Tennessee Research: Projects, Research Publications, Presentations, Thesis and Dissertations, Technical Publications

Tennessee Research Activities

Silver Carp below Barkley Dam on the Cumberland River

The Tennessee Unit resides at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville between the Tennessee River and Cumberland River. Tennessee is home to one of the most diverse freshwater fish and mussel communities in the world, including numerous imperiled species. The Tennessee and Cumberland river systems have more than 30 impoundments ranging from coldwater, oligotrophic systems to warmwater, eutrophic systems, each with important sport fisheries. In addition, many impoundments also support popular coldwater tailwater fisheries. Tennessee also has thousands of miles of free-flowing streams and small rivers. With this overwhelming diversity of aquatic fauna and resources in Tennessee, the Unit does not lack for research topics.

Projects

Project	Completion Date
Propagating mussels in the Ohio River	June 2017	---	None
Reintroduction of mussels into a formerly-dewatered reach of the Little Tennessee River	December 2014	Mussels are being reintroduced into a section of river that had been dewaterd for decades.	None
Response of mussels to decreasing flows	December 2014	The movements of mussels in response to changing water levels in a reglated river are being studied.	None
Endangered species research below Green River Dam	December 2016	The ecology of endangered and common mussels is being studied in the tailwater of Green River Dam.	Dams create discontinuity in streams by changing flow and temperature regimes, fragmenting fish populations, and limiting sediment and nutrient loads downstream. These changes often result in tailwaters with environments that resemble headwater conditions. More than 40 mussel species reproduce to some extent in the Green River, a regulated river in Kentucky; however, most recruitment occurs downstream of Greensburg, 38 km from the dam. Environmental conditions in the reach between the dam and Greensburg favor the reproduction of headwater species such as Toxolasma lividus, whereas reproduction by Actinonaias ligamentina, a species common to medium-sized rivers, is suppressed. Because food resources for mussels differ among low-order headwaters and large-order rivers, food availability could explain the faunal shift that is taking place. Mussel tissue samples and food resources have been collected from six sites within a 165-km reach of the Green River. Stable isotope analysis and water chemistry parameters are being used to examine food availability and feeding habits of freshwater mussels in the Green River. Preliminary results for chlorophyll-a concentrations and ash-free dry mass of seston indicate that Green River Dam is limiting food resources downstream. Also, the utilization of food resources by mussels varies longitudinally within the river. Furthermore, there is evidence that mussel diets differ among species within a single site. Better understanding of mussel feeding habits will help resource managers choose the most appropriate sites for mussel reintroduction and augmentation projects.
Invasive Asian Carp in Tennessee Rivers	August 2016	The invasive Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Silver Carp H. molitrix (collectively referred to as Asian carp) are native to large rivers of eastern Asia. Both species were introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s to control algae blooms and improve water quality in aquaculture ponds and wastewater systems with little regard to potential impacts on native fishes. Some individuals subsequently escaped and established wild populations throughout the Mississippi Basin. Bighead Carp expanded their range to 23 states by 2005 and Silver Carp have now been collected in16 states. Bighead Carp were first captured in Tennessee in 1994 and they are now routinely encountered in the Tennessee waters of the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. Silver Carp were first reported in Tennessee in 1989 and now are found in the same three rivers in Tennessee. The range of Asian carps throughout North America continues to expand and anecdotal evidence suggests they are also expanding their range in Tennessee waters. These two invasive species have the ability to radically alter ecosystem function when they become established and there is much concern regarding the biotic integrity of Tennessee waters as Asian carp numbers grow. Specifically, both species feed on plankton throughout their lives and can compete for food with native planktivores such as Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum and Paddlefish Polyodon spathula and the early life history stages of virtually all of Tennessee’s sportfish species. Whereas other states (notably Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas) have initiated investigations into Asian carp biology, range expansions, and methods of control, no such work has yet taken place in Tennessee. The purpose of this study is to assess the population characteristics (e.g., age structure, size structure, growth rates) of Asian carp and initiate studies into recruitment mechanisms and how the production of larvae relates to environmental factors such as river flows and water temperature.	The invasive Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Richardson and Silver Carp H. molitrix Valenciennes (collectively referred to as bigheaded carps) were introduced to the U.S. in the 1970s to control noxious algae blooms in polyculture ponds. Fish subsequently escaped and by the 1980s bigheaded carps were widespread and established in the upper Mississippi River, lower Missouri River, and the Ohio River and some of its tributaries. In the lower reaches of the Tennessee River and Cumberland River systems, bigheaded carps were systematically sampled in 2015 and 2016 using multiple gears. Nearly 12 km of experimental gill nets captured 363 adult Silver Carp and 7 Bighead Carp. Hoop nets (n = 96) captured only 2 Silver Carp and 2 Bighead Carp. Twenty-eight hours of electrofishing collected 146 adult and 214 young-of-year (YOY) Silver Carp. Cast nets (n = 480 throws) captured 15 YOY Silver Carp. Bighead Carp and Silver Carp in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley reached large sizes and were long lived. The maximum total lengths (TL) and ages were 1,385 mm TL and 22 years for Bighead Carp and 1,005 mm TL and 13 years for Silver Carp. The Silver Carp populations in both reservoirs had the same strong year classes (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015) and similar growth rates which were faster than what has been reported for other populations around the globe. Silver Carp in both reservoirs were similarly robust, and more robust than Silver Carp below Barkley Dam, suggesting food resources and habitat are ideal in the reservoirs. Some YOY Silver Carp were collected 180 and 110 river kilometers upstream in Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, respectively, and they may represent the first evidence of natural reproduction in those reservoirs or their tributaries. The catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of adult Silver Carp in gill nets was similar in each reservoir, and they are already a major component of the fish assemblages vulnerable to gill nets. In electrofishing samples the CPUE of adult Silver Carp was higher in Lake Barkley but the CPUE of YOY Silver Carp was similar in each reservoir. Future efforts to control bigheaded carps in Tennessee waters should include studying the efficacy of barriers at navigation locks, determining where natural reproduction is occurring, and increasing the commercial harvest of both species.
Sampling and Managing Catfish Stocks in Tennessee	December 2016	The objectives of this study are to (1) develop unbiased catfish sampling protocols using trotlines, low-frequency electrofishing, tandem hoop nets, or a combination of these three approaches; (2) assemble a statewide database on commercial and recreational harvest of catfish species and examine historical trends in terms of yield; (3) examine the response of catfish populations to different management scenarios; and (4) assess the potential for growth and recruitment overfishing in several Tennessee reservoirs.	Catfish are important components of commercial and recreational fisheries in several Tennessee reservoirs. However, catfish have received scant attention because they were not classified as sport fish in Tennessee until 2007. The lack of knowledge regarding catfish populations and how to effectively sample them presents many research opportunities. The objectives of this study were to evaluate catfish sampling protocols in three Tennessee reservoirs, estimate growth and longevity, mathematically model yields and the potential for growth overfishing of Channel Catfish, and mathematically model the abundance of trophy Blue Catfish under different maximum size limits. A variety of gears were deployed seasonally in 2015 and subsamples of each species were aged using lapilli otoliths. Ages were assigned to unaged fish using an age-length key. In 2015, tandem hoop nets collected more than 3,700 Channel Catfish across spring, summer, and fall seasons in three Tennessee reservoirs. Catch per unit effort was consistently high (27.5-38.6 fish/series) in all study reservoirs during spring sampling. Channel Catfish grew faster in Kentucky Lake and Chickamauga Lake, which both support substantial catfish fisheries; whereas, fish in Ft. Loudoun Lake, a system with a commercial harvest ban and little recreational harvest, grew slower, but lived much longer (age 21 versus ages 12-15). Annual mortality (A) ranged from 61.1% in Kentucky Lake to 26.9% in Chickamauga Lake and 17.7% in Ft. Loudoun Lake. Yield modeling showed potential for growth overfishing at high levels of exploitation, but suggested minimum length limits could ameliorate such problems. Low-frequency electrofishing was less effective at capturing Blue Catfish than what has been observed in other studies. Because the number of Blue Catfish collected with low-frequency electrofishing was small (n=230), several other gears were used to supplement samples (trotlines, n = 210; hoop nets, n = 126; gill nets, n = 9; angling, n = 5). Blue Catfish exhibited trends similar to Channel Catfish. Growth was faster in Kentucky Lake and Chickamauga Lake; whereas, fish lived much longer (age 37 versus ages 17-18) in Ft. Loudoun Lake. The number of trophy fish (> 914 mm total length [TL]) in the population was modeled under two scenarios: (1) the current regulation allowing harvest of one Blue Catfish over 864 mm TL per day; and (2) the proposed regulation allowing for no harvest of Blue Catfish over 914 mm TL. Modeling suggested that changing the current regulation to the proposed regulation could significantly reduce the number of trophy Blue Catfish in those populations.
Evaluating spawning migrations and catch-and-release mortality for saugers in Old Hickory Lake	December 2014	Humans can radically alter aquatic ecosystems directly and indirectly. Fragmentation of river systems via the construction of dams affects the ability of migratory fish to move throughout a system and can hamper their ability to spawn. Overexploitation of fish stocks, especially when they congregate below dams, can result in recruitment overfishing where harvest exceeds the ability of a stock to replenish its numbers. Restoration of fisheries should focus on the anthropogenic influences that preceded their decline. Sauger Sander canadense in the tailwaters of several Tennessee impoundments represent the largest percid fisheries in the southeast USA. However, declining Sauger populations have been evident since historical spawning migrations were blocked by dams and little is known about current spawning areas in the Cumberland River. Additionally, Sauger were seasonally vulnerable to anglers in tailwaters and it is important to evaluate the population-level effects of catch-and-release (CR) mortality. The objectives of this research were to (1) describe the spawning migration of Saugers in the Cumberland River, and (2) estimate the instantaneous rate of CR and harvest mortality. To assess spawning movements, Saugers were implanted with radio transmitters in January2014and tracked weekly throughout the spawning season. To estimate the instantaneous mortality rate associated with CR fishing, Saugers implanted with radio transmitters were also tagged with an external high-reward ($100) tag and the reporting rate was assumed to be 100%. Telemetry relocations in conjunction with tag-return data allowed for the estimation of catch rates, release rates, and CR mortality for released fish. The monthly instantaneous mortality rate (Z) was 0.11, which represented one natural mortality, one harvest mortality, and two fish that died of CR mortality. Therefore, monthly M = 0.03, F_h= 0.04, and F_cr= 0.04. The weekly instantaneous emigration rate was 0.02 and their movements downstream and out of the tailwater began after water reached 10°C.	Humans can radically alter aquatic ecosystems directly and indirectly. Fragmentation of river systems via the construction of dams affects the ability of migratory fish to move throughout a system and can hamper their ability to spawn. Overexploitation of fish stocks, especially when they congregate below dams, can result in recruitment overfishing where harvest exceeds the ability of a stock to replenish its numbers. Restoration of fisheries should focus on the anthropogenic influences that preceded their decline. Sauger Sander canadense in the tailwaters of several Tennessee impoundments represent the largest percid fisheries in the southeast USA. However, declining Sauger populations have been evident since historical spawning migrations were blocked by dams and little is known about current spawning areas in the Cumberland River. Additionally, Sauger were seasonally vulnerable to anglers in tailwaters and it is important to evaluate the population-level effects of catch-and-release (CR) mortality. The objectives of this research were to (1) describe the spawning migration of Saugers in the Cumberland River, and (2) estimate the instantaneous rate of CR and harvest mortality. To assess spawning movements, Saugers were implanted with radio transmitters in January2014and tracked weekly throughout the spawning season. To estimate the instantaneous mortality rate associated with CR fishing, Saugers implanted with radio transmitters were also tagged with an external high-reward ($100) tag and the reporting rate was assumed to be 100%. Telemetry relocations in conjunction with tag-return data allowed for the estimation of catch rates, release rates, and CR mortality for released fish. The monthly instantaneous mortality rate (Z) was 0.11, which represented one natural mortality, one harvest mortality, and two fish that died of CR mortality. Therefore, monthly M = 0.03, F_h= 0.04, and F_cr= 0.04. The weekly instantaneous emigration rate was 0.02 and their movements downstream and out of the tailwater began after water reached 10°C.
Implementing and optimizing a structured decision making model for regulated rivers	December 2014	In a recently-completed project, a structured decison making model was developed for the operation of Tims Ford Dam on the Elk River. In this follow-up project, we are: 1. Initiating training and support for TVA and USFWS personnel to improve their understanding of how the decision model works, how to use it, and how to update it. 2. Investigating options for proceeding with optimization of the decision model. Optimization is a complex component of the Structured Decision Making process that, although not required to effectively use existing, fully-parameterized decision models, helps managers identify long-term optimal decisions. Optimization is a rapidly-changing area of research in the decision-making world. Colin has limited experience with optimization, but has discussed the topic with colleagues more familiar with the process. Identifying the best method for optimization (there are many) and conducting optimization analyses would require a year or more of additional work. However, even if optimization cannot be accomplished during six additional months of support, it would be useful to begin this process.	...
Occupancy modeling for aquatic imperiled and invasive species	June 2014	The estimation of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection probabilities and population persistence probabilitites often relies on the observed presence of the organism in question. Yet it is crucial to consider the possibility that that a species and its eDNA are present but not detected during a survey. Occupancy modeling allows for the estimation of several parameters in a likelihood framework while allowing for imperfect detectability. The objectvies of this project are to provide statistical support to the USFWS Invasive Speceies and Ecological Services programs and develop occupancy models for several invasive species and imperiled species of concern.	Little consideration has been given to environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling strategies for rare species. The certainty of species detection relies on understanding false positive and false negative error rates. We used artificial ponds together with logistic regression models to assess the detection of African jewelfish eDNA at varying fish densities (0, 0.32, 1.75, and 5.25 fish/m3). Our objectives were to determine the most effective water stratum for eDNA detection, estimate true and false positive eDNA detection rates, and assess the number of water samples necessary to minimize the risk of false negatives. There were 28 eDNA detections in 324, 1-L, water samples collected from four experimental ponds. The best-approximating model indicated that the per-L-sample probability of eDNA detection was 4.86 times more likely for every 2.53 fish/m3 (1 SD) increase in fish density and 1.67 times less likely for every 1.02 C (1 SD) increase in water temperature. The best section of the water column to detect eDNA was the surface and to a lesser extent the bottom. Although no false positives were detected, the estimated likely number of false positives in samples from ponds that contained fish averaged 3.62. At high densities of African jewelfish, 3–5 L of water provided a .95% probability for the presence/absence of its eDNA. Conversely, at moderate and low densities, the number of water samples necessary to achieve a .95% probability of eDNA detection approximated 42–73 and .100 L, respectively. Potential biases associated with incomplete detection of eDNA could be alleviated via formal estimation of eDNA detection probabilities under an occupancy modeling framework; alternatively, the filtration of hundreds of liters of water may be required to achieve a high (e.g., 95%) level of certainty that African jewelfish eDNA will be detected at low densities (i.e., ,0.32 fish/m3 or 1.75 g/m3).
Distribution of fish in and near the heated effluent of a power plant	December 2014	Little is known about the actual thermal experience of fish that live in both spatially and temporally variable thermal environments in areas around heated effluents. Do they completely avoid water that exceeds a laboratory-derived avoidance temperature or do they sometimes temporarily occupy temperatures that might be detrimental if exposed to indefinitely? Do fish in proximity to heated discharges use cool refuges in summer when temperatures throughout a larger area are often higher than preferred or optimal? Do they move about on a regular basis such that their exposure to excessively warm temperatures is tempered by periods at cooler temperatures? Do thermal discharges result in direct mortality or do fish exhibit behaviors that limit exposure to sub-lethal durations? These are old questions that may have been explored before, but new telemetry technology could provide better answers. Transmitters are smaller than in the past allowing their use in more varied sizes of fish. Enhanced memory allows data to be collected more frequently and archived if necessary for later downloading. Receiver systems are more sophisticated allowing for automatic and more frequent data collection. A telemetry study that tracks the thermal experience of individual fish near a thermal discharge over several weeks will provide valuable information on actual thermal exposure. In this study several species of fish are being tagged with ultrasonic transmitters and their location and the temperature of the water they are inhabiting near a power plant is being monitored continuously with an array of submersible receivers. These data will be used by power producers and regulators to redefine the upper limits of temperature that fish can be exposed to during routine power plant operations.	None
Buliding A Structured Decision Making Model for the Elk River	June 2013	The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is modifying how they operate Tims Ford Dam on the Elk River to improve the habitat for two federally-listed endangered species, the cracking pearlymussel and the Boulder darter. Tims Ford Dam, constructed in 1970, has historically been operated to provide flood control, municipal water, peaking hydroelectric power, and recreational fishing for non-native rainbow trout and brown trout in the tailwater. Tims Ford Dam discharges cold hypolimnetic water through its main turbine and the altered thermal regime and hydrograph downstream of the dam have been detrimental to the native fish and mussel fauna in the Elk River. In response to a Biological Opinion from the USFWS, the TVA is committed to using an Adaptive Resource Management (ARM) framework to identify the factors influencing fish and mussel populations in that river and balancing the need to improve habitat for imperiled aquatic species with other dam operations such as flood protection, water supply, recreation, and power production. Structured Decision Making (SDM) models are an increasingly common tool available to engineers, biologists, and other stakeholders seeking to adopt an ARM approach to predicting and evaluating the response of ecosystems to various management or operational alternatives. The objective of this project is to develop a SDM model that can be used by engineers and biologists with the USFWS and TVA to guide the operation of Tims Ford Dam in such a way as to balance competing interests and allow imperiled fauna to persist and expand their distribution.	None
Life history of the Cumberland papershell (anodontoides denigrata)	December 2014	The Cumberland papershell (Anodontoides denigrata) is a little known species. It was originally described by Lea in 1852, but was later considered a synonym of A. ferussacianus and forgotten about until Cicerello and Schuester recognized it as a distinct species in 2003. It is known from only a few small tributaries of the Big South Fork in TN and the upper Cumberland River, KY. Virtually nothing is known about the life history of the Cumberland papershell. This study will focus on describing its life history traits. Specific objectives will include determining: at what age and size individuals become reproductively mature, when spawning occurs and how long larvae are brooded, fecundity, and what host fishes are needed to complete its life cycle.	None
Survival, movements, and sampling of wild and hatchery-reared age-0 muskellunge in the Collins River of middle Tennessee	July 2013	Muskellunge were nearly extirpated from Tennessee in the 1970s due mainly to pollution by coal mining. A muskellunge stocking program commenced in 1976 in the upper Caney Fork River and its tributaries as part of a statewide effort by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to preserve the species in the Cumberland River drainage. The Caney Fork River system now supports a trophy fishery, with some fish caught in recent years exceeding 1.3 m total length (TL). Objectives of this study were to identify and describe spawning and nursery habitats of wild Muskellunge in the Caney Fork River system, assess the extent of natural reproduction and growth of wild juvenile muskellunge, and describe mortality, dispersal, and habitat use by recently stocked muskellunge. Natural reproduction occurred in the Caney Fork River and three of its four tributaries. Vegetative cover and finer substrates were important habitat characteristics in spawning and nursery habitats of wild muskellunge. Wild age-0 muskellunge reached maximum lengths of nearly 400 mm TL by October 2012. Stocked Muskellunge suffered high mortality (43.4-98.3%) after two months and the cohort that dispersed the most suffered the highest mortality. Predation by great blue herons and river otters on stocked fish was documented. Because natural reproduction occurs in the system and post-stocking mortality is high, TWRA might be justified in discontinuing their muskellunge stocking program. Close monitoring of the muskellunge population in the Caney Fork River system should indicate within a few years whether it is truly self-sustaining.	Southern U.S. Muskellunge Esox masquinongy populations have not been well studied; the most recently published study on river Muskellunge in Tennessee dates to 1959. Muskellunge were nearly extirpated from the state in the 1970s mainly due to pollution by coal mining. A Muskellunge stocking program began in 1976 in the upper Caney Fork River and its tributaries as part of a statewide effort by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) to preserve the species in the Cumberland River drainage. The upper Caney Fork River system now supports a trophy fishery, with some fish caught in recent years exceeding 1.3 m total length (TL). Objectives of this study were to identify and describe spawning and nursery habitats of wild Muskellunge in the upper Caney Fork River system, assess the extent of natural reproduction and growth of wild juvenile Muskellunge in the upper Caney Fork River system, and describe mortality, dispersal, and habitat use by recently stocked Muskellunge. Spawning areas of wild Muskellunge were located using traditional ecological knowledge from anglers and fishing guides as well as boat electrofishing surveys with TWRA biologists. To determine whether natural reproduction was occurring and to locate nursery areas, seining, backpack electrofishing, and boat electrofishing gears were used to sample age-0 fish. Post-stocking dispersal, mortality, and habitat use by stocked fingerling Muskellunge were evaluated using radio telemetry. Vegetative cover and finer substrates were important habitat characteristics in spawning and nursery habitats of wild Muskellunge. Natural reproduction occurred in the main stem Caney Fork River and three of four tributaries (Collins River, Calfkiller River, Cane Creek), but not in the Rocky River. Wild age-0 Muskellunge reached maximum lengths of up to 399 mm TL by October 2012. Stocked Muskellunge suffered high interval mortality (43.4-98.3%) over 56 d, and the stocked cohort that dispersed the most suffered the highest mortality. Predation by Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias and River Otter Lontra canadensis was a source of mortality for stocked fish. Percent vegetation coverage was low in habitats used by stocked Muskellunge compared to nursery areas of wild age-0 fish. Because natural reproduction occurs in the system and post-stocking mortality was high, TWRA might be justified in discontinuing Muskellunge stocking and continuing annual boat-electrofishing surveys. Close monitoring of the Muskellunge fishery in the upper Caney Fork River system should indicate within a few years whether it is self-sustaining.
