stations were set at roughly equidistance from each other along the perimeter of Moe Pond: FN 1(north end), FN 2 (east side) and FN 4 (west side) (Figure 2).
Modified Fyke nets continued to be deployed in the same locations until the number of recaptured (i.e. marked) bullhead approached 50 % of the total bullhead catch per set, or nets were moved if catch overlap was observed (Le. marked bullhead were being captured upon initial deployment at a new location). Net rotation from one sampling location to the next was done to assess potential differences in bullhead habitat preference and abundance. Modified Fyke net station FN 3 was only set once because marked bullhead were observed in the initial set. At all other locations traps were deployed until approximately 50 % marked bullhead were seen in the nets.
Beach seine gear dimensions were 125' x 6' (38 m x 1.8 m) with a bag
13
6' X 6' X 6' (1.8 m x 1.8 m x 1.8 m). The mesh size throughout the entire seine was .25" (.64 mm). Seine deployment was restricted to only near dike areas (south-end; see Figure 2). Other Moe Pond nearshore areas were seineobstructed by either large-woody-debris in the water or along the shoreline. The seine was set swiftly using a row boat and then hauled in from shore.
Twelve baited minnow traps were deployed in nearshore areas for approximately 24-hour periods (Figure 2). Minnow trap dimensions were length = 17.5" (44.4 cm) with diameter = 9" (22.9 cm). The trap was constructed of galvanized wire and steel with mesh size =.25" (.64 cm). The trap entrance diameter was 1.25"-1.5" (3.2 cm - 3.8 cm). Five chunks of Agway Big Red Oll dry dog food were placed in each trap as bait.
One gill net set was made on 15 June, 1995, and allowed to fish for 24 hours (Figure 2). Net dimensions were 20' x 50" (6.1 m x 1.27 m) with .25" (1 cm) mesh. All live fish were released following data collection. Bullheads were fin-clipped before release.
Modifications were made to a small Otter trawl in an attempt to lift it off the bottom so as to act effectively as a mid-water trawl. All attempts failed. Bullheads captured in the trawl were marked and then released, except for bullhead sac-fry (~ 33 mm).
A Schnabel (1938) population size estimate of brown bullhead was conducted using a multiple census method of capture-recapture with inverse census modifications (Ricker, 1975). The following equation was used to estimate the bullhead population size using all five types of fish capture gear mentioned above: N = 175
':1 CIM
E5t: I R, Where N =estimate of population size, M =number of fish initially marked and released, C =number of fish collected and examined for marks, R =number of recaptures found in C, t refers to the individual sample period and n is the number of periods (Van Den Avyle, 1993).
A Petersen method of age determination from size frequency distribution was used to estimate the age grouping (cohorts) of bullhead based on inspection of peak separations found in the length frequency distribution of bullhead captured in all gear during the sfudy period (Jearld, 1983; Busacker et aI., 1990). An estimate of survival rate for a segment (i.e. age II - V) of the brown bullhead population was calculated using the equation: S = e- Z
• Where Z is the instantaneous mortality rate estimated from the catch curve (Ricker, 1975). Cohorts 0 and age I fish were not fully represented in the total catch due to gear selectivity for fish of greater total length. Fish age VI and greater were not included in the estimate of survival rate because of obvious mode damping due to cohort overlap in older fish (Jearld, 1983; Busacker et aI., 1990).
Ponderal index or condition factor (K) was estimated for the brown bullhead Moe Pond population (Carlander, 1969). Fish used in the estimate were captured in a single modified Fyke net set, and total length (mm) and weight (g) taken from 26 individuals. All were fin-clipped and then released.
14
A hanging Ohaus® spring scale was used to weigh all fish. Scale accuracy was within ±10 grams. Weights were rounded to the nearest 25 gram increment. The measure of plumpness or condition was calculated using:
K (TL) = W 105
LJ Where W= weight in grams, L =length in mm; and 105 is a factor to bring the value of K near unity (Carlander, 1969).
An estimate of golden shiner population size was determined using the mean number of shiner captured in (7) replicate beach seine hauls. The mean value was then assigned a number of fish per surface area value defined by the area swept by the 125' (i.e. 2513 fF) beach seine. The average density of shiner estimated from the seine hauls was then extrapolated to the entire pond surface area to yield a lake-wide estimate of the population size. A statistical assumption inherent in the estimation method used was that the haul seine gear randomly sampled the total shiner population in their limnetic habitat and that the habitat was assumed to be nearly homogenous throughout the pond ecosystem. The littoral zone is not well defined botanically in Moe Pond. A square-root transformation was applied to the densities of shiner estimated from the seine hauls, because these densities did not appear to be normally distributed, rather the densities suggested a Poisson distribution. A 95% confidence interval was used, and then the results of the estimate calculation were back transformed by squaring the results: [r-~ ± (t n-1) (r-s.e. )] (expansion factor) = [3.27 ± (2.447) (0.89) ] (669). r-~ is the square-root of the sample mean, (t n-1 ) is the t-test value at 95% c.i. and (r-s.e. ) is the square-root of the sample mean standard error. The expansion factor was calculated as follows: (38.6 acres/pond) (43,560 fF/acre) / (2,513 fF/beach seine surface area) =669 beach seine surface areas/pond.
Shiner mean individual weight and total population biomass were estimated from one beach seine haul (n=20).