Assessment of Hybrid Striped Bass Fisheries in Tennessee	August 2012	Hybrid striped bass (also known as Palmetto Bass; striped bass Morone saxatilis ♀ x white bass M. chrysops ♂) have been stocked into reservoirs in the southeastern U.S. since the 1970s and have gained widespread acceptance as a sportfish. Whereas catch-and-release (CR) mortality of striped bass has been thoroughly studied across the U.S., similar information for hybrids is scarce. Although mortality of hybrids following CR angling in the present study was lower than what has been observed for striped bass elsewhere, CR mortality of hybrids during summer approached 40%. If CR fishing activity is shown to be high, CR mortality in summer represents a substantial source of cryptic mortality. An assessment of hybrid populations in two Tennessee reservoirs revealed a wide range in annual mortality (A = 44 and 67%) but in both systems there was little justification for managing the fisheries with a length limit other than the current 381 mm minimum total length limit.	Hybrid striped bass (striped bass Morone saxatilis ♀ x white bass M. chrysops ♂) have been stocked into reservoirs in the southeastern U.S. since the 1970s and have gained widespread acceptance as a sportfish. These fisheries are growing in popularity and anglers are voluntarily practicing catch and release fishing, but the fate of released hybrid striped bass is unknown. Hybrid striped bass (n = 56; > 373 mm total length) were caught using traditional angling gear in water temperatures ranging from 13 to 32 oC. Ultrasonic transmitters equipped with floats were externally attached to each fish and they were released immediately back into J. Percy Priest Lake (JPPL). Fish were tracked for 4-7 days post-release to assess short-term and delayed mortality. One day after release, hybrid striped bass moved up to 9.65 km away from where they were released. On day two, hybrid striped bass moved an additional 0.44 to 7.79 km. In a logistic regression model, mortality was positively related to water temperature but no other variables tested were significant. During the summer when water temperatures exceeded 26 oC, mortality was 39.3%. During fall and spring at cool water temperatures ( 25 oC), mortality was only 3.6%. An examination of historical databases revealed that growth and condition of hybrids were similar in J. Percy Priest Lake (JPPL) and Tims Ford Lake (TFL); however, annual mortality was higher in TFL (A = 67%) than in JPPL (A = 44%). A Beverton-Holt equilibrium yield model was used to predict the response of TFL and JPPL hybrid striped bass to four minimum size limits: 229 mm (i.e., no limit), 305 mm, 381 mm (current limit), and 457 mm total length. The 229 mm and 305 mm length limits failed to increase yield at all levels of exploitation and conditional natural mortality (cm) in both reservoirs. Increasing the length limit from its current level (381 mm) to 457 mm increased yield slightly (~10%) in both reservoirs when cm was 0.25. When natural mortality was higher (cm = 0.40), predicted yields were similar with the current 381 mm TL limit and the 457 mm TL limit at all levels of exploitation for both reservoirs. There is little justification for managing the hybrid striped bass fisheries in JPPL and TFL with a length limit other than the current 381 mm TL limit.
Distribution and ecology of boulder darters in the Elk River, Tennessee	July 2013	Fifteen darter species are known to occur in the Elk River, Tennessee, including the Boulder Darter (Etheostoma wapiti), a federally endangered species that is currently restricted to 100 km of the mainstem Elk River and two of its tributaries. Since the construction of Tims Ford Dam in 1970, coldwater releases and altered flow regimes have resulted in substantial habitat modification that has reduced the range of Boulder Darters throughout the Elk River. In 2007, the Tennessee Valley Authority implemented an adaptive management process at Tims Ford Dam to determine the optimal combination of spilling, sluicing, and hydroelectric generation that would: (1) promote the persistence of Boulder Darters throughout the mainstem Elk River, (2) allow for continued hydropower generation, and (3) maintain conditions suitable for the existing tailwater trout fishery. Recently implemented operational modifications also are anticipated to improve spawning and rearing conditions for E. wapiti and provide an additional 50 km for potential recolonization. To assess the current status of darter species in the Elk River, a multi-species occupancy models that accounts for incomplete detection was constructed to determine the influence of several environmental factors on the occurrence of 15 darter species in the Elk River. Thirty-nine sites were surveyed using a combination of backpack electrofishing and seining and presence-absence data were used to estimate detection and occupancy probabilities for each of the 15 darter species native to the Elk River. Occupancy modeling indicated that darter species occupancy was strongly and negatively related to the absence of cobble substrates and high levels of silt. The probability of occurrence for large river obligates such as boulder darters was strongly and positively related to distance downstream from Tims Ford Dam. Results from this study provide a baseline for TVA and USFWS biologists to assess future changes in the status and distribution of Boulder Darters following operational changes at Tims Ford Dam that will be driven by a Structured Decision Making model currently being developed.	None
Biotic integrity and community structure in tributaries of a regulated river	July 2013	Tennessee is home to some of the most diverse freshwater fish communities in the world as well as some of the most highly-regulated rivers in the United States. The Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam in middle Tennessee has three tributaries; thus, there was an opportunity to evaluate differences in biotic integrity among three tributaries of a regulated river. The purpose of this study was to calculate and compare indices of biotic integrity (IBI) in those three tributaries over two seasons using two sampling protocols. The protocol developed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) relies on species accumulation curves to dictate sampling effort. The second protocol developed for Wisconsin streams requires sampling a reach that is 35 times the mean stream width (35MSW). At five sites in those three tributaries over two seasons in 2010, more than 27,000 fish were collected representing 53 fish species. The IBI scores were “good to excellent” at three of the five sites, “good” at one site, and “fair” at one site. More species were collected at most sites both seasons when following the 35MSW protocol. When compared to the 35MSW protocol, the TVA protocol tended to inadequately sample the species present. Sampling small (28 m2) quadrats allowed many fish to avoid the electric field; this was particularly evident when sampling pools. Another consideration when following the TVA protocol is the need to accurately and immediately identify fish after each quadrat sample, which may result in inefficient use of time in the field. Compared to the TVA protocol, the 35MSW protocol required sampling a greater area. However, due to the time required to measure each sample area and process each catch when using the TVA protocol, IBI sampling using the 35MSW protocol may not take any more time to conduct.	None
Behavior of trophy brown trout in an eastern Tennessee reserovir system	December 2011	Adult brown trout were radio-tracked in an east Tennessee reservoir (Boone Lake) and its headwater rivers to estimate their survival and movements. Annual mortality was fairly high (38%) and was probably influenced by bouts of high water temperatures in late spring and early summer and some catch-and-release mortality. Tagged fish in both headwater rivers exhibited strong site fidelity and most resided in the same pool-riffle sequence except during fall 2010, when most fish undertook spawning migrations. Only two fish were ever located in the main basin of Boone Lake and then for relatively brief periods. Some tagged brown trout occupied the reaches on both rivers governed by special regulations to reduce harvest or protect spawning fish.	Temperature-sensing radio tags were surgically implanted during winter 2009-2010 into 25 large (471-672 mm total length) brown trout Salmo trutta in Boone Lake, a 1,829-ha reservoir in east Tennessee, and its headwaters (the South Fork of the Holston River and the Watauga River) to estimate their survival, movements, and habitat use. Another ten large brown trout were implanted with recovered tags in January 2011. Fish were located during daylight hours approximately every 15-20 days from March 2010 to April 2011. Fifty-six percent of the 25 fish tagged in 2009 and 2010 died or expelled their tags between 46 and 200 d post-surgery. Of the original 25 tagged fish that survived more than 80 d post-surgery, 35% died and 25% expelled their tag. The instantaneous mortality rate (ZANNUAL) was 0.4745, which equated to an annual mortality (A) of 0.3778. Rates of mortality and tag expulsion were probably influenced by bouts of high water temperatures (approaching 21oC) in late spring and early summer and some catch-and-release mortality. No fish were reportedly harvested and eight fish were alive and being tracked at the completion of this study in April 2011. Tagged fish in both rivers exhibited strong site fidelity and most resided in the same pool-riffle sequence except during fall 2010, when 67% of tagged fish undertook spawning migrations. Consequently, movements and ranges (i.e., the reach of river occupied) of tagged brown trout were highly variable, differed seasonally, and were highest in fall and lowest in summer. Only two fish were ever located in the main basin of Boone Lake. One tagged brown trout occupied lacustrine habitat in Boone Lake from January to May 2010 and then moved 10 km upstream into the South Fork of the Holston River when suitable temperatures and dissolved oxygen concentrations were unavailable in Boone Lake. One fish tagged in January 2011 moved to lacustrine habitat in Boone Lake during February, where it remained until the completion of tracking in April 2011. The absence of any tagged fish in the main basin of Boone Lake during the summer and fall of 2010 was likely due to poor water quality. Some tagged brown trout occupied the reaches on both rivers governed by special regulations to reduce harvest or protect spawning fish. Two of five fish in the South Fork of the Holston River moved during their fall spawning runs into reaches closed to angling between November and January each year. All but one of the fish captured and tagged within the Watauga River’s 4.2-km “Quality Trout Zone” remained within that reach throughout the study.
Habitat use and thermal ecology of muskellunge in a Tennessee reservoir	August 2011	Radio telemetry was used to determine the seasonal distribution and thermal preferences of 30 muskellunge in Melton Hill Lake, a mainstem reservoir in east Tennessee. Unlike many reservoirs, Melton Hill Lake offers a thermally heterogeneous environment year-round resulting from cold hypolimnetic discharges from an upstream dam and warmwater discharged from a coal-fired electric generation plant. Due to the wide range of water temperatures with suitable dissolved oxygen throughout much of the year, Melton Hill Lake differs from other systems in which muskellunge have been studied using biotelemetry. Fish in summer and early fall were widely distributed between the steam plant and Melton Hill Dam. In the spring, late fall, and winter they tended to occupy a small reach downstream of the stream plant. When the greatest range in water temperatures was available (summer 2010; 7 -33 C), tagged fish selected water between 20 to 25°C. During winter, they aggregated in the warmest water available at the thermal plume discharged from the steam plant.	Radio telemetry was used to determine the seasonal distribution and thermal preferences of muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in Melton Hill Lake, a mainstem reservoir on the Clinch River in east Tennessee. Muskellunge have been stocked into Melton Hill Lake since 1998, creating a popular sport fishery on the southern edge of this species' native range. Unlike many reservoirs, Melton Hill Lake offers a thermally heterogeneous environment resulting from cold hypolimnetic discharges from an upstream dam and warmwater discharged from a coal-fired electric generation plant. Due to the wide range of water temperatures with suitable dissolved oxygen throughout much of the year, Melton Hill Lake differs from other systems in which muskellunge have been studied using biotelemetry. Adult muskellunge (n = 30) with internal temperature-sensing radio tags were tracked biweekly from March 2010 to March 2011. Maps of monthly and seasonal fish distributions were created using 50% and 95% kernel density estimates with ArcGIS software. Seasonal differences in temperature selection, depth, and distance to the nearest shore were tested using mixed-model ANOVA. Fish in summer and early fall were widely distributed between the steam plant and Melton Hill Dam. In the spring, late fall, and winter they tended to occupy a small reach downstream of the stream plant. Tagged fish occupied shallow, inshore water during spring, fall, and winter, and deeper, offshore water during summer. Mean tag temperatures varied among seasons and were highest in summer, intermediate in spring and fall, and lowest in winter. When the greatest range in water temperatures was available (summer 2010; 7.1 -33.3 C), tagged fish selected water between 20 to 25°C. During winter, they aggregated in the warmest water available at the thermal plume discharged from the steam plant. The abundance and composition of forage fish was sampled seasonally to assess the possible role of forage availability on the distribution of tagged muskellunge. Although catch rates of potential forage fish species varied, suitable forage appeared to be available throughout the reservoir in all seasons and the abundance (or lack thereof) of forage did not appear to influence habitat or temperature selection.
Evaluating Tennessee Sport Fisheries	June 2027	Evaluating introgression of Alabama Bass into Tennessee waters and threats to native Smallmouth Bass. Informing state hatcheries about stocking timing to maintain trout fisheries.	None
Filling in the Gaps for the Federally Endangered Cracking Pearlymussel Hemistena lata: Habitat Use, Life History, Distribution, and Validation of Sampling Approaches	January 2030	The Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit is studying the endangered Cracking Pearlymussel, a unique species now found in only three river reaches. This 3-4 year research effort combines field surveys, habitat assessments, and population studies to guide species recovery. Working with federal and state partners, researchers are developing monitoring protocols, mapping current distribution, and identifying potential reintroduction sites.	None
Understanding the responses of freshwater systems to ongoing restoration in West Tennessee rivers	January 2030	We are conducting multiple research projects to support the restoration of West Tennessee streams and rivers impacted by past human activities and modern agriculture. Our studies monitor how freshwater fish populations respond when degraded headwater streams are renewed through restoration. We also examine how recovering certain habitat features via restoration influences the distribution of freshwater mussels in these rehabilitated stream systems. By pairing restoration with scientific monitoring, our work helps revive West Tennessee streams to benefit native fish and mussel communities.	We are conducting multiple projects intended to inform ongoing restoration of stream habitats in West Tennessee impacted by past human impacts and ongoing agricultural activities. Studies encompass monitoring responses of freshwater fishes to restoration of a headwater stream in West Tennessee, to understanding how the distribution of freshwater mussels relate to habitat features recovered or re-established via these restoration practices.
Research directed at the recovery of endangered mussels	December 2010	The objectives of this study include determining the current status of endangered mussels in the upper Green River, and determine whether recent modifications made to the discharge regime of the Green River Dam are enhancing mussel recrtuitment.	None
Assessment of the mussel fauna in the area impacted by possible dredging for the Green River Ferry, Mammoth Cave National Park	June 2011	Potentially a 305-m-long rriver reach may be affected by dredging. The objective of this project is to evaluate the mussel assemblage in this reach.	None
Propagation of pink muckets	December 2012	The endangered pink mucket will be propagated and the progeny will be released in the Tennessee River.	None
Propagation of rare mussels	June 2013	Imperiled mussels will be propagated and released into their historic range.	None
Reintroduction of mussels into the Little Tennessee River at the Calderwood Dam bypass	June 2011	The goal of this project is to reestablish mussel populations in the Calderwood Dam bypass reach.	None
Life history of the Barrens Heelsplitter	December 2011	Determine various aspects of the Barrens heelsplitter	None
Life history of Obovaria subrotunda	December 2011	Objectives include determining fecundity, glochidial release perios, host fishes, and age and growth.	None
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance of the federally threatened Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) in the Clinch River and Powell River	July 2023	Whether or not the native minnow Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) still exist in the Clinch and Powell rivers is unknown. We sampled the rivers by collecting water samples and evaluating them for the presence of DNA, which could be evidence of their continued existence	The federally endangered Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) has not been observed in eastern Tennessee rivers in decades. We used molecular techniques to sample water from two rivers where they historically occurred but were never abundant. Environmental DNA (eDNA) provides a new tool relative to traditional sampling gears where you are trying to capture shed DNA from the species within the water. Results from the study will help inform the USFWS of the presence and status of Slender Chub for their Species Status Assessment.