RESULTS
Limnology Seasonal variations are summarized in Table 1 and Appendices A, 8, C
and D. Two pulses were observed for Chlorophyll a in early and late summer of approximately equal magnitude (Table 1; Figure 3). The autumnal chlorophyll a maximum in mid-November is substantially smaller in comparison to the summer maxima. A peak in total phosphorous concentration appeared concurrently with the first chlorophyll a maximum for the year (Table 1; Figures 3 and 4). Somewhat elevated levels of nitrite/nitrate-N concentrations coincide, generally, with decline in chlorophyll a early autumnal concentrations and under-the-ice late winter periods (Table 1; Figures 3 and 5). The greatest nitrite/nitrate-N mean values occurred in early November and just before spring overturn in early March (Table 1; Figure 5). Calcium concentrations displayed slight seasonal variation
Figure 5. Nitrite/nitrate-N concentrations from the water surface to 2.5 m in depth at station WQ in Moe Pond 1994-95.
140 l 120 --L
I
i 100 t z 80 Q)
I.{) ~ rn .....
-~
ZQ) ~ ..... ~
Z
~I-.'t3
::7:::':"'-'~"
n
Depth 0.0-0.5 m D Depth 1.0-1.5 m
i. X'
>f~'
, ;.~
,~
>
• Depth 2.0-2.5 m
';<"
,H ~;
~. A;'
f~1
W 4
* ice cover
ii
with a single peak occurring early summer (Table 1; Figure 6). Alkalinity was greatest during two protracted periods, from mid-June until early September and from late autumn until spring overturn (Table 1; Figure 7). Mean water column temperature displayed what appeared to be an expected trend, having a minimum of 2.70°C in early February and maximum of 24.08°C in late July; however what is not shown in Table 1 is a mid-winter thaw, causing an ice-out, between 4 January and 6 February, 1995 (Table1; Figure 8). Mean dissolved oxygen levels followed, generally, the reciprocal relationship expected between water temperature and dissolved oxygen (Table 1; Figures 8 and 9). Dissolved oxygen concentrations at the 2.0-3.0 m depth interval exhibited hypoxic levels on: 28 March, 1994 and 13 July, 1994. Figure 10 depicts the range of variation in pH over a year from 6.70 to 9.12 (Table 1). A sustained trend from 21 December to 6 March of increasing mean specific conductance is characterized in Figure 11 and coincides with ice coverage (Table 1). Secchi disk transparency had its lowest values occurring during mid-summer through midautumn, which generally overlap with the maxima seen in chlorophyll a concentrations (Table 1; Figures 3 and 12).
The majority of the Iimnological parameters described above also displayed variation with depth in the water column over the course of a year. Chlorophyll a is at its greatest concentrations during the summer months, at 2.0 2.5 meters in depth (Figure 3). Total phosphorous displayed a similar tendency to be highest in concentration in deeper water during the summer (Figure 4). Unlike chlorophyll a and total phosphorous, nitrite/nitrate-N concentrations generally tended to be highest in the 0.0-0.5 m depth interval (Figures 3, 4 and 5). Calcium concentrations showed only modest variation with depth over the year with no clear trend, with the exception of higher concentrations in deeper water from January through the end of March (Figure 6). Values for alkalinity displayed no consistent trend with depth (Figure 7). Superficial water temperatures were higher relative to deeper water from 27 May through 21 September (Figure 8). Bottom waters were warmer than superficial waters from 2 November through 6 March (Figure 8). Fall overturn is estimated to have occurred near 5 October, 1994; and spring overturn appears to have occurred on or about 27 March, 1995 (Figure 8). A pattern of variation in mean concentration of dissolved oxygen with depth occurred during two periods from 24 August through 19 October and from 21 December through 6 March (Figure 9). During these periods dissolved oxygen was highest in the superficial water (Figure 9). Generally during the summer months pH tended to be highest in superficial waters (Figure 10). Specific conductance was greatest in deep water under the ice and during the early summer months (Figure 11). Figure 12 describes Secchi transparency over the study period.
A table of Pearson correlation coefficients for all Iimnological parameters investigated in the study is presented here to aid in considering comparisons between any two parameters (Table 2). Of the 45 correlations that were estimated 13 were found to be significantly different than zero (Table 2). Chlorophyll a and Secchi depth were shown to have a strong negative
20
Figure 6. Calcium concentrations from the water surface to 2.5 m in depth at station WQ in Moe Pond 1994-95.
Correlations in bold were significant at the a = 0.05 level.
correlation (r = - 0.88) (Table 2). When chlorophyll a and Secchi depth are represented together over time an inverse relationship was observed (Figure 13). A predictive regression equation was then developed to estimate the concentration of chlorophyll a based on Secchi depth measurement: y =91.533e -12509x , where, y =chlorophyll a [lJg/l]; x =Secchi depth (m). A log transformation of the chlorophyll a values is depicted against the dependent Secchi depth variable in Figure 14.
A trophic state index (TSI) model (Carlson, 1977) was used to characterize Moe Pond. It demonstrated that with the exception of early spring values the biological parameters (i.e. chlorophyll a and Secchi depth) closely covaried throughout the year while total phosphorous values fell well below these other two parameters (Figure 15). The TSI, based on the biological parameters suggests the system is eutrophic during the warmer months.
Physiochemical stratification occurred on 11 days of the 23 days sampled throughout the one year study period. Of the 11 days where stratification was observed, 5 days were a consequence of summer stratification, from 6 June through 24 August; and the remaining 6 days were a result of winter (inverse) stratification (Appendix A). The sheltering topography and vegetation structure of Moe Pond watershed allows stratification to exist throughout the summer months in a shallow lentic system.