Research directed at the recovery of endangered mussels	December 2010	The objectives of this study are: 1. Determine the current status of endangered mussels in the Green River from the Green River Dam (GRD) downstream through Mammoth Cave National Park; 2. Determine whether modifications made to the discharge regime from the Green River Dam are enhancing mussel recruitment; 3. If deemed necessary, establish captive breeding populations of ringpinks, clubshells, and northern riffleshells mussels; 4. Determine various aspects of the life histories of endangered species present; and, 5. As necessary, make recommendations to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding further modifications to the discharge regime of the GRD, and the need to propagate endangered mussels.	None
Predicting the effects on endangered mussels from incremental decreases in minimum flows	December 2015	The objectives of this study are to determine the level of reduction in minimum flows that affects the behavior, growth, gametogensis, spawning and survival of freshwater mussels. Determine if mussel responses to incremental reductions in flow are of a threshold, linear, or curvilinear nature. Defining sublethal and lethal effects at various levels of flow coupled with hydraulic modeling will allow resource agencies to predict possible effects of any proposed flow reduction, and to prescribe water allocations for endangered mussels based on scientifically defensible data.	The effects of low flow on mussels are poorly understood. Scientifically defensible water allocations require specific information on the effects of incremental reductions in flow below normal low-flow conditions. The objectives of this study are to determine the level of reduction in minimum flows that affects the behavior, growth, gametogenesis, spawning, and survival of freshwater mussels. An understanding of sublethal and lethal effects at various levels of flow, when coupled with hydraulic modeling, will allow resource agencies to predict effects of any proposed flow reduction on mussels and prescribe water allocations for endangered mussels based on sound science. This ongoing study incorporates three components: short-term flume studies at Tennessee Tech; long-term studies in raceways at TWRA’s Cumberland River Aquatic Center; and field measurements and experimental manipulation of mussel distributions in the Duck River. In the flume study different species responded to reduced flows by either moving across or burrowing into the substrate. In the raceway study lower water levels negatively affected gravidity, fecundity, growth, and body condition of epibenthic mussels. Mussels responded to changing flows in the field study as they did in the flume and raceway studies: lower water levels caused higher mortality, especially for endobenthic (burrowing) mussels. Field data also suggest that mussel growth, fecundity, and fertilization vary with changing water levels as they did in the flume and raceway studies.
Establish Non-essential Population of 2 Endangered Mussel Species in the Lower French Broad River, Tennessee	January 2014	The goal of this project is to re-establish reproducing populations of two endangered mussels in the French Broad River. Objectives: - Translocate 200 adult Epioblasma capsaeformis and 200 Lemiox rimosus into the French Broad River each year. - Assess survival of translocated individuals. - Determine if gametogenesis and spawning occurs. - Determine if recruitment is successful.	None
Development and testing of a protocol for monitoring mussels	December 2009	1. Evaluate alternative sampling designs for determining the species composition, density, and recruitment of the mussel assemblage with the Mammoth Cave National Park 2. Develop a sampling protocol for the continued long-term monitoring of the assemblage 3. Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the sampling protocol	None
Assessment of biotic integrity, water quality and habitat, fishing pressure, and economic value of the fishery in the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam	December 2013	Prior to construction of Center Hill Dam, the Caney Fork River supported a diverse warm water fish community. Since dam completion in 1948, the fish community managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency for sport fishing has been reduced to a few trout species. Beginning in 2008, the US Army Corps of Engineers (The Corps) initiated a Dam Seepage Control Program that is changing the way water is stored and released by the dam. Changes in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the tailwater are anticipated, but the exact responses are unknown. The USFWS subsequently requested monitoring of temperature, dissolved oxygen, flow, and biological integrity of fish communities in the Caney Fork River downstream of Center Hill Dam. Data have been collected at five stations quarterly and this sampling program will provide valuable information to The Corps and other stakeholders on biological responses in the tailwater as the zone of cold water in the reservoir diminishes, seepage is controlled, minimum flows are maintained, and the tailwater potentially warms below the dam. Our specific objectives are to (1) monitor water quality seasonally at five stations in the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam; (2) develop an index of biotic integrity for the fish community in the Caney Fork River; (3) describe temporal and spatial variation in biotic integrity; and (4) assess key attributes of the recreational fishery for trout in the river and estimate its economic value.	1. Tennessee Technological University and the USGS Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit launched an investigation into biotic and abiotic components of the Caney Fork River ecosystem after a Dam Seepage Control Program (DSCP) began in 2008. Objectives of this study were to (1) assess the biotic integrity and develop a multimetric index that can be used in the future to detect changes, if any, in the Caney Fork River fish community below Center Hill Dam after the DSCP concludes; (2) describe water quality in the river when Center Hill Lake is stratified; and (3) estimate fishing pressure and the economic value of the sport fishery. 2. Boat-mounted and backpack DC electrofishing gear were used to sample the fish community at five sites on the Caney Fork River between Lancaster Bend and Carthage. Sampling with each gear at each site was conducted seasonally between fall 2009 and summer 2011 and again in spring and summer 2012. Over the course of this investigation 69 species of fish in 16 families were encountered and the multimetric index was applied to 5,323 and 8,430 fish collected using boat-mounted and backpack electrofishing gear, respectively. 3. A multimetric index (MMI) of biotic integrity was developed based on nine fish community metrics that were chosen using a multivariate statistical procedure. Four of the metrics were derived from backpack electrofishing samples and five metrics were derived from boat electrofishing samples. The MMI scores exhibited a curvilinear recovery in biotic integrity with distance downstream of the dam and were highly correlated to environmental variables. 4. The multimetric index that we developed should be very useful for monitoring fish assemblages in the Caney Fork River downstream of Center Hill Dam and detecting long-term (multi-year) trends in fish assemblages. The analytical procedure used to derive this index is transferrable and can be used to develop and test indices specific to any tailwater ecosystem. 5. Temperature and dissolved oxygen [DO] concentrations were measured using auto-logging multiprobe meters, five auto-logging temperature meters, and handheld meters. These samples documented large and rapid fluctuations in temperature and DO that resulted from hydropeaking operations. During periods of reservoir stratification, hypolimnetic water discharged through the turbines was low in DO, and DO levels recovered in a longitudinal fashion with increasing distance from the dam. 6. Fishing pressure in 2010 totaled 105,970 hours (90% confidence limits: + 26,734), representing 28,109 trips by angling parties. Over comparable 8-month periods (March-October), fishing pressure was 40% higher in 2010 (94,952 hours) than during the previous survey in 2003 (67,681 h); higher pressure in 2010 was likely due to more favorable river conditions (i.e., lower flows). An estimated 21,028 rainbow trout (90% confidence limits: + 4,840), 286 brown trout (+ 306), and 802 brook trout (+ 600) were harvested in 2010. 7. The net value (consumer surplus) of the fishery in 2010 was estimated to be $1,559,581 and total expenditures in 2010 equaled $1,576,913. Thus, the total value of the Caney Fork River fishery in 2010 was estimated to be $3,136,494. Over comparable 8-month creel survey periods (March-October), the total value of the Caney Fork Fishery (consumer surplus plus expenditures) declined from $3,400,612 in 2003 to $2,810,488 in 2010.
A comprehensive understanding of mussel populations in the Duck River, Tennessee for their conservation and to establish ecological flows for ongoing water withdrawals and water management	January 2030	This is a comprehensive research program that is intended to provide guidance to natural resources agencies in TN tasked with the protection and use of its water resources, in particular, the Duck River, in response to increased demand for water withdrawal. It is intended as a multi-year, multi-step research program with individual research projects that, together, will provide this guidance. Our overarching goal is to provide an assessment of the ecological impacts of water quantity withdrawals on the Duck River that can inform a science-based policymaking on water management for this critically important watershed. If completed, this framework can be used elsewhere in Tennessee and the Southeastern United states to proactively manage water withdrawals in locations of high conservation priority and growing human populations.	This is a comprehensive research program that is intended to provide guidance to natural resources agencies in TN tasked with the protection and use of its water resources, in particular, the Duck River, in response to increased demand for water withdrawal. It is intended as a multi-year, multi-step research program with individual research projects that, together, will provide this guidance.
An analysis of habitat use and suitability of Abrams Creek for reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) to complement ongoing genetic studies	January 2023	The purpose of this proposed project is to provide guidance for the ongoing reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch into Abrams Creek. Although within the species’ former range, isolation due to the Chilhowee Reservoir from source populations make it highly improbable Blotchside would independently recolonize Abrams Creek. Further, changes in habitat configurations since the 1950s may have altered the suitability of this system for logperch, highlighting the need for an assessment to insure enough adequate habitat is in Abrams Creek to sustain a logperch population and make ongoing reintroduction efforts worthwhile.	The purpose of this proposed project is to provide guidance for the ongoing reintroduction of the Blotchside Logperch into Abrams Creek. Although within the species’ former range, isolation due to the Chilhowee Reservoir from source populations make it highly improbable Blotchside would independently recolonize Abrams Creek. Further, changes in habitat configurations since the 1950s may have altered the suitability of this system for logperch, highlighting the need for an assessment to insure enough adequate habitat is in Abrams Creek to sustain a logperch population and make ongoing reintroduction efforts worthwhile. This work complements ongoing work funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority investigating how to maintain genetically robust, viable, self-sustaining population.
Creation of a Statewide Freshwater Mussel Database for the State of Tennessee	January 2030	This study represents the initiation project for the creation of a comprehensive freshwater mussel database for the state of Tennessee, which can not only serve the multiple agencies and stakeholders tasked with the management and conservation of the state’s biota, but also as the basis for multiple research and conservation initiatives (see attached). Our objective for this proposal is to compile freshwater mussel historic and current records from the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee and organize them into a concise, spatially explicit, expandable, and method-specific database, specifically using the McClung Museum database as a model and starting point. We will also organize the data in an expandable, attributable, spatial, and open-source format to improve user capacity and speed for analyzing trends of species distribution, richness, and abundance. We will produce not only the data outcomes below, but also an underlying structure, location, curation, presentation, and long-term plan for a living, statewide database that will be the core foundation of a long-term research program proposed by the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, with the goal of a long-term interactive database housed and maintained within the TN Tech Water Center (see letter of support attached).	This study represents the initiation project for the creation of a comprehensive freshwater mussel database for the state of Tennessee, which can not only serve the multiple agencies and stakeholders tasked with the management and conservation of the state’s biota, but also as the basis for multiple research and conservation initiatives (see attached). Our objective for this proposal is to compile freshwater mussel historic and current records from the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee and organize them into a concise, spatially explicit, expandable, and method-specific database, specifically using the McClung Museum database as a model and starting point. We will also organize the data in an expandable, attributable, spatial, and open-source format to improve user capacity and speed for analyzing trends of species distribution, richness, and abundance. We will produce not only the data outcomes below, but also an underlying structure, location, curation, presentation, and long-term plan for a living, statewide database that will be the core foundation of a long-term research program proposed by the Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, with the goal of a long-term interactive database housed and maintained within the TN Tech Water Center (see letter of support attached).
A re-survey of the mussel fauna and a habitat assessment of the Wolf River, Tennessee	January 2024	The overarching goal of the proposed research is to determine the status of mussel populations and suitable habitat in the Wolf River, Tennessee.	The overarching goal of the proposed research is to determine the status of mussel populations and suitable habitat in the Wolf River, Tennessee. The project is broken into two primary phases: the first phase is focused on repeating the mussel assemblage surveys conducted in the Wolf River in 2005-06 (Moles et al. 2007) to determine changes to the status of these populations in the last 15-16 years (Phase 1, funded, Fast Track FWS). The second phase is focused on habitat surveys of the system to identify likely threats to remaining mussel populations and opportunities for restoration in the system (this proposal)<br><b> </b><br><b><i>Project Deliverables</i></b><i>:</i><br>Updated information on the distribution of the mussel fauna of the Wolf River, TN, including 4 species of particular concern for the Fish and Wildlife Service. (Phase 1, Year 1)Where possible, information on the abundance, size frequency, and/or presence of recruitment for core areas of mussel abundance for all species in the Wolf River. (year 1-2)Identification of likely limiting factors for mussel concentrations in the Wolf River system. (Year 2-3)Identification of location and potential impact of threats to mussel assemblages in the Wolf River system. (Year 2-3)
Assessment and Modeling of the Freshwater Mussel Distributions and Habitat Preferences in the Hatchie River, Tennessee	January 2026	We propose a three-year project to update freshwater mussel distributions in the Hatchie River and measure and model the physical habitat of the river in regards to its suitability for freshwater mussels. The results of this project may guide ongoing and future restorative efforts in other watersheds in WT for freshwater mussel conservation and reintroductions.	We propose a three-year project to update freshwater mussel distributions in the Hatchie River and measure and model the physical habitat of the river in regards to its suitability for freshwater mussels. The results of this project may guide ongoing and future restorative efforts in other watersheds in WT for freshwater mussel conservation and reintroductions. Our specific objectives are as follows:<br>Update the distribution of freshwater mussels in the Hatchie River drainage through field survey or directing surveys for collaborating partners.Describe hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics associated with observed and known mussel concentrations through physical habitat measurements and modeling using aerial imagery and remote sensing data.Investigate relationships between mussel presence and metrics used to determine the successfulness of restoration activities in WT.
Update to Tennessee Status Assessments and Recovery Plans for Listed Mussel Species	January 2025	Research is designed to assist the Fish and Wildlife Service with their backlog of Status Assessments, Recovery Plans, and baseline information for species listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act using the best available information, methodology, and scientific approaches.	Research is designed to assist the Fish and Wildlife Service with their backlog of Status Assessments, Recovery Plans, and baseline information for species listed or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act using the best available information, methodology, and scientific approaches.
Environmental DNA Surveillance of Rare species	January 2025	The aim of the proposed project is to use environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance to monitor Little Chucky Creek and associated tributaries with similar habitat features within its known and former range for the presence of chucky madtom (a federally endangered catfish) known from only two systems, Little Chucky Creek and Dunn Creek.<br><br>While likely extirpated (doesn't exist in the wild) from Dunn Creek, the chucky madtom may still exist in a small stretch (3 km) of the Little Chucky Creek. However, given the rarity and cryptic behavior of this fish, surveillance with traditional methods (e.g., snorkeling or kick-seining) is time consuming, may yield inaccurate detection, or harm the species. <br><br>Environmental DNA may offer an alternative surveillance option for this small, cryptic, and extremely rare fish species. Environmental DNA surveillance works by collecting a water sample from targeted sites with no harm or harassment to the animal or habitat, and offers a less time-consuming and more sensitive surveillance method for rare and cryptic species.	The Chucky Madtom (<i>Noturus crypticus</i>) is a federally endangered catfish known from only two systems, Little Chucky Creek and Dunn Creek. While likely extirpated from Dunn Creek, the Chucky Madtom may still exist in a small stretch (3 km) of the Little Chucky Creek. However, given the rarity and cryptic behavior of this fish, surveillance with traditional methods (e.g., snorkeling or kick-seining) is time consuming, may yield inaccurate detection, or harm the species. Environmental DNA may offer an alternative surveillance option for this small, cryptic, and extremely rare fish species. Environmental DNA surveillance works by collecting a water sample from targeted sites with no harm or harassment to the animal or habitat, and offers a less time-consuming and more sensitive surveillance method for rare and cryptic species.<br><br>This method can be paired with targeted sampling in likely habitats based on historical information and habitat modeling intended to highlight similar habitats that may also contain the species to confirm its known distribution and discover other, undocumented populations.<br><br> aim of the proposed project is to use environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance to monitor Little Chucky Creek and associated tributaries with similar habitat features within its known and former range for the presence of <i>Noturus crypticus</i>.<br>Objectives:<br>Develop a quantitative PCR assay(s) for use of eDNA surveillance on <i>N. crypticus. </i>Create sampling design aimed at surveying sites in the extant and historic distributionsCreate sampling design aimed at surveying sites along a seasonal gradient to determine optimized eDNA sampling windowCollect water and sediment/benthic samples to increase eDNA detection probabilityOur objectives aim to create an eDNA assay, sampling design, and sampling methods that allow resource agencies to rapidly and effectively survey for <i>N. crypticus</i> for current and future surveillance efforts. Sediment/benthic samples would allow us to determine a range of historic distributions given that benthic substrate can protect eDNA for months or years, which could help guide contemporary survey efforts. Water samples provide more contemporary signals of living or recently living individuals. Furthermore, collecting samples over a wide seasonal range will help encompass potential spawning season. Spawning events can greatly increase detection probability and conversely, eDNA surveillance may help determine important spawning timing and locations.
Tennessee-Cumberland rivers invasive carps data management application	September 2023	Our goal is to develop web or desktop applications to analyze, summarize, and distribute data collected by Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers (TNCR) collaborators through standardized procedures. We also expect to provide a platform for storing and sharing non-standard data relevant to TNCR collaborators but contributed by external agencies	Our goal is to develop web or desktop applications to analyze, summarize, and distribute data collected by Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers (TNCR) collaborators through standardized procedures. We also expect to provide a platform for storing and sharing non-standard data relevant to TNCR collaborators but contributed by external agencies
Early Detection and Rapid Response to the African Walking Catfish in Puerto Rico: Identification and Removal of a Threat to Endemic Species and Minimizing Risk to Continental U.S. Expansion	December 2023	Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect location of a newly detected invasive species in Puerto Rico to inform removals.	Invasive species create risks to ecological communities. Recently, in Puerto Rico, African Walking Catfish were discovered as a new invasive. This project will use environmental DNA (eDNA) to sample streams and help inform where physical removal efforts should be allocated. We are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and University of Puerto Rico to identify removal and monitoring locations. The outcomes of the project will help inform control needs to an invasive species in Puerto Rico.
Angler responses to state management stocking	December 2022	The project will evaluate how angler effort and catch rates relate to state management decisions.	Stocking fish is an intensive effort, and one of the highest budget items, for state agencies. We are using a long-term database to explore how angler effort and catches relate to agency stocking efforts across the Tennessee landscape.
Population characteristics of three important commercial fish species in Tennessee: Skipjack Herring, Smallmouth Buffalo, and Silver Carp	December 2022	Age and growth of three commercially harvested species in Tennessee to inform management.	<sup>Commercially harvested species require population dynamics information for stock assessment. Critical information includes age structure, growth and recruitment that helps understand how much harvest can be allowed for sustainable populations. The objectives of this study include gaining information for three commercially harvested species in Tennessee: skipjack herring, smallmouth buffalo, and silver carp. All species in the study are harvested in surrounding partner states including Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi; yet, demographic information and models are lacking. Results will help inform population status for states to make management decisions. </sup>
Contributions of hatchery fish to tailwater trout fisheries	December 2022	State management agencies highly invest in hatcheries and stocking to improve fisheries. We are evaluating how stocked versus wild produced trout contribute to tailwater fisheries in Tennessee.	Tailwater trout fisheries, below dams, are popular with anglers in Tennessee. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raise fish in state and federal hatcheries to enhance fisheries. The contribution of hatchery versus wild fish to the fishery will be evaluated to inform hatchery management and stocking practices. For this project, we are marking all stocked fish to understand how many hatchery fish recruit to the fishery. An extensive mark-recapture sampling will indicate stocking success and individual marks using PIT tags will provide information on growth after stocking.