Moe Pond length was field verified on 4 December, 1994 while ice covered, and found to be approximately 705 meters. Shore Line (L) length was estimated to be approximately 2.0 km, Shoreline Development (OL) equal t01.4 and Relative Depth (Z) = 0.85 % (Wetzel, 1983).
A diel community metabolism study, conducted in June, 1995 demonstrated that an anoxic state did not likely occur during the 24 hour period. Fluctuations observed between night respiration rate (6. 02illum) and day net photosynthetic production rate (6. 02max) were not extreme (Figure 16 and Appendix E). Dissolved oxygen values were then used to estimate gross daily photosynthetic production:
(6. 02max) + (6. Ozillum) =gross daily photosynthetic production (6. 02max) =(7.12 g O/mz) - ( 5.53 g O/m2) =1.59 g O/m2
(6. O/Ium) =(7.41 g O/m2) - (5.53 g O/mz ) =1.88 g O/m2
gross daily photosynthetic production =1.59 gO/m2+ 1.88 gO/m2=3.47g0/m2
Hydrology An estimation of annual mean discharge (Q) from Moe Pond watershed
using a modeling approach was found to be 0.3 cfs. This value was arrived at through a summation of estimates of monthly Q divided by 12 (McCoy, 1994). Empirical Q estimates were compared with modeled Q values and are presented in Appendix F as a means of model verification. Water volume residence time, using 0.3 cfs as the rate at which water enters and leaves the system, was estimated to be slightly more than one year. The modeled estimates for monthly Q tended to slightly overestimate the discharge in comparison to the calculations
29
--
Figure 13. Comparison of Secchi depth and chlorophyll a mean water column concentrations at station WQ in Moe Pond 1994-95.
50 ---,
40
,..........
0) -::l........ 30
VJ 0 co
>..c a. 0 0 20
...c 0
r = - 0.88
b---a---u
I ---
~I 2.5 I
I I
t2
..
1.5 .s ..c ...... a. ill 0 . ..c ()1 () ill
U)
Chlorophyll a
10 -+ I I \-°1 0.5 ---0--
Secchi Depth
•I 0 0
I 08 12 I 09)07 1005 07/27 08/24 09/21 10/19 11/16 12121'
Moe Pond Sampling Dates • ice cover
Figure 14. A log transformation of chlorophyll a mean concentrations versus Secchi depth at station WQ in Moe Pond 1994-95.
100.00 I ! +
.0,t r ,Q, .~
1:0
I 1:0,......., u
1:0 D:::::: 0) 1:01:0 L 6:::J
(1J I 1:01:06.
w £:,. > I B..c 10.00 0.. 0 6..... + 0 ..c U 0)
0 1 2:,
I
1.00 1i I
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 Secchi Depth (m)
3
Figure 15. Trophic State Indices calculated from Secchi disk transparencies and total phosphorus and chlorophyll "a" concentrations at station WQ in Moe Pond 1994-95.
_______ Secchi disk transparency - G- total phosphorous -\1- - chlorophyll "a"
Figure 16. Diel community metabolism study conducted from 2000 h on 18 June through 2000 h 19 June, 1995 at 4 h intervals.
8
~
0) -E '--'
c VJ Q)VJ 0)
>.><4o -0 Q)
> o (/)
.~ o
24
/~
~/.~_. 23
--------~" /~- u ~ / ~ -
Dissolved Oxygen I ::::l
/ 22 ~ - _.L! --
\ I Q)
//
E0-
Temperature / Q)
/ f-
O I ., 20 I I I I I I ~-
2000 2400 0400 0800 1200 1600 2000 Time (hour)
based on empirical data collected during the study period (i.e. 1994 through 1995).
Fish Population Biology Brown bullhead captured from 15 June to 15 August, 1995 numbered
1,370 individuals with 138 golden shiner also captured during the same period. Bullhead ranged in size from 21-415 mm, and shiners from 30-115 mm (Appendix G).
Bullhead captured in minnow trap gear numbered 176 with a mean total length of 81 mm (Figure 17) beach seine gear captured 446 with mean total length 96 mm (Figure 18), modified Fyke net captured 689 with mean total length 177 mm (Figure 19), Otter trawl captured 38 with mean total length 76.5 mm, and gill net captured a total of 21 with mean total length 93.3 mm. Mean total length was 134 mm for all gear combined (Figure 20). Modified Fyke net gear was found to be most effective in capturing the widest range of bullhead, 60-415 mm (Figure 19).
Shiner captured in minnow trap gear numbered 23 with total mean length 93 mm (Figure 21), beach seine captured 114 with mean total length 82 mm (Figure 22). Mean total length was 81 mm for minnow trap and beach seine combined (Figure 23). One shiner was captured in gill net gear, but not included in the combined gear total. Shiner captured in modified Fyke nets were not included in the fish capture total due to trap predation by bUllhead. Beach seine gear was found to be most effective in capturing the widest range of shiner, 30115 mm (Figure 22).
A capture-recapture investigation of the brown bullhead population in Moe Pond was conducted concurrently with the bullhead length frequency study. Bullhead age I and older were fin-clipped and returned to the system. The total number of bullheads marked with an adipose fin-clip were 1,059 individuals (Table 3). Marked fish recaptured totaled 152 (Table 3). A Schnabel population estimate (Ricker, 1975; Van Den Avyle, 1993) derived from the capturerecapture information found the bullhead population, age I and older, in Moe Pond to be 4,057 individuals (Table 3). The lower and upper bounds of the estimated population size were between 3,456 and 4,913 at a 95 % confidence interval. Neither of the confidence interval half-widths exceeded 20 % of the population estimate, achieving a research level of precision (Van Den Avyle, 1993). The population estimate provided an approximation of 260 bullhead/ha weighing 13kg/ha. The average size of a modified Fyke net captured bullhead had a length of 175 mm and weighed approximately 50 g.
The length frequency analysis found that age II bullhead were in the range of 80-139 mm in total length, age 111130-179 mm, age IV 170-219 mm and age V 210-249 mm (Figure 20). Annual survival rate based on catch curve analysis (Ricker, 1975) was found to be 48 % for age II through age V bullhead (Figure 24).
For age II and older brown bullhead found in the Moe Pond population, the condition factor (K) was estimated to be 1.29. Twenty six fish were sampled.
34
--
Figure 17. Minnow trap brown bullhead total catch from Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
20
15
w ....VI c n = 176
'-~ 10 - Q)
CL
5
o , 50-59 110-119' '130-139150-159170-179
40-49 60-69 80-89 100-109 120-129 140-149 160-169 180-189 Brown Bullhead Total Length (mm)
Figure 18. Beach seine brown bullhead total catch from Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
Figure 20. All gear brown bullhead total catch from Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
20
15
n = 1370w .....00 c ~ 10L
a> 0..
5
OV~I!75 25 45 65 85 305 325 345 365 385 405
Figure 21. Minnow trap golden shiner total catch Moe Pond summer 1995.
50 T I
40 n = 23
W 30
\0 +-' c a.> () L
a.> 0
20
10 I
T I \
i IIO I I
30-39 40-49 50-59 Golden Shiner Total Length (mm)
60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99
Figure 22. Beach seine golden shiner total catch from Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
50 T I
40
30 ..... c::: a.> u L
~ a.> 0 0
20
10
o 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69
Golden Shiner Total Length (mm) 70-79 80-89 90-99
- - n = 114
Figure 23. Beach seine & minnow trap golden shiner total catch from Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
50
40
•-n = 137
.j::>. 30 ...... c Q) u ' Q)
Q.. 20
10 -1
o I
30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99· 100-109 T 110-119 Golden Shiner Total Length (mm)
Table 3. Estimate of brown bullhead population (Schnabel, 1938), in Moe Pond, 1995, using a multiple census method of capture-recapture with inverse census modifications (Ricker, 1975) (Table format adapted from Van Den Avyle, 1993).
Number of fish captured Total number of Sample Gear marked fish released
"'Gear Legend: MT = minnow trap, FN = modified Fyke net, GN = gill net, OT = Otter trawl and BS = beach seine.
----
Figure 24. Estimate of brown bullhead annual survival rate in Moe Pond during the summer of 1995.
1000 I
1
0) 0
lJ a.> + ~ z = 0.73494 L
:J..... ~ Cl.. w ro
U lJ 100 ro a.> t..c :J m c T ~ 0 L-
m
10 /I /II IV
Year Class v
Total length ranged from 116-334 mm, weight from 25-475 g and condition factor from 0.8-1.82. Age II fish mean K=1.36 (n=3), age 111=1.31 (n=10), age IV=0.87 (n=3), age V=1.37 (n=2) and age >V=1.34 (n=8) (Appendix G).
Golden shiner growth 'rate appears to be extremely slow growing. The unimodal distribution observed in Figure 23 suggests that the population is stunted.
A shiner population estimate determined from seven beach seine hauls (n=O, 18,3,64, 12, 14,3) yielded a mean of 16.3 fish/seine haul. A population estimate drived from the seine data with upper and lower confidence limits at 95% was found to be: (3.27)2 (669) =7,154; (5.448)2 (669) =19,855 and (1.092)2 (669) =798, respectively. An estimate of shiner mean individual weight was 7.5 g/fish, with total shiner biomass for Moe Pond being 5.1 kg/ha and 686 shiner/ha.
DISCUSSION
"Ecology is the scientific study of the processes influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among organisms, and the interactions between organisms and the transformation and flux of energy and matter." (Likens, 1992)
Limnology Ecological Communities of New York State (Reschke, 1990) defines Moe
Pond as being an eutrophic, dimictic lake/artificial impoundment. However, certain aspects, such as the lack of aquatic macrophyte abundance in shallow water and lack of nutrient richness, specifically calcium, do not correspond well with the definition. Moe Pond is atypical in a variety of characteristics, as will be discussed below.
Of limnological interest is the inverse relationship observed between pH and specific conductance (r = - 0.68) (Table 2). Wetzel (1983) states that "there is a positive correlation between conductance and pH in the intermediate pH range of bicarbonate fresh waters, but this relationship deteriorates among lakes of low salinity and high dissolved organic matter content". The expectation being that if Moe Pond falls within the pH range of a bicarbonate system, or is found to be of low salinity (i.e. dissolved solids), then the correlation would breakdown. However, just the opposite situation was exhibited, resulting in a negative correlation coefficient that is significantly different than zero.
With the acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) of Moe Pond being extremely low for both calcium and alkalinity (i.e. 6.7-10.1 mgll and 13-20 mg/l respectively), the expectation is that Moe Pond should be acidified, due to acid precipitation, basin geology (i.e. acidic shales) and the lack of adequate ANC. By examining Tables 1 and 4 and comparing their values for calcium and alkalinity, a general trend of decreasing concentration can be discerned over the last thirty years of limnological succession. It also appears that, not only is
44
-- ---- -- ---- -- -- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
-- -- ---- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- ---- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Table 4. Limnological values for Moe Pond from 11 July, 1968 through November, 1989 (Sohacki, 1972 and unpublished data).