Life history, habitat use, and genetic uniqueness of the longnose darter Percina nasuta (S1) in Missouri	June 2020	Longnose Darters Percina nasuta (S1, State Endangered) are one of the rarest fish in Missouri and were petitioned for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act with a preliminary finding scheduled for federal FY2020. Little is known about this species in Missouri or how isolated populations in the state may relate to populations in other parts of the species’ range. Consider the entry under Habits and Life History for the Longnose Darter in The Fishes of Missouri which simply states “Spawning has been observed in pool raceways in the upper White River, Arkansas in mid-May. Nothing else has been reported of its natural history.” This lack of information, especially from Missouri, inhibits the ability of state and federal agencies to make informed and defensible management and policy decisions. These decisions include state and federal conservation status listings, management of national forest lands by the USFS, suggestions for BMPs related to Natural Heritage reviews of projects, implementation and priority of on-the ground stream management practices, and identification of and potential response to threats. A better understanding of Longnose Darter ecology and relationships between Missouri populations and those found elsewhere will play a key role in the upcoming federal Species Status Assessment that evaluates resiliency, redundancy, and representation of the species and ultimately will assist with recovery efforts such as captive breeding and reintroduction.	Longnose Darters Percina nasuta (S1, State Endangered) are one of the rarest fish in Missouri and were petitioned for listing under the Federal Endangered Species Act with a preliminary finding scheduled for federal FY2020. Little is known about this species in Missouri or how isolated populations in the state may relate to populations in other parts of the species’ range. Consider the entry under Habits and Life History for the Longnose Darter in The Fishes of Missouri which simply states “Spawning has been observed in pool raceways in the upper White River, Arkansas in mid-May. Nothing else has been reported of its natural history.” This lack of information, especially from Missouri, inhibits the ability of state and federal agencies to make informed and defensible management and policy decisions. These decisions include state and federal conservation status listings, management of national forest lands by the USFS, suggestions for BMPs related to Natural Heritage reviews of projects, implementation and priority of on-the ground stream management practices, and identification of and potential response to threats. A better understanding of Longnose Darter ecology and relationships between Missouri populations and those found elsewhere will play a key role in the upcoming federal Species Status Assessment that evaluates resiliency, redundancy, and representation of the species and ultimately will assist with recovery efforts such as captive breeding and reintroduction.
Validation and transferability of fudnamental niche models of mussel communities and assessment of risks to mussel populations in Ozark River drainages.	June 2020	We propose to transfer fundamental niche models of mussel concentrations (i.e., reaches of rivers with features that allow establishment of dense concentrations of multiple species of native unionid mussels) that have been developed in the Meramec River drainage to two contrasting Ozark Plateau river systems, the Gasconade and Little Black Rivers, and determine baseline occupancy of these areas for model validation. This is part of a long-term program to develop a comprehensive monitoring framework for freshwater mussels for Missouri that maximizes probability of species detection and distributional changes in mussel species while minimizing costs and man-hours dedicated to monitoring purposes. We have identified hydrogeomorphic characteristics that allow establishment of mussel beds; we now wish to test these models in the Gasconade River and Little Black River systems.	We propose to transfer fundamental niche models of mussel concentrations (i.e., reaches of rivers with features that allow establishment of dense concentrations of multiple species of native unionid mussels) that have been developed in the Meramec River drainage to two contrasting Ozark Plateau river systems, the Gasconade and Little Black Rivers, and determine baseline occupancy of these areas for model validation. This is part of a long-term program to develop a comprehensive monitoring framework for freshwater mussels for Missouri that maximizes probability of species detection and distributional changes in mussel species while minimizing costs and man-hours dedicated to monitoring purposes. We have identified hydrogeomorphic characteristics that allow establishment of mussel beds; we now wish to test these models in the Gasconade River and Little Black River systems.
Assessing sampling gear and seasonal effects on evaluations of Florida bass introgression in Chickamauga Reservoir, Tennessee	December 2018	Using genetic techniques to evaluate contributions of stocked Florida largemouth bass to the Chickamauga Reservoir fishery.	Largemouth bass fisheries are very popular in Tennessee and Chickamauga reservoir has very high angler effort and a large number of tournaments. The state management agency, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, began stocking Florida largemouth bass to improve size structure. We are using genetic techniques to characterize the genetic profile of the population and if sampling gear or sampling season affect that profile.
Effects of Asian Carp Invasion on the Food Web of a Mussel Biodiversity Hotspot in Tennessee	June 2018	We are evaluating food web overlap between invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichtyhys molitrix) and native fish and mussels in the Duck River, Tennessee.	Asian carps (Hypophthalmichthys spp.) continue to spread throughout the Mississippi River basin and have recently become established in the lower Tennessee River watershed. Silver Carp (H. molitrix) have now entered the Duck River, a tributary to the Tennessee River, which is a hotspot for fish, crayfish, and mussel biodiversity. The Duck River has 56 mussel species, 151 fish species, and 22 aquatic snail species and is considered North America’s richest river in aquatic biodiversity by the Nature Conservancy. The Duck River’s ecoregion was one of only two in the United States classified as a Priority 1 Ecoregion owing to its biological distinctiveness and vulnerability to disturbance. Given that both Asian Carp and mussels are filter-feeders, the invasion of Asian Carp in the Duck has created concerns about potential food web disruption and potential for deleterious effects on the river’s native freshwater mussel community. The potential effects of Asian Carp on native mussels has not been evaluated despite knowledge that they are both filter-feeders and consume some of the same food resources. The primary objective of this project is to evaluate diet niche overlap between native mussels and Silver Carp across three seasons in the Duck River. We will also evaluate indirect pathways in which Silver Carp could affect native mussels by quantifying diet niche overlap between the carp and representative host fish for mussel glochidia. We will use stable isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) as indices of food web structure and determine diet overlap of Asian Carp, mussels, and glochidia host fish. Stable isotopes are considered a medium-to-long-term record of diets, and thus, integrate ingested prey over time rather than providing a snapshot from gut content analysis. Fish and mussel tissue samples will be collected seasonally the Duck River, Tennessee. One site will be below the Columbia Mill Dam, where Silver Carp and mussels overlap, and the other site will be above the dam where Silver Carp have not yet been detected. White muscle tissue will be excised from Silver Carp, whereas a non-lethal method will be used to excise anterior foot tissue from adult mussels. The mussel species used for comparison to Silver Carp will be informed by results from dissertation research comparing mussel stable isotope signatures in the Green River, Kentucky (Mieko Camp, Tennessee Tech University, unpublished data). Niche overlap between Silver Carp and native mussels will be estimated using stable isotope Bayesian ellipses with Program R’s SIBER package (Jackson et al. 2011). The complex life history of mussels requires host fish that may be affected by diet overlap with Silver Carp, and thus, be an indirect pathway in which Silver Carp could impact native mussels. In addition to Silver Carp and native mussels, we will collect fish from three common host fish guilds for stable isotope analyses and diet overlap evaluation.
Relative Population Densities of Asian Carp in the Tennessee River and Cumberland River drainages	June 2022	Asian carp (AC) are increasingly expanding within multiple Tennessee river systems, but knowledge of current distributions and abundance is lacking. Bighead carp have been observed in the Tennessee waters of the Cumberland River and Tennessee River for at least 10 years. Silver carp were first observed in Tennessee waters in ~2008, but they were not observed in the headwaters of the lowermost reservoirs in each river system until ~ 2012. Sporadic sampling by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency commenced in 2013 and provided some information on where AC occurred in the Tennessee River, Cumberland River, and their tributaries. All empirical and anecdotal evidence points to a rapid expansion of AC upstream in both river systems and into their tributaries and successful reproduction by silver carp in the headwaters of Kentucky Lake. Unlike other locales in the Ohio River basin, a paucity of information exists on AC in the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems. Accompanying this relative lack of information on AC in Tennessee is a deficit in our understanding of where to direct commercial fishing activity and other measures to slow the spread of AC and reduce their potential impact on native fish and mussel assemblages. The objectives of this project are to (1) assess spatial variation in relative abundance of AC in the main basins of two Tennessee River impoundments (Kentucky and Pickwick lakes) and two Cumberland River impoundments (Barkley and Cheatham lakes); (2) develop indices of AC abundance in the headwaters (i.e., dam tailwaters) of those four impoundments, which are proximal sources for further upstream invasion; (3) evaluate tailwater sampling efficiency and relate tailwater AC indices to AC catches in the main basins; and (4) sample additional tailwaters within the Tennessee and Cumberland river systems where the status of AC is unknown to further delineate the leading edge of AC in the waters of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.	Asian carp (AC) are increasingly expanding within multiple Tennessee river systems, but knowledge of current distributions and abundance is lacking. Bighead carp have been observed in the Tennessee waters of the Cumberland River and Tennessee River for at least 10 years. Silver carp were first observed in Tennessee waters in ~2008, but they were not observed in the headwaters of the lowermost reservoirs in each river system until ~ 2012. Asian Carp invasion presents a threat to native species, fishing, and tourism. The objectives of this project are to (1) assess spatial variation in relative abundance of AC in the main basins of two Tennessee River impoundments (Kentucky and Pickwick lakes) and two Cumberland River impoundments (Barkley and Cheatham lakes); (2) develop indices of AC abundance in the headwaters (i.e., dam tailwaters) of those four impoundments, which are proximal sources for further upstream invasion; (3) evaluate tailwater sampling efficiency and relate tailwater AC indices to AC catches in the main basins; and (4) test novel gears and models for sampling and control measures in southeast reservoirs. Partners include the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama as well as US Fish and Wildlife Service and USGS Science Centers.
Movements and Lock and Dam Passage of Asian Carp in the Tennessee River	June 2022	Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix are spreading in the Ohio River Basin and many of its tributaries. Increasing occurrences in one of the major tributaries, the Tennessee River, has created concerns for the five states that manage fisheries within the Tennessee River’s watershed. Populations of Asian carp have become well established in the lower reaches of the Tennessee River, especially below Pickwick Dam. The leading edge of Asian Carp invasion in the Tennessee River is not well defined, but suspected to be between Pickwick Lake in Mississippi and Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Multiple agencies have begun an effort to understand the movement of Asian carp in the Tennessee River basin via acoustic telemetry. These efforts intend to inform removal efforts in downstream areas and inform invasion into the upper portions of the Tennessee River basin including the Tennessee Tombigbee waterway. There is significant potential for limiting dispersal of Asian carp at navigation locks and dams because the design of those structures limits upstream movements. Previous and ongoing studies have created an acoustic receiver array that covers much of the system. This project would fill in the gaps and complete the array of receivers on the Tennessee River system. This project joins multiple, independent projects on the system working towards a common goal. Movement data from these projects will lead to better understanding of Asian carp dispersal and invasion dynamics, evaluation of movement through lock and dam systems, and identification of seasonal congregations in the Tennessee River. The specific objectives are to (1) manually track tagged Asian carp in the Tennessee waters of the Tennessee River in 2016 and 2017; (2) quantify spatial and temporal movements of Asian Carp between Kentucky and Pickwick lakes via the lock chamber at Pickwick Dam.	Invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. Nobilis are spreading in the Ohio River Basin and many of its tributaries. Increasing occurrences has created concerns for states in the Tennessee River and Cumberland River watersheds, tributaries to the Ohio River with connectivity to the Mississippi River. Upstream passage occurs through locks at dams. A multi-state effort to use telemetry to quantify lock passage is ongoing. This information will help inform potential lock management or movement barrier placement at locks.

Research Publications

Research Publications	Publication Date
Woelmer, W.M., Y-C Kao, D.B. Bunnell, A.M. Deines, D.H. Bennion, M.W. Rogers, C.N. Brooks, M.J. Sayers, D.M. Banach, A.G. Grimm, R.A. Schuchman. 2017. Assessing the influence of watershed characteristics on chlorophyll a in water bodies at global and regional scales. Inland Waters.	April 2017
Weber, A.S. and J.B. Layzer. 2011. A comparison of turtle sampling methods in a small lake in Standing Stone State Park, Overton County, Tennessee. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science.	January 2011
Warren, L., and P.W. Bettoli. Evidence of Natural Reproduction by Muskellunge in Middle Tennessee Rivers. Southeastern Naturalist 13(3):506-514 \| Abstract \| Download	July 2014	Native Esox masquinongy (Muskellunge) in the Cumberland River drainage, Tennessee, were nearly extirpated in the 1970s due to decades of over-fishing and habitat degradation resulting from coal mining, logging, and other land-use practices. In an effort to preserve the species in that drainage, a stocking program began in 1976 in the upper Caney Fork River system in middle Tennessee. A trophy Muskellunge fishery developed; however, it was unknown whether muskellunge were reproducing in the upper Caney Fork River system or whether the fishery was wholly dependent on the stocking program. We used seines, backpack electrofishing, and boat electrofishing gear in 2012 to sample age-0 Muskellunge throughout the upper Caney Fork River system. Natural reproduction was documented in the mainstem Caney Fork River above Great Falls Dam and three of four tributaries (Collins River, Calfkiller River, Cane Creek), but not in the Rocky River. Age-0 Muskellunge grew rapidly and reached total lengths of up to 399 mm by October 2012. A cessation of stocking for several years coupled with routine monitoring would reveal whether the natural recruitment we observed is sufficient to sustain the populations in those rivers.
Walker, D.M., J.E. Leys, K.E. Dunham, J.C., Oliver, E.E. Schiller, K.S. Stephenson, J.T. Kimrey, J. Wooten, M.W. Rogers. 2017. Methodological considerations for detection of terrestrial small-body salamander eDNA and implications for biodiversity conservation. Molecular Ecology Resources.	April 2017
Vandergoot, C. S., and P. W. Bettoli. 2003. Relative contribution of stocked walleyes in Tennessee reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 23:1037-1042. \| Download	May 2002
Twardek, W. M., I.G. Cowx, N. Lapointe, C. P. Paukert, T. D. Beard, E. M. Bennett, D. Browne, A. K. Carlson, K. D. Clarke, Z. Hogan, K. Lorenzen, A. J. Lynch, P. B. McIntyre, P. Pompeu, M. Rogers, A. Sakas, W. W. Taylor, T. D.Ward, Z. Basher, and S. J.Cooke. 2022. Bright spots for inland fish and fisheries to guide future hydropower development. Water Biology and Security .https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watbs.2022.100009.	February 2022
Twardek, W. M., I. G. Cowx, N. Lapointe, C. Paukert, T. D. Beard, E. M. Bennett, D. Browne, A. K. Carlson, K. D. Clarke, Z. Hogan, K. Lorenzen, A. J. Lynch, P. B. McIntyre, P. Pompeu, M. Rogers, A. Sakas, W. W. Taylor, T. D. Ward, Z. Basher, and S.J. Cooke^. Bright spots for inland fish and fisheries to guide future hydropower development. Water Biology and Security 1(1):100009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watbs.2022.100009	February 2022
Strayer, D. L., J. A. Downing, W. R. Haag, T. L. King, J. B. Layzer, T. J. Newton, and S. J. Nichols. 2004. Changing perspectives on pearly mussels, North America's most imperiled animals. Bioscience 54:429-439.	May 2004
Simmons, J. W., and J. B. Layzer. 2004. Spawning behavior and habitat of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Copeia 2004(2):412-417.	May 2004
Simmons, J. W., J. B. Layzer, and D. D. Smith. 2008. Age-class structure and variability of two populations of the Bluemask darter Etheostoma (Doration) sp. American Midland Naturalist. 160:300-309	May 2008
Shea, C.P., P.W. Bettoli, K.Potoka, C.F. Saylor, and P.W. Shute. 2015. Use of dynamic occupancy models to assess the response of darters (Teleostei: Percidae) to varying hydrological and hydrothermal conditions in a southeastern United States tailwater. River Research and Appplications 31:676-691. \| Abstract	May 2015	River regulation and water resource development are important problems threatening stream-dwelling fishes and other aquatic biota. During the past 100 y, most large rivers in North America have been altered for flood control, hydropower, navigation, or water supply development. Although these activities clearly provide important human services, their associated environmental disturbances can profoundly affect stream-dwelling organisms. Nowhere in North America is this more evident than the Tennessee River drainage in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, where the Tennessee Valley Authority operates 11 dams on the mainstem Tennessee River and 27 dams on major tributaries. We used multi-species dynamic occupancy models to evaluate the influence of site- and species-level characteristics on metapopulation dynamics rates for 15 darter species native to the Elk River, Tennessee. Modeling results indicated that darter colonization was strongly and positively related to water temperature and body size, but crevice spawning species were substantially less likely to colonize previously unoccupied study reaches. Modeling results also indicated that the risk of extinction was strongly and negatively related to stream temperature. Additionally, the presence of populations in neighboring upstream study reaches contributed to a lower risk of extinction for existing populations. A series of metapopulation simulations based on parameter estimates from the best-approximating models were conducted to evaluate the consequences of alternative hypotheses on darter dispersal capabilities. The simulation results revealed that failure to account for alternative plausible hypotheses of influential properties, such as dispersal, could mask the range of possible outcomes, both positive and negative. Our study demonstrates the usefulness of trait-based approaches and a metapopulation framework to assess the dynamics of darters in a heavily-regulated stream system. Results from our study will provide a baseline for evaluating the ecological consequences of alternative dam operations under an adaptive management framework.
Scholten, G. D., and P. W. Bettoli. 2007. Lack of gillnet size selectivity in a commercial paddlefishery. Fisheries Research 83:355-359. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2007	A commercial fishery for paddlefish Polyodon spathula caviar exists in Kentucky Lake, a reservoir on the lower Tennessee River. A 152-mm (bar-measure) minimum mesh size restriction on entanglement gear was enacted in 2002 and the minimum size limit was increased to 864 mm eye-fork length to reduce the possibility of recruitment overfishing. Paddlefish were sampled in 2003-2004 using experimental monofilament gillnets with panels of 89, 102, 127, 152, 178, and 203-mm meshes and the efficacy of the mesh size restriction was evaluated. Following the standards of commercial gear used in that fishery, nets were “hobbled” (i.e., 128 x 3.6 m nets were tied down to 2.4 m; 91 x 9.1 m nets were tied down to 7.6 m). The mean lengths of paddlefish (Ntotal = 576 fish) captured in each mesh were similar among most meshes and bycatch rates of sublegal fish did not vary with mesh size. Selectivity curves could not be modeled because the mean and modal lengths of fish captured in each mesh did not increase with mesh size. Ratios of fish girth to mesh perimeter (G:P) for individual fish were often less than 1.0 as a result of the largest meshes capturing small paddlefish. It is unclear whether lack of size selectivity for paddlefish was because the gillnets were hobbled, the unique morphology of paddlefish, or the fact that they swim with their mouths agape when filter feeding. The lack of size selectivity by hobbled gillnets fished in Kentucky Lake means that managers cannot influence the size of paddlefish captured by commercial gillnet gear by changing minimum mesh size regulations.
Scholten, G. D., and P. W. Bettoli. 2005. Population characteristics and assessment of overfishing for an exploited paddlefish population in the lower Tennessee River. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134:1285-1298. \| Abstract \| Download	November 2005	Paddlefish Polyodon spathula (n = 576) were collected from Kentucky Lake, KY-TN, with experimental gillnets in 2003-2004 to assess population characteristics and the likelihood of commercial overfishing. Additional data were collected from 1,039 paddlefish caught by commercial gillnetters in this impoundment. Size and age structure have been reduced and annual mortality has tripled since the most recent study in 1991. Thirty-seven percent of the fish collected in 1991 were older than the maximum age we observed (age 11) and annual mortality for age 7 and older paddlefish in 2003 was high (A = 68%). Natural mortality is presumably low (<10%) for paddlefish; therefore, exploitation in recent years was high. Estimates of total annual mortality were negatively related to river discharge in the years preceding each estimate. The number of paddlefish harvested since 1999 was also negatively related to river discharge because gill nets cannot be easily deployed when discharge exceeds ~ 850 m3/sec. Large females spawn annually because all females longer than 1,034 mm eye-fork length (EFL) were gravid. No mature females were protected by the current 864 mm minimum EFL limit. At a low natural mortality rate, simulated flesh yields increased 10-20% with higher size limits when exploitation was high (40-70%). Even at low levels of exploitation (u ≥ 21%), Spawning Potential Ratios (SPR) under the current minimum size limit fell below 20%. If the size limit was raised to 1,016 mm EFL, the population could withstand up to 62% exploitation before the SPR fell below 20%. An analysis of annual mortality caps indicated the best way to increase average size of harvested fish is to increase the minimum size limit. Recruitment overfishing probably occurs during drought years; however, variation in river discharges has prevented the population from being exploited at unsustainable rates in the past.
Sammons, S. M., and P. W. Bettoli. 2002. Spatial and diel variation in distribution of limnetic larvae of fisheries in a Tennessee reservoir. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 17:45-53.	May 2002
Sammons, S. M., P. W. Bettoli, and V. Grear. 2001. Hatching periodicity, hatching distributions, and daily growth rates of age-0 white crappies in response to hydrology and zooplankton densities in Normandy Reservoir, Tennessee. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 130:442-449.	January 2001
Sammons, S. M., P. W. Bettoli, D. A. Isermann, and T. N. Churchill. 2002. Recruitment variation of crappies in response to hydrology of Tennessee reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1393-1398. \| Download	May 2002
Sammons, S. M., D. A. Iserman, and P. W. Bettoli. 2002. Variation in population characteristics and gear selection between black and white crappies in Tennessee reservoirs: potential effects on management decisions. North American Journal of Fisheries Mangement 22:863-869. \| Download	May 2002
Saha, S., and J. B. Layzer. 2008. Evaluation of a nonlethal technique for determining sex of freshwater mussels. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 27(1):84-89	March 2008
Russell, D., and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. Population attributes of lake trout in Tennessee reservoirs. Southeastern Naturalist 12:217-232. \| Abstract \| Download	March 2013	Abstract - We sampled stocked Salvelinus namaycush (Lake Trout) in Watauga Lake and South Holston Lake, Tennessee, using experimental gill nets in 2009-2010 to describe their growth, longevity, and condition. Annuli in sagittal otoliths formed once a year in early spring in both reservoirs. South Holston Lake (n = 99 Lake Trout) has been stocked since 2006, and the oldest fish was age 4. Watauga Lake has been stocked since the mid-1980s, and we collected 158 Lake Trout up to age 20. Annual mortality for age-3 and older fish in Watauga Lake was 24%. When compared to Lake Trout in northern lakes, Tennessee Lake Trout exhibited average to above-average growth and longevity. Condition of Lake Trout in both reservoirs varied seasonally and tended to be lowest in fall, but rebounded in winter and spring. Lake Trout in both reservoirs appeared to be spatially segregated from pelagic prey fishes during summer stratification, but growth rates and body condition were high enough to suggest that neither system was being overstocked.
Rosenberger, A.E. and G.A. Lindner. 2022. Use of a riverscape-scale model of fundamental physical habitat requirements for freshwater mussels to quantify mussel declines in a mining-contaminated stream: the Big River, Old Lead Belt, Southeast Missouri. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperator Science Series FWS/CSS-147-2022, Washington, D. C. https://doi.org/10.3996/css78904468 \| Abstract \| Download	November 2022	The research described in this report was conducted as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process in the Big River. Our purpose was to refine understanding of the habitat features and landscape factors that are crucial for the establishment of mussel concentrations in the Big River by using the adjacent and relatively healthy Bourbeuse and Meramec rivers as reference streams. The study will help to establish expected baseline conditions related to mussel habitat in the Big River, which will assist.injury determination in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District Natural Resource Damage Assessment case.
Rosenberger, A. 2018. Review of Principles of Thermal Ecology: Temperature, Energy, and Life. Written by Andrew Clarke. New York (United States): Oxford University Press. $105.00 (hc) $55.00 (sc). xi + 464 p.; ill. + plates; index. ISBN978-0-19-955166-8 (hc); 978-0-19-955167-5 (sc). 2017. 93:270-271.	January 2018
Rogers, M.W., and J.N. Murdock. 2018. Final Report Cooperative Agreement Award No. F16AC01049: Effects of Asian Carp Invasion on the Food Web of a Mussel Biodiversity Hotspot in Tennessee. A Final Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia.	July 2018
Roberts, A.D., J. Besser, J. Hundley, D. Mosby, A. Rosenberger, K. L. Bouska, B. Simmons, L. Lueckenhoff, S. E. McMurray, S. Faiman, and L. Lueckenhoff. 2023. An assessment of the relation between metal contaminated sediment and freshwater mussel populations in the Big River, Missouri. Science of the Total Environment. 876: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162743. \| Abstract \| Download	June 2023	The Big River in east-central Missouri drains the largest lead mining area in the United States. Releases of heavy metal contaminated sediments into this river is well documented and suspected to be suppressing freshwater mussel populations. During this study, we characterized the spatial extent of metal contaminated sediments and evaluated its relationship with mussel populations in the Big River. Mussels and sediments were collected at 34 sites in the Big River and 3 reference sites in the Big, Bourbeuse, and Meramec rivers in 2008 and 2013. Analysis of sediment samples with X-ray fluorescence showed that lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) exceeded background concentrations by between 1.5 and 65 times for 168 km downstream of Pb mining releases. Mussel abundance decreased acutely downstream of releases of large volumes of heavy metal mine waste and showed consistent increases with distance downstream. We compared Big River species richness with historical surveys and with all data from 3 similar nearby rivers with similar physical habitat characteristics and threats to mussels, minus Pb mining impacts. Big River species richness predicted by these regressions was only about one-half that expected on average and 70-75% lower in reaches with high median Pb concentrations. Sediment Pb, Zn, and cadmium had significant negative correlations with species richness and abundance. The association of sediment metal concentrations with mussel community metrics in otherwise high quality habitat indicates that Pb and Zn toxicity are responsible for the observed mussel population declines within the Big River. We used concentration-response regressions of mussel density vs sediment Pb to determine that Big River mussel community was adversely affected when sediment Pb concentrations were above 160 ppm, the concentration associated with 20% decreases in mussel density. Thus, based on this sediment metal and mussel fauna assessment, our findings indicate that approximately 140 km of the Big River has a toxic effect to mussels from Pb and other heavy metals.
Potoka, K.M., C.P. Shea, and P.W. Bettoli. Multi-species occupancy modeling as a tool for evaluating the status and distribution of darters in the Elk River, Tennessee. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 145:1100-1121. \| Abstract \| Download	August 2016	Sixteen darter species, including the federally endangered Boulder Darter Etheostoma wapiti, are known to occur in the Elk River, a large, flow-regulated Tennessee River tributary in Tennessee and Alabama. Since the construction of Tims Ford Dam (TFD) in 1970, habitat modification caused by cold, hypolimnetic water releases and peak-demand hydropower generation have contributed to population declines and range reductions for numerous aquatic species in the mainstem Elk River. We developed multi-species occupancy models to determine the influence of site-, habitat-, and species-level characteristics on darter occurrence using presence-absence data for 15 species collected from 39 study reaches. Modeling results indicated that the large river obligate species, such as Boulder Darters, were 7.53 times more likely to occur for every 37 km increase in downstream from TFD. In contrast, small stream and cosmopolitan species were 2.04 and 1.82 times less likely, respectively, to occupy stream reaches for every 37 km downstream from TFD. The probability of occurrence for darter species also was strongly and negatively related to the absence of cobble and boulder substrates and the presence of high silt levels, particularly for species that require boulder substrates during spawning. Although total darter species richness was similar across all 39 sample sites, the composition of darter assemblages varied substantially among locations, presumably owing, in part, to species-specific habitat affinities and hydrothermal conditions. Results from this study provide a baseline for managers to assess future changes in the status and distribution of darter species following recent operational changes at TFD.
Post van der Burg, M., Smith, D.R., Cupp, A.R., Rogers, M.W., and Chapman, D.C., 2021, Decision analysis of barrier placement and targeted removal to control invasive carp in the Tennessee River Basin: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2021–1068, 18 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20211068.	June 2021
Petersen, M.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. Mortality of palmetto bass following catch-and-release angling. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:806-810. \| Abstract \| Download	August 2013	Palmetto Bass (Striped Bass Morone saxatilis x White Bass M. chrysops) have been stocked into reservoirs in the southeastern USA since the late 1960s and have gained widespread acceptance as a sportfish. These fisheries are growing in popularity and catch-and-release (CR) fishing is commonplace; however, there is a dearth of information on CR mortality of Palmetto Bass. We experimentally angled Palmetto Bass (n = 56; > 373 mm total length) in a Tennessee reservoir using traditional angling gear in water temperatures ranging from 13 to 32 oC. Ultrasonic transmitters equipped with floats were externally attached to fish, which were released immediately and tracked multiple times within 10 d of release. Mortality was negligible (3.6%) in fall and spring at cool water temperatures but was high (39.3%) in summer when water temperatures exceeded 26 oC. The best logistic regression model based on AICC scores relied on water temperature alone to predict CR mortality of Palmetto Bass; there was little support for other models that included all possible combinations of the six other predictor variables we tested. Palmetto Bass in our study experienced lower CR mortality than Striped Bass in other systems, but CR mortality rates for Palmetto Bass that approach or exceed 40% during summer are still problematic if the goal is to maintain fishing quality.
Paine, R.T.R., M.W. Rogers, and A. E. Rosenberger. 2024. Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance of the federally threatened Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) in the Clinch River and Powell River. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperator Science Series FWS/CSS-156-2024, Washington, D.C. https://doi.org/ 10.3996/css55463605 (IP-156546) \| Abstract	July 2024	The slender chub (<i>Erimystax cahni</i>) is a federally threatened fish native to and geographically restricted to eastern North America. More specifically, the Powell, Clinch, and lower Holston Rivers in Tennessee were historical collection areas. Habitat degradation from multiple sources, including surface mining, agriculture, dams, and urbanization, is associated with the decline of this species - an obligate inhabitant of gravel shoals in large rivers. As of 1964, only 15 voucher specimens were known and no living specimens were documented for decades. A federal recovery plan and Species Status Assessment were developed to determine if slender chub still exists and could be restored. Given the lack of recent observations using conventional sampling to search for its presence, we used environmental DNA sampling to determine their potential presence. Our specific objectives were to (1) develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay aimed at species-specific detection and (2) sample historically known areas of collection. We sampled 43 sites in the Clinch and Powell Rivers. For the first time in almost two decades, we provide the first evidence for the continued existence of a putatively extinct species. We detected evidence of <i>E. cahni</i> in both the Powell and Clinch Rivers, but only at a few sites. We cannot confirm the presence of <i>E. cahni</i>, and positive eDNA matches could be attributed to amplification from a hybrid. Our results do indicate presence of slender chub DNA perseveres in the system and can inform resource agencies of localities to pursue on-the-ground searches for the slender chub with conventional methods (e.g., snorkeling) and potential restoration and recovery sites.
Neuswanger, A Rosenberger, J, M Wipfli, and N Hughes. 2023. Territories within groups: the dynamic competition of drift-feeding juvenile Chinook Salmon in 3-dimensional space. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 80: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2022-0112. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2023	Salmonid populations are often regulated by territorial competition among juveniles for food and space. In the canonical view, salmonid territories are spaced horizontally across the river bottom in a two-dimensional mosaic. However, some juveniles instead feed in tight, three-dimensional (3-D) social groups. To investigate whether territoriality is possible within such groups, we applied a new concept—the momentary home range—to quantify the size, exclusivity, and temporal dynamics of 3-D space use by juvenile Chinook salmon (<i>Oncorhynchus tshawytscha</i>) in the Chena River, AK. Individual strategies spanned a broad continuum of exclusivity and stationarity. However, some of the largest, most dominant fish in each group aggressively defended stationary, exclusive feeding spaces and thus were unambiguously territorial. Transient floaters entered and left the group quickly. A majority of fish were not aggressive but nevertheless occupied exclusive, stationary spaces that probably function as territories with regard to resource distribution and population regulation. The presence of territoriality within social groups, in a 3-D configuration, expands the known domain of this important behavior.
Mott, R., A. E. Rosenberger, and D. Novinger. 2021. Use of non-lethal endpoints to establish water quality requirements and optima of the Topeka Shiner (Notropis Topeka). Environmental Biology of Fishes 104: 1215-1233. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2021	Water quality standards based on sub-lethal effects and performance optima for aquatic organisms, rather than onset of mortality, are more ecologically relevant for management of species of conservation concern. We investigated the effects of hypoxia, temperature (with acclimation), nitrogenous chemical compounds, and chloride on Topeka shiners (<i>Notropis topeka</i>) by monitoring behavioral responses to a reduction in oxygen and, using swimming speed, determining thermal optima and onset of effect for concentrations of nitrogenous compounds and chloride. We found ASR<sub>50</sub> (i.e., dissolved oxygen concentrations where 50% of fish use aquatic surface respiration) to be 1.65 mg/L and ASR<sub>90</sub> to be 1.08 mg/L of dissolved oxygen. Optimum temperatures for the species ranged from 17.7 to 28.0 °C, while predicted 100% mortality ranged from 33.7 to 40.3 °C, depending on the temperature at which fish were acclimated prior to experiments. Ammonia and sodium chloride reduced swimming speed at concentrations below known LC<sub>50</sub> values, while nitrite concentrations did not correspond with swimming speed, but rather, post-experiment mortality. This provides insight into where Topeka shiners can not only persist, but also thrive. Although swimming speed may not be a suitable metric for determining the effects of all contaminants, our focus on optima and sub-lethal effects over tolerance allows selections of the most suitable reintroduction site matching the species’ physiological profile.
Moles, K. R., and J. B. Layzer 2008. Reproductive ecology of Actinonaias ligamentina (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in a regulated river. Journal of the North American Benthological Society, 27(1):212-222.	January 2008
Moles, K. R., N. T. Welte, and J. B. Layzer. 2007. The mussel fauna of the Wolf River, Fentress and Picket Counties, Tennessee. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science. 82:77-82.	September 2007
Miranda, L.E., and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. Large Reservoirs. Pages 545-586 in W. Hubert and M. Quist, editors. Inland Fisheries Management, second edition, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2010	n/a
Miranda, L. E., and P. W. Bettoli. 2007. Mortality. Pages 229-278 in:C. Guy and M. Brown, editors. Analysis and interpretation of freshwater fisheries statistics. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2007	n/a
Meerbeek, J., and P. W. Bettoli. 2005. Mass marking rainbow trout and brown trout fingerlings with oxytetracyline. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 20:555-559.	January 2005
Meerbeek, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2012. Relying on fin erosion to indentify hatchery-reaered brown trout in a Tennessee tailwater. North American Journal of Fisheries Management, Volume 32:922-928. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2012	Abstract.— Hatchery-induced fin erosion can be used to identify recently stocked catchable-size brown trout Salmo trutta during annual surveys to qualitatively estimate contributions to a fishery. However, little is known about the longevity of this mark and its effectiveness as a short-term (≤ 1 year) mass-marking technique. We evaluated hatchery-induced pectoral fin erosion as a mass-marking technique for short-term stocking evaluations by stocking microtagged brown trout in a tailwater and repeatedly sampling those fish to observe and measure their pectoral fins. At Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery, 99.1% (228 of 230) of microtagged brown trout in outdoor concrete raceways had eroded pectoral fins one day prior to stocking. Between 34 and 68 microtagged and 26 to 35 wild brown trout were collected during eight subsequent electrofishing samples. In a blind test, one observer correctly identified 91.7 to 100.0% (mean of 96.9%) of microtagged brown trout prior to checking for microtags based on visual examination of pectoral fins up to 322 d post-stocking. In the laboratory, pectoral fin length and width measurements were recorded to statistically compare the fin measurements of wild and microtagged brown trout. With only one exception, all pectoral fin measurements on each date were significantly larger on average for wild trout compared to those of microtagged brown trout. Based on the number of pectoral fin measurements falling below 95% prediction intervals, 93.7% (148 of 158) of microtagged brown trout were correctly identified as hatchery fish using regression models up to 160 d post-stocking. Only 72.2% (70 of 97) of microtagged brown trout were identified correctly after 160 d using pectoral fin measurements and the regression models. We concluded that visual examination of pectoral fin erosion was the most effective way to identify stocked brown trout up to 322 d post-stocking.