Dissovled Date Chlorophyll "a" Calcium Alkalinity Temp DO Secchi Depth soilds Mg Na K
Other Iimnological data collected (Sohacki, 1972): chlorides range [mg/I] = 0.9 - 1.7, pH range = 6.8 -10.2 and specific conductance (uS/em) = 55.0 - 84.0.
calcium low in concentration, but MgH, the other major cationic constituent of total hardness, is lacking in adequate concentration to compensate for the limited amount of calcium in solution (Table 4). The ANC has diminished in both measures of alkalinity and calcium from means of 12.0 mg/I and 29.4 mg/I respectively, to 7.6 mg/I and 16.0 mg/I during the last thirty years of data gathering (Tables 1 and 4).
It is also important to note the apparent contradiction between what appears to be a loss of water hardness (i.e. less Ca available over time) and the increasing levels of chlorophyll a. Boyd (1990) states that just the opposite situation should be expected "hard waters are generally more productive than soft waters".
The limestone treatments of 1966 and 1967 appear to be contributing less to the buffering capabilities of Moe Pond as time progresses. Two plausible reasons for this decrease in contribution may be that a micro-zone superficial layer of bacteria and algae may be inhibiting the continued dissolution of limestone still present in the pond, and/or that acid precipitation in the region has increased during the last thirty years causing a loss in ANC.
In contrast to the above observations, pH appears to have adjusted only slightly over the years from 1968 when it was "slightly acidic" throughout the summer months (Stam and Wassmer, 1968). The range was from 6.8 t01 0.2, historically (Table 4), as compared with the more recent measurements taken in this study ranging from 6.70 to 9.12 (Table 1). However, the historical measurements of pH were assessed only at the water surface and adjacent to the spillway (Sohacki, 1999).
Chlorophyll a has seen a near doubling in mean concentration during the last thirty years, from 11.74 I-Ig/l to 22.4 I-Ig/I, Tables 4 and 1 respectively. Noxious blue-green algal blooms were not observed during the present study, possibly indicating a shift in the composition of the phytoplankton community.
Another incongruous observation presents itself when looking at Secchi depth versus chlorophyll a over many years; both appear to be increasing. Secchi depth increased from a mean of 0.58 to 1.22 m, and chlorophyll a from 11.74 to 22.4 I-Ig/I (Tables 4 and 1, respectively). This is a challenge to explain given the high degree of negative correlation observed between chlorophyll a and Secchi depth in the present study. Perhaps historically there was a much greater contribution by tripton to turbidity (e.g. algal bloom die-off).
It is important when examining Table 1 to keep in mind that between the dates of 4 January, 1995 and 6 February, 1995 there was an unseasonable midwinter thaw that caused an ice-out condition to occur, which may assist in explaining the differences observed in the data collected on 28 March, 1994 and those a year later. The overall impression being that due to the brief open-water period several of the parameters (e.g. chlorophyll a, TP and dissolved 02) that were expected to decline in concentration under-the-ice did so, but to a lesser degree in comparison to the "normal" winter of the year before when there was not such an atypically warm meteorological event.
46
Fish Population Biology The brown bullhead population estimate met all the necessary assumption
criteria of capture-recapture estimation (Lagler, 1956) within a reasonable degree of fidelity, with the exception of two potential sources of sampling error: (1 the sampling effort was not equal among capture gear used during the study period; (2 mortality was observed of small bullhead 3"-5" (76-127 mm) in approximate total length just prior to the fish sampling period in 1995. This same phenomenon (i.e. summer fish-kill) was observed at the same time of year in 1994 (Appendix A).
The purpose in deploying many differing types of fish capture gear were to assess the fish community diversity and to sample the entire bullhead population with the most effective means of capture.
When the bullhead population estimate in the present study is compared with Muskellunge Lake (Sinnott and Ringler 1987), another New York lake, the differences are dramatic, 260 fish/ha in Moe Pond as compared with 887 fish/ha in their study. Emig (1966) found bullhead population can vary in size from 12-1770 fish/ha.
One factor that may have contributed to the perceived low population estimate of bullhead is that an epizootic of Chondrococcus columnaris may be causing annual seasonal mortality to a segment of the population (Bowser, 1973). Smith (1985) states that bullhead sexual maturity is typically reached at age" and spawning begins in late May and June when the water temperature reaches 2rc. The length at age analysis conducted in the present study suggests that the 76-127 mm fish observed as mortality in late spring were in the length range of age" fish (80-139 mm). A combination of environmental stressors, such as increasing temperature, decreasing dissolved O2 levels as well as stress related to "first-time" spawners may have contributed to the mortality observed. Obviously, this is an area in need of further investigation.
Another factor that could be at contributing to the control of bullhead population size is conspecific predation. Emig (1966) lists the omnivorous feeding habits of adult bullhead, which include fish and fish eggs as part of their diet. A paucity of benthic prey items may also be contributing to the control of bullhead population size and growth.
It should be noted that non-piscine predators have been documented by W. L. Butts since 1982 in the Annual Reports of the BFS as being present at the Moe Pond site: diving ducks (e.g. mergansers: genus: Mergus), great blue heron (Ardea herodias) and double-crested cormorant (Pha/acrocorax auritus ) (AOU, 1983). In Appendices A and G are listed sightings of a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and other potential fish predators.