Lynch, A.J., S.J. Cooke, A. Deines, S. Bower, D.B. Bunnell, I.G. Cowx, V.M. Nguyen, J. Nohner, K. Phouthavong, B. Riley, M.W. Rogers, W.W. Taylor, W.M. Woelmer, S. Youn, T.D. Beard, Jr. 2016. The social, economic, and ecological importance of inland fishes and fisheries. Environmental Reviews 24(2):115-121	February 2016
Lynch, A. J., S. J. Cooke, T. D. Beard, Jr., Y.-C. Kao, K. Lorenzen, A. M. Song, M.S. Allen, Z. Basher, D. B. Bunnell, E. V. Camp, I. G. Cowx, J. A. Freedman, V. M. Nguyen, J. K. Nohner, M. W. Rogers, Z. A. Siders, W. W. Taylor, S. Youn. 2017. Grand challenges in the management and conservation of North American inland fish and fisheries. Fisheries.	February 2017
Lynch, A. J., N. A. Sievert, H. S. Embke, A. M. Robertson, B. J. E. Myers, M. S. Allen, Z. S. Feiner, F. Hoogakker, S. Knoche, R. M. Krogman, S. R. Midway, C. L. Nieman, C. P. Paukert, K. L. Pope, M. W. Rogers, L. S. Wszola, and T. D. Beard, Jr. 2021. The U.S. inland creel and angler survey catalog (CreelCat): development, applications, and opportunities. Fisheries 46:574-583 DOI: 10.1002/fsh.10671. \| Download	November 2021
Lynch, A. J., D. M. Bartley, T. D. Beard, Jr., D. B. Bunnell, S. J. Cooke, I. G. Cowx, S. Funge-Smith, C. P. Paukert, M. W. Rogers, and W. W. Taylor. 2020. InFish: A research network to promote global conservation and responsible use of inland fish. Fisheries https://doi.org/10.1002/fsh.10419	April 2020
Life history of the fluted kidneyshell Ptychobranchus subtentum. American Midland Naturalist 167:79-95.	January 2012
Layzer, J. B., and T. R. Brady. 2003. Summer microhabitat of the endangered bluemask darter Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science 78(2):55-57.	October 2003
Layzer, J. B., and J. R. Khym. 2005. Fish hosts for glochidia of the pheasantshell (Actinonaias pectorosa). Walkerana. 14(31):79-85.	May 2005
Layzer, J. B., and J. R. Heinricher. 2004. Coded wire tag retention in ebonyshell mussels Fusconaia ebena. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:228-230.	January 2004
Layzer, J. B., B. Adair, S. Saha, and L. M. Woods. 2003. Glochidial hosts and other aspects of the life history of the Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum). Southeastern Naturalist 2(1):73-84.	January 2003
Layzer, J. B. 2002. Status of the Freshwater Mussel Fauna in the Green River within the Mammoth Cave National Park - A preliminary Assessment. Pages 51-53 in:9th Mammoth Cave Science Conference, Mammoth Cave, KY. October 10-11.	October 2002
Layzer, J. B. 2001. Status of the freshwater mussel fauna in the Green River within Mammoth Cave National Park - A preliminary assessment. Proceedings of the 9th Mammoth Cave Science Conference	September 2002
Laske, S. M., A.E. Rosenberger, M.S. Wipfli, and C.E. Zimmerman. 2019. Surface water connectivity controls fish food web structure and complexity across local-and meta-food webs in Arctic Coastal Plain lakes. Food Webs https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fooweb.2019.e00123. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	December 2019	The need for theories that address food web assembly and complexity over multiple spatial scales are critical to understanding their stability and persistence. In a meta-food web – an integrated network of local food webs – spatial heterogeneity in physical processes may have profound effects on food web function and energy flow. In the Arctic, surface water connectivity plays a vital role in determining fish assemblage composition, and potentially, food web structure. We examined lentic food web complexity associated with heterogeneity in surface water connectivity among Arctic lakes at the local scale, by contrasting lakes over a stream-lake connectivity gradient, and at the regional scale, by contrasting two locations with different surface water conditions (i.e., wet and dry) on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska. Among lakes and across locations, increased hydrologic connectivity between streams and lakes increased the number of fish species and increased the complexity of the food web. The interaction of the region's hydrologic connectivity, local stream-lake connections, and the trophic niches of relevant fish species produced integrated, complex meta-food webs. Fully understanding mechanisms that support meta-food web stability are crucial when assessing future changes to Arctic stream-lake networks and the function and persistence of aquatic food webs.
Laske, S. M., A. E. Rosenberger, M. S. Wipfli, and C. E. Zimmerman. 2018. Generalist feeding strategies in Arctic freshwater fish: a mechanism for dealing with harsh environments. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 27: 767-784. DOI: 10.1111/eff.12391 (IP-088949)	July 2018
Kraus, R.T., C.S. Vandergoot, P.M. Kocovsky, M.W. Rogers, H.A. Cook, T.O. Brenden. 2017. Reconciling catch differences from multiple fishery independent gill net surveys. Fisheries Research 188:17-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2016.12.004 \| Abstract	April 2017	Fishery independent gill net surveys provide valuable demographic information for population assessment and resource management, but relative to net construction, the effects of ancillary species, and environmental variables on focal species catch rates are poorly understood. In response, we conducted comparative deployments with three unique, inter-agency, survey gill nets used to assess walleye Sander vitreus in Lake Erie. We used an information-theoretic approach with Akaike’s second-order information criterion (AICc) to evaluate linear mixed models of walleye catch as a function of net type (multifilament and two types of monofilament netting), mesh size (categorical), Secchi depth, temperature, water depth, catch of ancillary species, and interactions among selected variables. The model with the greatest weight of evidence showed that walleye catches were positively associated with potential prey and intra-guild predators and negatively associated with water depth and temperature. In addition, the multifilament net had higher average walleye catches than either of the two monofilament nets. Results from this study both help inform decisions about proposed gear changes to stock assessment surveys in Lake Erie, and advance our understanding of how multispecies associations explain variation in gill net catches. Of broader interest to fishery-independent gill net studies, effects of abiotic variables and ancillary species on focal specie’s catch rates were small in comparison with net characteristics of mesh size or twine type.
Kitterman, C.L., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Survival of saugers angled in the lower Tennessee River. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 31:567-573. \| Abstract \| Download	June 2011	An intense winter fishery for sauger Sander canadensis exists in the lower Tennessee River and the objective of this study was to estimate the survival of angled saugers. In February 2008 and January-March 2009, 81 angled saugers (72 alive plus 9 euthanized) were affixed with ultrasonic tags. The movements (or lack thereof) by saugers released alive were compared to those of euthanized fish to assess survival. Sixty-eight percent of tagged saugers that were released alive exhibited maximum daily movements that exceeded the greatest movement of any euthanized fish (0.5 km/d) and those fish were subsequently classified as survivors. Upstream movements by several euthanized fish indicated that their carcasses were ingested by piscivorous scavengers. In logistic models, the probability of mortality was significantly and inversely related to total length, but mortality was not related to capture depth, water temperature, handling time or ascent rate. In 2 x 2 contingency tables, the fate of released saugers was not associated with either the presence or absence of bleeding from the hooking wound or whether or not fish displayed gastric distension. Most released fish survived despite the fact that gastric distension was observed in 72% of angled saugers.
Kinney, D., D. Bunnell, M. Rogers, A. Lynch, D. Beard, S. Funge-Smith. Submitted. 2020. Inland commercial fisheries in the United States: carp, catfish, and gaps in national reporting. Fisheries.	July 2020
Khym, J. R., and J. B. Layzer. 2000. Host fish suitability for glochidia of Ligumia recta. American Midland Naturalist. 143:178-184	January 2000
Key, K.N., A.E. Rosenberger, G.A. Lindner, K. Bouska, and S.E. McMurray. 2021. Riverscape-Scale Modeling of Fundamentally Suitable Habitat for Mussel Assemblages in an Ozark River System, Missouri. Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation 24: 43-58. \| Abstract	October 2021	Identification of the physical habitat characteristics associated with riverine freshwater mussel assemblages is challenging but crucial for understanding causes of mussel declines. The occurrence of mussels in multi-species mussel beds suggests that common physical factors influence or limit the occurrence of multiple species. Fine-scale geomorphic and hydraulic factors (e.g., scour, bed stability[A1] [A2] ) are predictive of mussel bed occurrence, but they are computationally challenging to represent at intermediate, or riverscape scales. We used maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling to evaluate associations between riverscape-scale hydrogeomorphic variables and mussel bed presence along 530 river km of the Meramec River basin, USA, to identify river reaches that are fundamentally suitable and unsuitable for mussels. Locations of mussel beds were obtained from an existing, multi-year dataset, and river variables were derived from high-resolution, open-source datasets of aerial imagery and topography. Mussel beds occurred almost exclusively in reaches identified by our model as suitable, which were characterized by laterally stable channels, absence of adjacent bluffs, proximity to gravel bars, higher stream power, and larger areas of contiguous water (a proxy for drought vulnerability). We validated our model findings based on model sensitivity using a set of mussel bed locations not used in model development. These findings can inform how resource managers allocate survey, monitoring, and conservation efforts.
Kerns, J.A., P.W. Bettoli, and G.D. Scholten. 2009. Mortality and movements of paddlefish released as bycatch in a commercial fishery in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee. Pages 329-343 in:C.P. Paukert and G.D. Scholten, editors. Paddlefish management, propagation, and conservation in the 21st century: building from 20 years of research and management. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 66, Bethesda, MD. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2009	We present information on delayed mortality of commercially exploited paddlefish Polyodon spathula released as bycatch in Kentucky Lake, TN-KY, an impoundment on the lower Tennessee River. Minimum size limits enacted in 2002 (864 mm eye-fork-length [EFL]) and 2005 (914 mm EFL) sought to protect paddlefish from overfishing. In 2005, bycatch of sub-legal paddlefish represented 75% of the total catch and releasing undersized fish will not reduce fishing mortality unless those fish survive. Paddlefish caught and released by commercial fishers in 2005 and 2006 were externally tagged with radio transmitters and tracked a minimum of two weeks to estimate delayed mortality. Four of the 104 tagged paddlefish died following release, 94 survived, and six were censored because their fate could not be determined. Paddlefish that survived moved rapidly from release locations. Net movements of the 94 fish that survived averaged 12.0 km (SE = 5.3) upriver and ranged from 91.5 km downriver to 390.0 km upriver. Fish that died could not be distinguished from fish that lived on the basis of mean water temperature, fish length, net-soak time, or handling time. Given the low delayed mortality of discarded paddlefish, imposing minimum size limits is a reasonable approach to reduce fishing mortality of juveniles and reduce the likelihood of overfishing. Efforts to reduce fishing mortality should focus on avoiding fishing gear and seasons (e.g., early fall and late spring) that cause high initial bycatch mortality.
Kerns, J.A., M.W. Rogers, D.B. Bunnell, R.M. Claramunt, and P.D. Collingsworth. 2016. Comparing Life History Characteristics of Lake Michigan's Naturalized and Stocked Chinook Salmon. North American Journal of Fisheries Management.	August 2016
Kao, Y.C., M.W. Rogers, D.B. Bunnell, I.G. Cowx, S.S. Qian, et al. 2020. Assessing effects of climate and land-use changes on global lake fisheries. Nature Communications	May 2020
Kao, Y-C., M.W. Rogers, D.B. Bunnell. 2017. Evaluating stocking efficacy in an ecosystem undergoing oligotrophication. Ecosystems.doi.org/10.1007/s10021-017-0173-5 \| Abstract	July 2017	Oligotrophication has negatively affected fisheries production in many freshwater ecosystems, and could conceivably reduce the effectiveness of stockings used to enhance fisheries. In Lake Michigan, offshore oligotrophication has occurred since the 1970s, owing to reductions in total phosphorus (TP) inputs and nearshore sequestration of TP by nonindigenous dreissenid mussels. We evaluated simultaneous effects of stock enhancement and oligotrophication on salmonine species (Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, and steelhead O. mykiss) that support valuable recreational fisheries. We employed a novel application of an Ecopath with Ecosim model by conducting a full factorial simulation experiment. Our design included multiple levels of salmonine stocking, consumption by invasive quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and TP, informed by manager interests. Under all levels of TP and quagga mussel consumption, our results showed that stock enhancement could still increase salmonine biomass, but effects were stronger for lake trout and steelhead than Chinook salmon. Simulations showed that quagga mussel consumption has deleterious effects on pelagic-oriented prey fishes and Chinook salmon, which feed almost exclusively on the pelagic-oriented alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus). In summary, results from our simulation experiment suggested that lake trout and steelhead are better suited to the current ecosystem than Chinook salmon, and therefore stock enhancement provide the highest gains for these two species. Furthermore, simulated biomass of all recreational species increased with increasing TP, indicating the need for managers to consider how future oligotrophication will limit the carrying capacity of Lake Michigan to support the biomass of key salmonine fisheries.
Kaintz, M.A., and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. Dispersal of smallmouth bass from a simulated tournament weigh-in site. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 30:976-982. \| Abstract \| Download	August 2010	Abstract.—Simulated smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu fishing tournaments were staged in Dale Hollow Lake, a 12,400-ha reservoir in Tennessee, between March 2004 and February 2005 to investigate post-tournament dispersal. Smallmouth bass (n = 54) were captured with conventional hook-and-line tackle and artificial lures, placed in live wells, and subjected to a weigh-in procedure before being externally tagged with an ultrasonic transmitter and released. Water temperatures ranged from 7.48C to 29.38C (mean [SE] = 17.68C [2.5]), fish ranged in total length from 330 to 572 mm (mean = 452 [8.3]), and no fish were dead at the weigh-ins. Smallmouth bass dispersed rapidly away from the release site, which was located at the head of a 68-ha embayment. After 3– 5 d, survivors (n =44) traversed an average distance of 1,475 m [213]. Most (72%) fish swam uplake and out of the 385-ha study area after 6 d. The rapid dispersal of smallmouth bass may be relevant in systems that experience heavy tournament activity. The smallmouth bass caught and subjected to simulated tournament conditions on Dale Hollow Lake did not stockpile near the release site.
Johnson, A. B., and P. W. Bettoli. 2003. Threatened fishes of the world: Fundulus julisia William & Etnier, 1982. Environmental Biology of Fishes 68:240.	May 2003
Jennings, C. A., M. Allen, C. Belcher, R. Bringolf, D. Dennerline, T. Goar, K. Kuklinski, J. Long, P. Mazik, D. Riecke, and M. Rogers. Congratulations on Your Promotion to Management: Considerations for New Supervisory Biologists. 2020. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 7:103-113. \| Abstract \| Publisher Website	March 2020	During the past decade, many senior leaders in natural resource management organizations retired and new leaders were recruited to replace them. The new supervisory biologists now find themselves tasked with operational responsibilities (e.g., personnel, budgets, procurement, safety) with limited formal training in those areas. This sudden role change can be jolting, but need not be debilitating. Here we present information and guidance on various topics ranging from recruiting new personnel and conducting performance evaluations to maintaining a sound safety program as well as legal considerations regarding personal and institutional liabilities for job-related issues. Often, your first task as the new supervisor is to oversee a recruitment effort to fill your old position. This first task is best accomplished by working closely with the designated human resources staff to meet all administrative requirements and deadlines. After the successful hire, effective team leadership is achieved by learning how each staff member is motivated, what they are best able to contribute to the team, and areas for which they may need support. As a new supervisor, you are now responsible for promoting your agency’s safety program to mitigate potential job-related hazards. Despite institutional safeguards, accidents happen or interpersonal interactions can go poorly, and the aggrieved party may litigate for due compensation or to punish the perceived wrongdoer. As a supervisor, you may be a party to these litigations, and understanding your responsibilities in these situations is important for keeping you, your supervisees, and your institution safe and free of liability and help to hold any responsible party accountable when accidents, harassment, bias, or bullying occur. We hope the information provided here will facilitate a smooth transition from mid-career biologist to a supervisory biologist who can efficiently carryout their agency’s mission in natural resource stewardship.<br>
J. Whitney, R. Al-Chokhachy, D. Bunnell, C. Caldwell, S. Cooke, E. Eliason, M.Rogers, A. J. Lynch, C. Paukert. 2016. Physiological basis of climate change impacts on North American inland fish. Fisheries. 41(7): 332-345. DOI: 10.1080/03632415.2016.1186656	July 2016
J. B. Layzer and E. M. Scott, Jr. 2006. Restoration and colonization of freshwater mussels and fish in a southeastern United States tailwater. River Research & Applications. 22:475-491	May 2006
Ivasauskas, T.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2012. Dispersal, mortality, and predation on recently-stocked rainbow trout in a Tennessee reservoir. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 65(2011): 83-91. \| Abstract \| Download \| Publisher Website	January 2012	Hatchery-raised rainbow trout Onychorhynchus mykiss (n = 44; mean total length = 235 mm) were implanted with ultrasonic tags and stocked into Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee, on 7 January and 6 March 2009. Fish were tracked at least once per week for eight weeks to describe post-stocking dispersal rates, movements, and habitat use. Dispersal and movement followed a 3-stanza pattern characterized by rapid movement away from each stocking site during the first week, relatively little movement during the next three weeks, and a resumption of large movements during the final four weeks that fish were tracked. Rainbow trout exhibited a strong affinity for coves and were rarely encountered in the main channel. Tagged trout stocked in March exhibited lower mortality (Zweekly = 0.027) than those stocked in January (Zweekly = 0.062) during the first eight weeks post-stocking. Diets of potential predators in Dale Hollow Lake and two other Tennessee reservoirs were examined. Walleye Sander vitreus , smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu, largemouth bass M. salmoides, spotted bass M. punctulatus and holdover rainbow trout all preyed on recently stocked rainbow trout. Smallmouth bass and walleye differentially consumed smaller rainbow trout and the probability of consuming a trout was positively related to predator size. Walleye were more likely to feed during January than March. Mortality of trout due to walleye predation over the first eight weeks post-stocking was estimated to be 2.2 to 2.9 times higher for fish stocked in January than for fish stocked in March.
Ivasauskas, T.I., and P.W. Bettoli. 2014. Development of a Multimetric Index for Fish Asssemblages in a Cold Tailwater in Tennessee. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 143:495-507. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2014	Tailwaters downstream of hypolimnetic-release hydropeaking dams exhibit a unique combination of stressors that affects the structure and function of resident fish assemblages. In this study we developed a statistically and biologically defensible multimetric index of fish assemblages for the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam, Tennessee. Fish assemblages were sampled at five sites using boat-mounted and backpack electrofishing gear from fall 2009 through summer 2011. A multivariate statistical approach was used to select metrics that best reflected downstream gradients in abiotic variables. Five metrics derived from boat electrofishing samples and four metrics derived from backpack electrofishing samples were selected for incorporation into the index based on their high correlation with environmental data. The nine metrics demonstrated predictable patterns of increase or decrease with increasing distance downstream of the dam. The multimetric index generally exhibited a pattern of increasing scores with increasing distance from the dam, indicating a downstream recovery gradient in fish assemblage composition. The index can be used to monitor anticipated changes in the fish communities of the Caney Fork River when repairs to Center Hill Dam are completed later this decade and dam operations change.