Length at age analysis was conducted by inspection of length frequency maxima and the intervening minima to delineate each year class (Figure 20). The length range of each cohort was then compared with length at age ranges taken from the literature (Table 5). It appears that the condition factor (K) of the Moe Pond bullhead population estimate is quite similar to values found in other populations that occur in north temperate lakes and ponds (Table 5). However,
47
the length at age estimates for the Moe Pond population are less than expected, which may suggest that the population is slow growing (Table 5). A necessary caveat that must be stated is that the length at age estimates made from the length frequency data have not been verified through the aging of skeletal tissue in this study (e.g. spines).
Crucial to understanding the trophic dynamics and nutrient flux of Moe Pond is the golden shiner population structure surveyed during the present study. Smith (1985) states that golden shiner "reach about 10.5 inches [266.7 mm] total length" and that golden shiner is a "cropper" of zooplankters. The maximum individual shiner total length sampled in the present study was 115 mm (n= 137). This strongly suggests that the population is extremely slow growing as a result of intraspecific competition for prey items due to a lack of significant top-down control of the population.
A Trophic Dynamic Hypothesis Posed Pond ontogeny
It has become important to present a theoretical succession model based on previous descriptive, anecdotal and limited quantitative evidence of how Moe Pond has progressed toward eutrophy during the nearly sixty years since its construction. It appears that previous to the construction of the dike that created the current impoundment an acidic wetland or spring existed in the basin where the pond now exists which had accumulated large quantities of organic matter before being submerged by the impounding of water. The water quality remained acidic for nearly thirty years until it was treated with limestone in the late 1960's; at which time an increase in the alkalinity resulting from the limestone treatment caused an increase in pH which facilitated the release of nutrients stored in organic bottom sediments due to a shift in the oxidationreduction potential at the water-sediment interface. Blue-green algal blooms appear to have dominated the early phytoplankton community, as a result of the release of high levels of nutrients from the sediments. Nitrogen became limiting in this extremely nutrient rich environment favoring blue-greens over other algal forms. Eventually the nutrients released from the sediments were exhausted or subsided and the algal blooms experienced massive summer die-offs. This established a positive nutrient biological feedback mechanism in the pond. The phytoplankton microbial decomposition contribution to autocthonous nutrient loading continued to increase causing chlorophyll a levels to climb to their present concentrations. Flickinger and Bulow (1993) discuss at length the multiple influences of liming to small impoundments with the net accumulative effect being an increase in primary production.
Trophic cascade and top-down biomanipulation A potential management objective is to reverse the eutrophication of Moe
Pond by improving water quality (e.g. increase light penetration and dissolved oxygen levels at and near the sediment-water interface), as well as increase fish community growth and annual survival rates. It appears that top-down
48
Table 5. Comparison of brown bullhead length at age and condition factor at various locations.
Location Sample Range of Length at Age (mm) Size (n) o I II III IV V VI
Ten Mile Lake, Oregont 2 76-145 197 170-259 93 180-320 114 236-366 37 259-320 1 290
New York State Smith (1985) 51-127
178-203 254279
Ohio, Trautman (1981) - 51-122 69-152
Moe Pond, New York present study 480 80-139
198 130-179 102 170-219 51 210-249
Condition factor K (TL):
Little Lake Butte des Morts, Wisconsint K = 1.26 (1.17-1.34); length range 152-292 mm n = 1634. Lake Traverse, Minnesotat K = 1.38 -1.52; n = 272. Muskellunge Lake, New York Sinnott and Ringler (1987) K = 1.296; ranging in age from III-VII n = 998 . Moe Pond, New York present study K = 1.29 (0.82 - 1.82); length range 116-334 mm n =26.
t taken from Carlander (1969)
49
biomanipulation through the introduction of a predaceous fish species (e.g. largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides) would be a feasible method of effecting possible eutrophication reversal (Carpenter and Kitchell, 1993).
However, prior to the introduction of bass or some other piscivorus fish predator, the zooplankton community that exists at that time will need to be investigated to assess the relative abundance of both large and small zooplankters. Warner (1999) found the zooplankton community to be dominated by rotifers during the summer and autumnal phytoplankton peaks of 1994 in the sub-surface water interval (0.5 m - 1.0 m) of Moe Pond. The phytoplankton community will also need its composition and size structure throughly evaluated before biomanipulation. Warner (1999) also determined the phytoplankton community to be composed primarily of blue-green, green and diatom algal genera in the same sub-surface interval and conducted concurrent with the zooplankton community analysis. The benthic community will also require an investigation of its diversity, abundance and dynamics.
Golden shiner are key to the understanding of what is in need of manipulation in the aquatic ecosystem. Their population structure should also be looked at more closely before predator introduction is implemented.
A pictorial representation is given in Figure 25 to demonstrate a simple conceptualized model of the Moe Pond ecosystem food web, and the predicted consequences of top-down biomanipulation are presented in Figure 26. If bass are successfully introduced to Moe Pond by stocking only adults, it would be expected that golden shiner abundance would decrease effecting a trophic cascade leading to a phytoplankton biomass decrease due to increased herbivory resulting in diminished eutrophic conditions (e.g. increased water clarity). Large cladocerans (e.g. Daphnia pulex) should increase in relative abundance in the zooplankton community. Mean annual chlorophyll a levels are predicted to decrease. It is expected that it may take several years for this ecological shift to manifest while the bass population is becoming established in the pond. More than one stocking of adult fish may be necessary to adequately establish a self-sustaining, naturalized, bass population. This top-down treatment should halt the positive nutrient biological feedback mechanism that has altered the trophic state of Moe Pond by decreasing the quantity of available total phosphorous in the spring that drives the phytoplankton blooms of summer.