Ivasauskas, T., and P.W. Bettoli. 2012. Effects of suture material and ultrasonic transmitter size on survival, growth, wound healing, and expulsion in rainbow trout. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 141:100-106. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2012	We examined the effects of suture material(braided silk versus Monocryl) and relative ultrasonic transmitter size on healing, growth, mortality, and tag retention in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. In experiment 1, forty fish (205 - 281 mm total length [TL]; 106 - 264 g) were implanted with Sonotronics® IBT-96-2 (23 mm x 7 mm, weight in air 4.4 g, weight in water 2.4 g) or IBT 96-2E (30 mm x 7 mm, weight in air 4.9 g, weight in water 2.4 g) ultrasonic telemetry tags. In experiment 2, twenty larger fish (342 -405 mm TL; 520 -844 g) were implanted with Sonotronics® IBT-96-5 ultrasonic tags (36 mm x 11 mm, weight in air 9.1g, weight in water 4.1 g). Tag burdens for all implanted fish ranged from 1.1 - 3.4% and fish in both studies were held at 10-15o32 C. At the conclusion of both experiments (65-d following surgery), no mortalities were observed in any of the 60 tagged fish, most incisions were completely healed, and all fish in both experiments grew in length, although tagged fish grew slower than control fish in experiment 1. In both experiments, fish sutured with silk expelled tags more frequently than those sutured with Monocryl. Expulsion was observed in 45-50% of fish sutured with silk and 0-25% of fish sutured with Monocryl. Tag expulsion was not observed until 25 - 35 d after surgery. Fish sutured with silk exhibited a more severe inflammatory response three weeks following surgery than those sutured with Monocryl. In experiment 1, the rate of expulsion was linked to the severity of inflammation. Although braided silk sutures were applied faster than Moncryl sutures in both experiments, knots tied with either material were equally reliable and fish sutured with Moncryl experienced less inflammation and lower rates of tag expulsion.
Isermann, D. A., S. M. Sammons, P. W. Bettoli, and T. N. Churchill. 2002. Predictive evaluation of size restrictions as management strategies for Tennessee reservoir crappie fisheries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. 22:1349-1357.	May 2002
Isermann, D. A., P. W. Bettoli, S. M. Sammons, and T. N. Churchill. 2002. Initial poststocking mortality, oxytetracycline marking, and year-class contribution of black-nosed crappies stocked into Tennessee reservoirs. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:1399-1408. \| Download	May 2002
Hutt, C. P., and P. W. Bettoli. 2007. Preferences, specialization, and management attitudes of trout anglers fishing in Tennessee tailwaters. North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 27:1257-1267. \| Abstract \| Download	November 2007	The attitudes and motivations of trout anglers who fished eight tailwater fisheries in Tennessee were examined in 2001-2002. Using a stratified random sampling design, anglers were contacted and interviewed on-site (n = 2,643). Those anglers who agreed to complete a questionnaire (n = 1,942) were mailed a 10-page survey. Response rate to the mail survey was 75% after excluding surveys that were undeliverable. Angler subgroups were created using hierarchical cluster analyses of fourteen variables related to experience, resource use, investment, and centrality of fishing to their lifestyle. Five subgroups of low to highly specialized anglers were identified and nonhierarchical cluster analysis determined the size of each group (n = 178 to 369 per group). Subgroup attitudes differed in regards to the importance of harvesting trout and catching trophy trout. The most disparate mean rankings among subgroups were for the motive “obtaining fish to eat”. Specialized anglers placed greater importance on catching a trophy, experiencing the catch, developing their skills, releasing fish, and restrictive regulations than did less specialized anglers. Mean rankings for most of nine fishing regulations presented to anglers differed among tailwaters; however, bait restrictions and closed seasons received little support across all rivers. The Caney Fork, Clinch, and Hiwassee Rivers had the most uniform distributions of anglers among the five subgroups and the potential for conflicts over management decisions will be relatively high at those rivers. The fisheries on the Elk, South Fork of the Holston, and Watauga Rivers were dominated by the most specialized subgroups, which suggests that the majority of anglers on those rivers would accept restrictive regulations.
Hrycik, AR, PD Collingsworth, MW Rogers, SC Guffey, and TO Hook. 2017. Seasonal structuring of yellow perch trophic indicators outweighs spatial structuring in a large lake basin. Journal of Great Lakes Research.	April 2018
Honeyfield, D. C., C. S. Vandergoot, P. W. Bettoli, J. P. Hinterkopf, and J. L. Zajicek. 2007. Thiamine and fatty acid content of walleye tissue from three southern U. S. reservoirs. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 19:84-93. \| Download	March 2007
Hoffman, K., and P. W. Bettoli. 2005. The fate of largemouth bass marked with oxytetracycline and stocked into Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 25:1518-1527. \| Abstract \| Download	November 2005	We evaluated a largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides fingerling stocking program by stocking marked fish and sampling them for one year. More than 128,000 fingerlings (35-64 mm total length) were immersed in a solution of 500 mg/L oxytetracycline (OTC) for 6 h and stocked into four embayments in Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee, in spring 2002; two control embayments were not stocked. In a blind-test, 97% of sagittal otoliths were correctly scored as marked or unmarked. In a subsequent test, the OTC marks were clearly visible on every otolith removed from 240 OTC-treated bass held for 30 d. Age-0 largemouth bass were sampled 7-19, 44-61, and 119-139 d after stocking along 100-m transects within 1 km of the stocking sites in each embayment using DC electrofishing gear. Thirty-one percent of all recaptures in the first sample occurred more than 600 m from the nearest stocking site, indicating rapid dispersal by some fish. Survival of stocked and wild age-0 largemouth bass was similar and low (4.5 - 6.9%) in two embayments; in the other two embayments, stocked fish survived at lower rates (0 – 4.3%) than wild fish (33.7 – 49.9%). Mean catches of all age-0 largemouth bass in the first sample were positively related to the number of fish stocked. By October 2002, the mean catch of all age-0 largemouth bass was similar among embayments. The percent contribution of stocked fish declined to approximately 2% (2 of 91 fish) the following spring. Cost per fingerling increased from US$0.35 at stocking to $12.00 at 140 days post-stocking. Increasing the abundance of largemouth bass was not the primary objective of this stocking effort, but stocked fish will have to survive much better if managers hope to introgress Florida largemouth bass genes into the resident population genome.
Hersey, K.A., J.D. Clark, and J.B. Layzer. Consumption of freshwater bivalves by muskrats in the Green River, Kentucky.	September 2013
Hartman, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, K. Key, and G. Lindner. 2023. Assessing potential habitat for freshwater mussels by transferring a habitat suitability model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. Freshwater Mollusk Biology and Conservation 26:32-44. \| Abstract \| Download	March 2023	The freshwater mussel fauna of the United States, while extraordinarily rich, has the highest imperilment rate of any group of organisms. However, environmental factors that allow for their establishment and persistence in large, multispecies mussel beds remain unknown. Riverscape-scale (spatially and longitudinally continuous) instream correlates of large, hydrogeomorphic features have been used successfully in predicting suitable habitat for the Meramec Basin in the Ozark Ecoregion in Missouri. We tested the transferability of this habitat suitability model in 2 other rivers in the Ozark ecoregion that have similar hydrogeomorphic variables that may be influencing mussel distributions, in the absence of other limiting factors such as human disturbance. We tested 3 different model transferability techniques that represent different levels of dependence on the original Meramec habitat suitability model. The best fit models for each river were produced by the transferability technique with the least dependence on the original model, and instead, relied on adapting and customizing each model to each individual river. This comparative study demonstrates the influence of the range of hydrogeomorphic characteristics within the river system on the range of characteristics identified as suitable habitat. This study emphasizes the need for more wide-spread, available, and ecologically meaningful riverscape-scale data in habitat modeling with the understanding that levels of importance and range of hydrogeomorphic characteristics will vary across drainages and instream processes.
Hargrove, J.S., M.W. Rogers, P.T. Kacmar. 2019. Quantifying contributions to tournament catches among resident, stocked, and hybrid black basses (Micropterus spp.) Fisheries Management and Ecology.	November 2019
Hargrove, J.S., M.W. Rogers, P.T. Kacmar, and P. Black. 2019. A statewide evaluation of Florida Bass genetic admixture across a gradient of stocking rates and reservoirs in Tennessee. North American Journal of Fisheries Management	April 2019
Hardison, B. S., and J. B. Layzer. 2001. Relations between complex hydraulics and the localized distribution of mussels in three regulated rivers. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management 17:77-84	January 2001
Graham, C.L., P.W. Bettoli, and T. Churchill. 2015. An assessment of the stock characteristics of Tennessee River sauger populations. Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2:101-108. \| Abstract	April 2015	Minimum length limits were established in 1992 for sauger (Sander canadensis) populations in the Tennessee River to reduce exploitation and improve their size structure. The objectives of this study were to describe trends in stock characteristics since the early 1990s and assess the likelihood of overfishing in recent years. Otoliths were removed from saugers collected from late winter to early spring in 1993-1997 and 2008-2009 in Kentucky Lake and Watts Bar Lake, two mainstem reservoirs on the Tennessee River. Each fish was aged by examining its otoliths, yields were simulated using the Beverton-Holt yield per-recruit model, and spawning potential ratios were calculated to assess the likelihood of recruitment overfishing. Mean ages and mean total lengths (TL) did not exhibit any trends between 1993 and 2009 in Watts Bar Lake. No trend in mean ages was detected over time in Kentucky Lake but mean lengths increased ~ 3.2 mm/year. The Kentucky Lake sauger population in 2008-2009 did not exhibit signs of growth overfishing or recruitment overfishing under the previous minimum length limit of 356 mm TL. The Watts Bar Lake sauger population did not exhibit signs of growth overfishing under the current limit of 381 mm TL, but was susceptible to recruitment overfishing at high (> 40%) exploitation rates when natural mortality was low. Eliminating the size limits in either reservoir would increase the likelihood of both types of overfishing, but the extent of risk would depend on the level of exploitation and natural mortality in each reservoir.
Gore, J. A., J. B. Layzer, and J. Mead. 2001. Macroinvertebrate instream flow studies after 20 years; a role in stream management and restoration. Regulated Rivers: Research & Management 17:527-542	September 2001
Goldsworthy, C., and P. W. Bettoli. 2006. Growth, body condition, reproduction, and survival of stocked Barrens topminnows Fundulus julisia (Fundulidae). American Midland Naturalist 156:331-343. \| Abstract \| Download	November 2006	We documented the fate of 29 cohorts of propagated Barrens topminnows Fundulus julisia stocked as juveniles and adults (ntotal = 2,770 fish) into 17 springheads and small ponds in middle Tennessee in 2003 and 2004. Annual mortality rates were calculated after estimating the number of individuals of each cohort remaining 1-18 months after fish were stocked. Lighted larval fish traps were deployed at seven reintroduction sites and the Type Locale to determine whether topminnows could reproduce in the presence of the introduced-transplanted Western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. At stocking sites harboring mosquitofish (n = 12), their density ranged from 0.4 to 66.3 mosquitofish per m2. Annual mortality of stocked Barrens topminnows ranged from 45 to 100% and 24 cohorts experienced annual mortality greater than 95%. Mortality was not related to mosquitofish density or the mean size at stocking. The robustness of Barrens topminnows did not differ in the presence or absence of mosquitofish, suggesting that interspecific competition for food was not occurring. Larval Barrens topminnows were collected at two reintroduction sites and the Type Locale, but juvenile recruits were produced only at sites lacking mosquitofish. The findings of this study and concurrent laboratory studies support the hypothesis that mosquitofish predation on larval Barrens topminnows was the primary mechanism in failed reintroductions and is the greatest threat to wild and reintroduced populations of this imperiled species.
Foley, K., A.E. Rosenberger, and F. Mueter. 2018. Longitudinal patterns of juvenile Coho Salmon distribution and abundance in headwater streams of the Little Susitna River, Alaska. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society DOI: 10.1002/tafs.10014	January 2018
Fitzgerald, D., M. Freeman, K. Maloney, J.Young, A. Rosenberger, D. Kazyak, and D. Smith. Accepted with Revisions. Multispecies approaches to status assessments in support of Endangered Species classifications. Conservation Science and Practice DOI:10.111/csp2.12825. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2022	Multispecies risk assessments have developed within many conservation policies, reflecting a widespread need for efficiency in status assessments. While some frameworks adopt procedures for assigning threatened status to ecological communities or ecosystems, multispecies assessments under the United States Endangered Species Act ultimately lead to species-level listing decisions. This presents a range of potential benefits and consequences, and guidance is needed for how multispecies approaches can be incorporated into ESA risk assessments. To aid development of such guidance, this study reviewed multispecies assessments conducted between 1993–2019 in support of ESA listing decisions to identify the ecological basis for combining species, the assessment approach used, and the policy factors that may influence their efficacy. Forty-two unique cases were identified, covering 359 individual species. Most assessments (81%) included between 2–5 species, although some contained as many as 82. A common theme among reviewed cases was grouping narrow endemics or habitat specialists based on taxonomic relatedness, similar distributions, and common threats to persistence, although what constituted similar distributions varied from zero to nearly 100% overlap in ranges. All assessments included a combined threats analysis, but relatively few employed a similar species’ response model or expert elicitation process. While ESA risk assessments are distinct from policy decisions, majority of assessments resulted in decisions that all species warranted endangered status. The challenge with developing guidance for selecting species based on qualitative proxies such as common geographies or threats is that ecological patterns and processes are scale dependent. We therefore argue for a tiered approach that recognizes these assessments as a collection of methods with varying degrees of potential bias and gains in efficiency. The ESA presents several unique challenges for implementing multispecies risk assessments, but a flexible approach may provide opportunities to realize increased efficiency while minimizing the risk of biasing decisions.
Fitzgerald, D., A. Henderson, K. Maloney, M. Freeman, J. Young, A. Rosenberger, D. Kazyak, and D. Smith. 2021. A Bayesian framework for assessing extinction risk based on ordinal categories of population condition and projected landscape change. Biological Conservation 253: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108866 \| Abstract	December 2020	Many at-risk species lack standardized surveys across their range or quantitative data capable of detecting demographic trends. As a result, extinction risk assessments often rely on ordinal categories of risk based on explicit criteria or expert elicitation. This study demonstrates a Bayesian approach to assessing extinction risk based on this common data structure, using three freshwater mussel species being considered for listing under the US Endangered Species Act. The probability that a population is classified under each risk category was modeled as a function of projected landscape change using ordered probit regression, assuming observed categories reflect a latent, continuous probability of persistence. All three species were more likely than not (mean probability > 0.5) to be classified as extirpated or low condition throughout their range based on effects of urban development and hydrologic alteration. Spatial variation in estimates revealed strongholds and high-risk areas relevant to conservation decision making. Projected change in probabilities of each risk category based on multiple land-use and climate models was generally small relative to high baseline risk resulting from past landscape changes. Assessing extinction risk based on probabilities of ordinal condition as a function of landscape patterns may provide a flexible and robust approach for many at-risk taxa by adjusting species’ demographic criteria to match relative risk categories, following standardized criteria, or using expert elicitation for data-deficient species. This approach provides decision makers with a useful measure of uncertainty around ordinal classifications and provides a framework for estimating future risk based on projections of anthropogenic stressors.
Fetters, J., A. Rosenberger, K.I. Womble, A. Ford, B. Bajo. 2022. Increased population size of the federally endangered Ptychobranchus subtentus in the Wolf River, TN (Fentress and Pickett Co.). Ellipsaria 24: 21-24.	February 2022
Falke, J.A., Dunham, J.B., Rosenberger, A.E., Thurow, R.F., Dolloff, A., Howell, P.J., and W.C. Saunders. 2024. Coldwater fish in wadeable streams. In Bonar, S., Pope, K., and Silva-Mercado, N. editors. Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD, USA.	August 2024
Ehlo, C. A. and J. B. Layzer. Population demographics and life history of the round hickorynut Obovaria subrotunda in the Duck River, Tennessee. American Midland Naturalist.	July 2013
Eads, C. B., and J. B. Layzer. 2002. How to pick your mussels out of a crowd: using fluorescence to mark juvenile mussels. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 21:476-486	September 2002
DiStefano, R.J., J.T. Westhoff, C.J. Rice, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. Life history of the endemic saddleback crayfish Faxonius medius (Faxon, 1884), (Decapoda: Cambridae) in Missouri, USA. Freshwater Crayfish 24:1-13.	March 2019
Devlin, G., and P. W. Bettoli. 2001. Seasonal fluctuation in growth and condition of trout in a southeastern tailwater. Proceedings of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife agencies 53(1999):100-109.	January 2001
Deines, A.M., D.B. Bunnell, M.W. Rogers, and ten coauthors. 2017. The contribution of lakes to global inland fisheries harvest. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 15(6):293-298. DOI: 10.1002/fee.1503	June 2017
Colvin, M.E., P.W. Bettoli, G.D. Scholten. 2013. Predicting paddlefish roe yields using an extension of the Beverton-Holt equilibrium yield-per-recruit model. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 33:940-949. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2013	Equilibrium yield models predict the total biomass removed from an exploited stock; however, traditional yield models must be modified to simulate roe yields because a linear relationship between age (or length) and mature ovary weight does not typically exist. We extended the traditional Beverton-Holt equilibrium yield model to predict roe yields of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee-Kentucky, as a function of varying conditional fishing mortality rates (10 to 70%), conditional natural mortality rates (9 and 18%), and four minimum size limits ranging from 864 mm eye-fork length (EFL) to 1,016 mm EFL. These results were then compared to a biomass-based yield assessment. Analysis of roe yields indicated the potential for growth overfishing at lower exploitation rates and smaller minimum length limits than the biomass-based assessment. Patterns of biomass and roe yield with exploitation rates were similar regardless of the natural mortality rate simulated, indicating results were insensitive to changes in conditional natural mortality. These results indicated that higher minimum length limits would increase roe yield and reduce the potential for growth and recruitment overfishing at the natural mortality rates simulated. Biomass-based equilibrium yield assessments are commonly used to assess the effects of harvest on other caviar-based fisheries; however, our analysis demonstrates that such assessments likely underestimate the probability and severity of growth overfishing when roe is targeted. Therefore, equilibrium roe yield-per-recruit models should also be considered to guide the management process of caviar producing fish species.
Collier, W.R., P.W. Bettoli, G.D. Scholten, and T.N. Churchill. 2013. Regulation of striped bass and hybrid striped bass fisheries in the U.S. Pages 449-460 in Coutant, C., J. Bulak, and J. Rice, editors. Biology and management of inland striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Symposium 80, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. \| Abstract	April 2013	Inland populations of striped bass Morone saxatilis and hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis x M. chrysops are intensively managed across the United States for their recreational value using a variety of regulations; however, the full extent of different regulatory strategies is unknown. This paper describes regulations used by states to manage their inland striped bass and hybrid striped bass fisheries. An online-based survey seeking information on issues such as stocking dependency, trophy potential, catch rates, and statewide and specialized regulations, for both striped bass and hybrid striped bass fisheries was created and distributed to all state agencies. The survey found that 32 states have inland populations of striped bass, hybrid striped bass, or both. Daily creel limits for striped bass and hybrid striped bass ranged from 2 to 30; the most liberal creel limits were found in southern states. Half of the states reported that their statewide length limit for both taxa has few or no exceptions for conditions in particular waterbodies, and 85% of states with striped bass and 92% of states with hybrid striped bass enforce a minimum length limit as their statewide length limit. Although both taxa were generally managed with similar regulations, striped bass were usually considered a more important sportfish species and were managed more intensively than hybrid striped bass. A literature review confirmed that little research has been published on the response (or lack thereof) of striped bass and their hybrids to any of the various management schemes reported herein.