Other possible effects of biomanipulation may be to increase macrophyte diversity and total biomass throughout the pond and establish a more robust littoral community. A drop in pH may occur over time due to an alteration in the phytoplankton biomass or the rate of photosynthesis (i.e. primary productivity). A potential acceleration of primary productivity could occur to replace what may be a senescent summer algal bloom in Moe Pond. The golden shiner population could be extirpated from the pond over time due to bass predation.
I ~ ------~I small ~'----.'----. Izooplankton 1"'''-"" ~ .---~----~
----- ~---~ large
;::1 I nutrients 1_\1 . ~I zooplankton,~ golden shiner • & other predacious inverts
~-~
. [brOwn bullhead I .........
released via bioturbation h~ I t
FI:;·.·~,c,::'~:"".'~.:~'.,~·.·.·.~··.:·';·'~·'~):;~::.:"'-':::;-;'··"'.'~"'.·.·:-:;-:-::.·.;-:-:-·.·.·."""""·,·.·,~"·.:";:-:-:-;-l.:.,rC-;C:-;~·;·,,·~v,:.:·~·,·~··:~I.:,,'·.'1 _--I ,Q<?nthps I
Figure 2f>. Moe Pond ecosystem post biomanipulation hypothetical model.
--r---\=-~===1-=-~--=::-Goo~~gne:t~n--;:; I [I1utrients -II ~ Lgolden s~~n~ _/ I & other predacious inverts -'\
~ \ , -.~
nutrients j''''---- larg~mout.h bass released via bioturbation Juven lie
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Appendix A: Moe Pond Hydrolab and Secchi depth data colletced from 28 March, 191)4 through 10 April, 1995.
Date: 12 March, 1994
Time In: 1200 Time Out: 1400
Air Temperature (c): 3.5 Weather: clear, sunny; calm
Observations: ice thickness = tributary @ north end of pond active, uniform crt/st on ice,
ice thickness = 55 cm. snow/crust thickness = 10 cm, and < 1 cm over spillway
Note: measurements taken using Hach kits and Hach TDS/conductivity/ temperature meter,
measurements taken at south Gnd of the pond near the 2.5 m isopleth equidistance from both shores
@ 80 cm depth DO = 2-3 mg/I, total hardness = 40 mg/I, alkalinity = 20 mg/I, & calcium hardness = 40 mg/I
@ 200 cm depth H2S = 0, DO> 1, total hardness =80 mg/I, alkalinity =40, & calcium hardness = 40
Appendix C: Moe Pond total phosphorous (T-P) and nitrite/nitrate-N (N02/N03-N) concentrations taken at various depths from 28 March, 1994 through 10 April, 1995
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/MT # 1 Date In: 6/26/95 Date Out 6/27/95 Time In: 1510-1517 Time Out: 1503-1509 Observer(s): Mead McCoy Weather. thunder storm/showers Temp (c): Air (24.5) Water (30) Collection Method (n): minnow trap (12) baited Observations: no newly captured fish were fin clipped before release.
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/MT # 2 Date In: 7/03/95 Date Out: 7/04/95 Time In: 1231-1302 Time Out: 1303-1318 Observer(s): Mead McCoy, David Ramsey; Brick Weather. warm; wind from the north Temp (c): Air (23) Water (28) Collection Method (n): minnow trap (12) baited Observations: failed to fin clip released shiners
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/MT # 2 Date In: 7/10/95 Date Out: 7/11/95 Time In: 1423-1432 Time Out: 1500-1515 Observer(s): John Urban; Mead McCoy Weather: partly cloudy, hot, humid; wind from south Temp (c): Air (27) Water (24) Collection Method (n): minnow trap (12) Observations: no fish had clips & no fish were clipped collected monkey flower, sensitive fern; forget-me-not
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/MT # 3 Date In: 7/24/95 Date Out: 7/25/95 TIme In: 1435-1450 TIme Out: 1400 Observer(s): John Urban; Mead McCoy Weather: rain Temp (c): Air (24.5/24.5) Water (25.5/26) Collection Method (n): minnow trap (12) Observations:
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/MT # 4 Date In: 8/14/95 Date Out: 8/15/95 Time In: 1125 Time Out: 1411 Observer(s}: Jeff Fahey, Matt Albright; Mead McCoy Weather: rain Temp (c): Air Water Collection Method (n): minnow trap (12) Observations: phragmites management; spotted sandpiper seen along east shore
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/BS#1 (2 passes). Date In: 7/28/95 Date Out: 7/28/95 Time In: 1022 TIme Out: 1030
Observer(s): Rick Pagan; John Urban; Mead McCoy Weather: hazy, humid; hot Temp (c): Air 26.5 Water 26.5 Collection Method: haul seine Observations: water level 8 em below spillway
BrBh 100 yes BrBh 140 mort BrBh 120 mart BrBh 79 mort BrBh 150 mart BrBh 198 mart BrBh 70 mart BrBh 96 mort BrBh 72 mort BrBh 74 mart BrBh 73 mort BrBh 78 mort BrBh 77 mart BrBh 97 mort BrBh 72 mart BrBh 70 mort BrBh 93 mort BrBh 66 mart BrBh 87 mort BrBh 87 mart
0-8
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#1 Date In: 6/15/95 Date Out: 6/16/95 Time In: 1045 Time Out: 1015
Observer(s): Scott Stanton; Mead McCoy Weather. . Temp (cl: Air 20/20 Water 22/22 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: clipped BrBh mort recovered @ north end of pond in algal mat; (3) GS egesled by BrBh retrieved from trap; trap dimensions !aken
Study Site/Station #: Moe Pond/FN#1 Date In: 6/26/95 Dale Out: 6/27/95 I1me In: 1403 Time Out: 1410 Observer(s): K France, Emily, Carrie; Mead McCoy Weather. partly cloudy, breezy Temp (c): Air 32127 Water 30/27 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: no newly capture fish were fin clipped before releese, water level 3.5 em below spillway, (1) BrBh mort wlfln clip found along dike, (1) BrBh mort wolfin clip found along dike, 25-30 YOY BrBh 0.5" (TL) at dam breast, gull, kingfisher, GB Heron
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#1 BrBh 222 Date In: 7/31/95 Date Out: 8/01/95 BrBh 188 Time In: 1045 Time Out: 1320 BrBh 155 Observar(s): K Heavey; M. McCoy BrBh 123 Weather: clear; slight breeze from south BrBh 130 Temp (c): Air (24.5/32.0) Water (26/28) BrBh 100 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net BrBh 175 Observations: water level 10 em below spillway BrBh 160
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#1 Date In: 8/07/95 Date aut: 8/08/95 Time In: 1242 Time aut: 1356 Observer(s): J. Nelson; M. McCoy Weather: clear; breezy-wind northerly; partly cloudy Temp (c): Air (23.5/28.5) Water (26.5/26) Collection Method: Modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 11.5 em below spillway (8/07); water level 12.5 ern below spillway (8/08)
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#1 Date In: 8/14/95 Date Out: 8/15/95 Time In: 1208 Time aut: Observer(s): J. Fahey, M. Albright; M. McCoy Weather: hot, humid; clear Temp (c): Air (29/31) Water (25.5/26) Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 12 em below spillway (8/14-15) green heron-Mat-5/15 eastern shore: (1) ring bill gull
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#2 Date In: 7/03/95 Date Out: 7/04/95 Time In: 1159 nme Out: 1235
Observer(s}: David Ramsey; Mead McCoy Weather: warm; wind from the north (7/03) hot, overcast; calm (7/04) Temp (c): Air 23/29 Water 26/26 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 6 em below spillway
Species TL(mm} W1 (g) fin clip
SrSh 123 SrSh 109 SrSh 91
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/FN#2 Date In: 7/10/95 Date Out: 7/11/95 Time In: 1407 nme Out: 1345 Observer(s): John Urban: Mead McCoy Weather: partly cloudy; wind from south (7/10) partly cloudy, wind from south; cool Temp (c): Air 27/25.5 Water 24/26 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 8.5 em below spillway schools of GS YOY seen: water level 8.0 em below spillway (7/11), heavy rain in Stamford last night; YOY SrSh were not clipped before being retumed to pond In MT, OT. FN. GN; SS
Study Site/Stalion # Moe Pond/FN#2 Date In: 7/24/95 Date Out: 7/25/95 l1me In: 1135 l1me Out: 1050 Observer(s): Anne Mary; Mead McCoy Weather: overcast, calm; cool Temp (c): Air 25.5/24.5 Water 25.5/26 Colledion Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 8.5 em below spillway (7/24); water level 8.0 em below soillway (7/25)
Study Site/Station It Moe Pond/FN#3 Date In: 7/17/95 Date Out: 7/18/95 l1me In: 1049 Time Out: 1135 Observer(s): Ken Heavey; Mead McCoy Weather: hazy, humid, overcast, slight S. bree:z:e Temp (c): Air 27/28 Water 27/27 Collection Method: modified Fyke Net Observations: water level 7 em below spillway on 7/24 and 7/25
Species TL(mm) w1 (g) fin clip Species TL (mm) w1 (g) fin clip
SrBh 146 BrBh 160 Study Site/Station #: Moe PondlFN#4
BrBh BrBh BrBh BrBh BrSh BrBh
150 160 184 152 155 155
Date In: 8/07195 Date Out: 8/08/95 Time In: 1304 Time out: 1433 Observer(.): Ken Heavey. Mead McCoy John Nelson; Rich Pagen Weather. clear; breezy from north (8/07); partly cloudy; breezy (08/08) Temp (c): Air 23.5/28.5 Waler 26.5/26
BrBh 130 Collection Method: modlfled Fyke Net BrBh 95 Observations: BrBh 165 BrBh 150 Species TL(mm) wi (g) fin c:I1p
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/OT#1 Date In: 6/30/95 Date Out: 6/30/95 TIme In: 1520 Time Out: 1615
Observer(s): Chris, Kevin; Mead Weather. partly cloudy; slight breeze Temp (c): Air 31 Water 27 Collection Method: Otter trawl (12' boat w/15hp outboard) Observations: all captured fish were marked with ad clip & released: (4) passes were producing (16) SrSh
Sludy Site/Station # Moe Pond/OT#1 Date In: 7/07/95 Date Out: 7107/95 TIme In: 1500 Time Out: 1545 Observer(s): Emily; Mead Weather. overcast; wind from south Temp (c): Air 28 Water 26 Collection Method: alter trawl (12' boat w/15hp outboard) Observations: (2) passes were made; GS yay seen in schools along dike
Study Site/Station # Moe Pond/GN#1 Date In: 6/15/95 Date Out: 6/16/95 TIme In: 1140 TImeOut: 1102 Observer(s): Scott Stanton; Mead McCoy Weather. Temp (c): Air 20/20 Water 22122 Collection Method: gill net Observations: net dimensions 50'X20' mesh 1 em X 1 em