Collier, W., P.W. Bettoli., and G.D. Scholten. 2012. Dispersal and Dam Passage of Sonic-tagged Juvenile Lake Sturgeon in the Upper Tennessee River. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Southeastern Assocaition of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 65 (2011):143-147. \| Abstract \| Download	August 2012	More than 90,000 state-endangered lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens have been stocked into the French Broad River, Holston River, and Fort Loudon Lake in the upper Tennessee River system. Submersible ultrasonic receivers (n=7) were deployed in the upper Tennessee River system in the fall of 2007 and juvenile fish (n=37; mean fork length = 660 mm) were surgically implanted with ultrasonic transmitters (18-month life spans) and stocked at two sites in the headwaters of Fort Loudon Lake. The receivers logged 1,345 detections and manual tracking detected 32 of the 37 tagged lake sturgeon over 21 months. Ten (31%) tagged fish passed through Fort Loudon Dam and were detected downstream in the headwaters of Watts Bar Lake; the other tagged were still at large above Fort Loudon Dam when tracking ceased in 2009. Of all fish stocked, three (9%) were last located in the French Broad River (September 2008) and none were located in the Holston River.
Cole, A., and P.W. Bettoli. 2014. The thermal ecology of subadult and adult muskellunge in a thermally-enriched reservoir. Fisheries Management and Ecology 21:410-420 \| Abstract \| Download	October 2014	Abstract The movement of adult muskellunge, Esox masquinongy Mitchill, has been investigated in a variety of systems; however, temperature selection by muskellunge has never been examined where well-oxygenated waters over a range of temperatures were available for much of the year. Thirty adult muskellunge, tagged internally with temperature-sensing radio tags were tracked from March 2010 to March 2011 in a Tennessee reservoir. Mean tag temperatures were 18.9°C in spring (March – May), 22.1°C in summer (June – August), 16.5°C in fall and 9.8°C in winter (December – February). When the greatest range in water temperatures was available (7.1 – 33.3°C; May – early August 2010), their realized thermal niche (mean + 1 SD) was 22.3°C + 1.8 and we detected a size effect (smaller fish selected slightly cooler temperatures) but no difference between the sexes. An electric generating steam plant discharging warm water came online in January 2011 and most (86%) tagged fish occupied the plume where temperatures were ≈ 10°C warmer than ambient water temperatures. No mortalities were observed 15 days later when plant operations ceased. Their affinity for the heated plume prompted concerns that muskellunge will be too easily exploited when the plant operates during winter.
Churchill, T.N., and P.W. Bettoli. 2015. Species conservation profile for spotted bass Micropterus punctulatus. Pages 35-41 in M. Allen and J. Long, editors. Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Sceince for Conservation. American Fisheries Society Symposium 82, Bethesda, Maryland. \| Abstract \| Download	April 2015	NO ABSTRACT - this document is a Species Profile that will appear in the published proceedings of a symposium
Churchill, T. N., P. W. Bettoli, D. C. Peterson, W. C. Reeves, and B. Hodges. 2002. Angler conflicts in fisheries management: a case study of the striped bass controversy at Norris Reservoir, Tennessee. Fisheries 27:10-19.	May 2002
Chilton, J., A.E. Rosenberger, and R.J. DiStefano. 2020. Habitat associations and distributions of two endemic crayfishes, Cambarus (Erebicambarus) maculatus (Hobbs & Pflieger, 1988) and Faxonius (Billecambarus) harrisonii (Faxon, 1884) (Decapoda: Astacoidea: Cambaridae), in the Meramec River drainage, Missouri, USA. Journal of Crustacean Biology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruaa033 \| Abstract \| Download	May 2020	Understanding the habitat associations and distributions of rare species is important to inform management and policy decisions. <i>Cambarus </i>(<i>Erebicambarus</i>)<i> maculatus</i> (Freckled Crayfish; Hobbs & Pflieger, 1988) and <i>Faxonius </i>(<i>Billecambarus</i>) <i>harrisonii</i> (Belted Crayfish; Faxon, 1884) are two of Missouri’s narrowly endemic crayfish species. Their distributional overlap offers an opportunity for multi-species research to address gaps in information required for conservation. Both species are listed as Vulnerable (S3) on Missouri’s Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist due to their limited range within the Meramec River drainage (MRD) and the impact of anthropogenic activities therein. During the summers of 2017 and 2018, we sampled 140 sites throughout the MRD for crayfishes and associated habitat variables, which we related to crayfish presence in an occupancy modeling framework. We found <i>C. maculatus </i>occupancy was associated with larger stream orders, boulder substrate, dolomite geology, aquatic vegetation beds, dissolved oxygen, and pool mesohabitat. <i>Faxonius harrisonii </i>occupancy increased with boulder substrate, aquatic vegetation beds, the presence of <i>C. maculatus</i>, and decreased in 3<sup>rd</sup> order streams. We also expanded the known range for both species within the MRD. This study represents the opportunity for simultaneous assessment of multiple species with overlapping distributions to inform future management and policy decisions regarding them.
Breck, J.E., C.P. Simon, E.S. Rutherford, B.S. Low, P.J. Lamberson, M.W. Rogers. 2020. The geometry of reaction norms yields insights on classical fitness functions for Great Lakes salmon. PLOS ONE.	March 2020
Bouska, K., A.E. Rosenberger, S.E. McMurray, G. Lindner, and K. Key. 2018. State-level freshwater mussel programs: current status and a research framework to aid in mussel management and conservation. Fisheries DOI:10.1002/fsh.10106. (IP-076251)	May 2018
Bettoli, P.W., and C. Goldsworthy. 2011. Larval fish collections using lighted traps in spring pools in the Barrens Plateau of middle Tennessee. Southeastern Naturalist 10(1):145-154. \| Abstract \| Download	March 2011	Abstract - We used lighted larval traps to assess reproduction by fi shes inhabiting nine spring pools in the Barrens Plateau region of middle Tennessee between May and September 2004. The traps (n = 162 deployments) captured the larval or juvenile forms of Etheostoma crossopterum (Fringed Darter) (n = 188), Gambusia affi nis (Western Mosquitofi sh) (n = 139), Hemitremia fl ammea (Flame Chub) (n = 55), the imperiled Fundulus julisia (Barrens Topminnow) (n = 10), and Forbesichthys agassizii (Spring Cavefi sh) (n = 1). The larval forms of four other species (Families Centrarchidae, Cyprinidae, and Cottidae) were not collected, despite the presence of adults. Larval Barrens Topminnow hatched over a protracted period (early June through late September); in contrast, hatching intervals were much shorter for Fringed Darter (mid-May through early June). Flame Chub hatching began before our fi rst samples in early May and concluded by late-May. Juvenile Western Mosquitofi sh were collected between early June and late August. Our sampling revealed that at least two species (Flame Chub and Fringed Darter) were able to reproduce and recruit in habitats harboring the invasive Western Mosquitofi sh, while Barrens Topminnow could not.
Bettoli, P.W., M. Casto-Yerty, G.D. Scholten, and E.J. Heist. 2009. Bycatch of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in a commerical fishery for shovelnose sturgeon (S. platyorynchus). Journal of Applied Ichthyology. 25:1-4. \| Abstract \| Download	February 2009	We quantified the bycatch of pallid sturgeon Scaphirhynchus albus in Tennessee’s shovelnose sturgeon (S. platorynchus) fishery by accompanying commercial fishers and monitoring their catch on five dates in spring 2007. Fishers were free to keep or discard any sturgeon they collected in their gillnets and trotlines and we were afforded the opportunity to collect meristic and morphometric data and tissue samples from discarded and harvested specimens. Fishers removed 327 live sturgeon from their gear in our presence, of which 93 were harvested; we also obtained the carcasses of 20 sturgeon that a fisher harvested out of our sight while we were on the water with another fisher. Two of the 113 harvested sturgeon were confirmed pallid sturgeon based on microsatellite DNA analyses. Additionally, fishers gave us five, live pallid sturgeon that they removed from their gear. If the incidental harvest rate of pallid sturgeon (1.8% of all sturgeon harvested) was similar in the previous two commercial seasons, at least 169 adult pallid sturgeon were harvested by commercial fishers in the Tennessee waters of the Mississippi River in 2005-2007. If fishers altered their behavior because of our presence (i.e., if they were more conservative in what they harvested), the pallid sturgeon take was probably higher when they fished unaccompanied by observers. While retrieving a gill net set the day before, a fisher we were accompanying retrieved a gillnet lost two days earlier. That ghost net caught 53 sturgeon; one fish was harvested and most fish were dead in the ghost net, including one confirmed pallid sturgeon.
Bettoli, P.W., J.A. Kerns, and G.D. Scholten. 2009. Status of paddlefish in the United States. Pages 23-27 in: C.P. Paukert and G.D. Scholten, editors. Paddlefish management, propagation, and conservation in the 21st century: building from 20 years of research and management. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 66, Bethesda, MD. \| Abstract \| Download	October 2009	The status of paddlefish Polyodon spathula in the United States was first described in two surveys published in 1986 and 1997; in this paper, we report the results of a similar survey of state and federal agency personnel that we conducted in 2006. From the 1970s through the 1990s the status of paddlefish stocks was on a downward trend throughout much of the species’ range. The 2006 survey results suggest that the status of paddlefish stocks has improved since the first survey was conducted; 17 of 26 states in 2006 reported that their paddlefish populations were stable or increasing, compared to only 14 states in 1983 and 1994. The number of states with closed fisheries (i.e., no commercial or sport harvest) increased to 12 in 2006 from 8 in 1983. The number of states reporting declining or stable/declining paddlefish populations dropped from seven states in 1983 to only three states in 2006. The two principal reasons cited for reported declines have remained the same for more than three decades: habitat loss and overfishing. Two states where paddlefish were listed as extirpated (New York and Pennsylvania) have begun restoration efforts that may one day allow the status of paddlefish in those states to be changed. As long as the demand for caviar remains strong, pressure on paddlefish stocks will undoubtedly remain high in the seven states where they are commercially exploited. However, earlier fears of a basin-wide collapse in paddlefish stocks should continue to diminish if resource managers are successful in combating overfishing and continued habitat destruction, which will always threaten the long-term viability of paddlefish stocks throughout the Mississippi River basin.
Bettoli, P.W., G.D. Scholten, and D.W. Hubbs. 2010. Anchoring submersible ultrasonic receivers in river channels with stable substrate. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 30:989-992. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2010	Abstract.—We developed an anchoring system for submersible ultrasonic receivers (SURs) that we placed on the bottom of the riverine reaches of three main-stem reservoirs in the upper Tennessee River. Each anchor consisted of steel tube (8.9 x 35.6 cm) welded vertically to a round plate of steel (5.1 x 40.6cm). All seven SURs and their 57-kg anchors were successfully deployed and retrieved three times over 547 d by a dive team employing surface air-breathing equipment and a davit equipped boat. All of the anchors and their SURs remained stationary over two consecutive winters on the hard-bottom, thalweg sites where they were deployed. The SUR and its anchor at the most downriver site experienced flows that exceeded 2,100 m3/s and mean water column velocities of about 0.9 m/s.
Bettoli, P.W. 2013. Challenges and opportunities in studying and managing striped bass and their hybrids in the 21st Century. Pages 575-589 in Coutant, C., J. Bulak, and J. Rice, editors. Biology and management of inland striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Symposium 80, American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland. \| Abstract	April 2013	Much is known about the biology and management if striped bass Morone saxatilis and their hybrids but much information is still needed for more effective management. Researchers are closing in on a "Grand Unified Theory" of habitat selection by striped bass as a function of their size, thermal ecology, dissolved oxygen requirements, and forage availability. The role of forage in influencing habitat selection is perhaps the least understood and deserves further scrutiny to better predict the quality of striped bass fisheries. Although we can measure and model habitat quality, modeling habitat selection by striped bass is challenging, in part because systems vary widely in their physicochemical and biological characteristics. Managing striped bass in some western U.S. waters, where natural reproduction can produce too many recruits, may become more challenging as reservoirs age and traditional fisheries for black basses Micropterus spp. decline. Modeling the population dynamics of striped bass and hybrid striped bass is simplified by the fact that most fisheries are maintained by stocking programs and the initial number of juvenile recruits is known with certainty; however, sampling protocols that will consistently yield unbiased estimates of key population parameters are needed. The potential for disruptive controversies surrounding striped bass management will always exist; however, increased use of conflict resolution techniques will help limit the collateral damage that often accompanies such controversies. Estimates of the benefits and costs associated with maintaining moronid fisheries are scarce, but could ease such conflicts and help justify stocking programs. Whereas striped bass and hybrid striped bass fisheries continue to grow in popularity, the outlook for native stocks of striped bass in the Gulf of Mexico drainage is bleak. The state-of-knowledge concerning hybrid striped bass ecology and management is decades behind what we know about striped bass ecology and management. This situation needs to be addressed if agencies expand their hybrid striped bass stocking programs in response to changing reservoir environments, as some agencies in the southeast U.S. have already done.
Bettoli, P. W., and L. E. Miranda. 2001. Cautionary note about estimating mean length at age with subsampled data. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 21:425-428. \| Download	July 2001
Bettoli, P. W., and G. D. Scholten. 2006. Bycatch rates and initial mortality of paddlefish in a commerical gillnet fishery. Fisheries Research 77:343-347. \| Abstract \| Download	March 2006	Tennessee is one of seven states in the U.S. that allows commercial fishing for paddlefish, Polyodon spathula. Although there is a small market for the flesh, most fishers target paddlefish for their valuable roe, which currently brings as much as US$143/kg wholesale. We deployed experimental monofilament and multifilament gillnets in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee-Kentucky, and accompanied commercial gillnet fishers during the 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 commercial fishing seasons (November 15 to April 23) to estimate the bycatch of sublegal (< 864 mm eye-fork length) paddlefish, legal males, and legal, but immature, females. Variation in initial mortality (i.e., dead in the nets) was modeled as a function of mesh size, fish length, water temperature, soak time, and twine type using multiple logistic regression. The bycatch rate of sublegal fish in the commercial catch was 60%. Mature females represented only 8% of the catch; thus, the bycatch rate was 92% for fishers targeting egg-laden fish. Most (71%) of the paddlefish were dead in the nets when water temperatures exceeded 17 oC. Mesh size and fish length were not significant (P > 0.098) predictors of initial mortality. The probability of initial mortality was significantly (P < 0.004) and directly related to soak time and water temperature and fish were more likely to be dead in monofilament nets than multifilament nets. The results of this research prompted the state regulatory authority to end the commercial season 8 days sooner (on April 15 each year) to avoid warm water temperatures; however, a proposed ban on monofilament netting met with stiff opposition from commercial fishing interests and the ban was not enacted.
Bettoli, P. W., G. D. Scholten, and W. C. Reeves. 2007. Protecting a commercially-exploited paddlefish stock from overfishing: Case History of the Research and Regulatory Process. Fisheries 32:390-397. \| Abstract \| Download	September 2007	A commercial fishery for paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in the Tennessee River was largely unregulated through the 1990s. Beginning in 2002, attention devoted to the plight of caviar-yielding species around the world resulted in much more scrutiny of the Tennessee paddlefish industry. This article describes the stock assessment of a paddlefish stock and the approach taken to present research findings to state and federal regulators and a skeptical fishing community. The end result for the fishery, and lessons learned from a series of public, facilitated, and state commission meetings are discussed. The need to compromise with the fishing industry meant that not all of the measures proposed to protect the fishery from overfishing were enacted; however, the fishery entered the 2006-2007 season with more regulations in place than ever before and with a promise by the regulatory commission that more restrictive regulations will be imposed in the future if warranted.
Bettoli, P. W. 2005. The fundamental thermal niche of adult landlocked striped bass. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 134:305-314. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2005	Researchers have described the temperatures selected by landlocked striped bass Morone saxatilis in different locales throughout the U.S. However, seasonally low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) in many systems prevented striped bass from using cool waters (< 22 0C) they may have preferred. In Melton Hill Reservoir, a 92-km long impoundment on the Clinch River in east Tennessee, fifteen adult striped bass were tagged with temperature-sensing radio tags and tracked for an average of 418 d in 1999-2000. Cold hypolimnetic discharges from an upstream dam and heated discharge from a steam-generating electric facility near the midpoint of this run-of-the-river reservoir provided a broad range of temperatures in most seasons and hypoxic habitats were uncommon, even during stratification. Mean temperatures occupied by striped bass varied seasonally (repeated-measures ANOVA; P < 0.0001) and were highest in summer (17.5 0C), intermediate in spring and fall (15.4 - 16.9 0C) and lowest in winter (13.0 0C). The mean and modal temperatures occupied during the growing season (May - October 1999) were 17.5 0C and 19.0 0C, respectively, and 30% of the observations were between 9 0C and 15 0C. These data indicate that the fundamental thermal niche of adult landlocked striped bass may be lower than literature estimates. These results also represent the first unbiased field estimates of the influence of season on the thermal ecology of adult striped bass. Finally, the thermal characteristics of habitats considered optimal in habitat suitability index models for adult land-locked striped bass (i.e., 18-24 0C) should be revised to include cooler waters.
Bettinger, J. M., and P. W. Bettoli. 2004. Seasonal movement of brown trout in the Clinch River, Tennessee. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 24:1480-1485. \| Abstract \| Download	January 2004	We used radio telemetry to monitor the seasonal movements of trophy-size brown trout Salmo trutta in the Clinch River below Norris Dam, TN, to determine whether establishing a special-regulations reach to reduce fishing mortality was a viable management option. Fifteen brown trout (size range 430 – 573 mm TL) collected from the river were implanted with radio transmitters between November 1997 and May 1998. Fifty-three percent of brown trout died or expelled their transmitter within 50 d post-surgery. Fall range of movement (mean range = 5,848 m) for surviving brown trout was significantly larger (P = 0.0001) than any other seasonal range. Four brown trout that were monitored for more than one year exhibited limited range of movement (< 2 km) during the winter, spring, and summer, but they made extensive movements (> 5 km) during the fall season, presumably to spawn. Brown trout also moved more (P = 0.0001) during the fall than any other season. Harvest restrictions applied to a specific reach of the Clinch River would reduce exploitation of brown trout in that reach for most of the year, but not during the fall when many fish undertake extensive spawning migrations.
Bettinger, J. M., and P. W. Bettoli. 2002. Fate, dispersal, and persistence of recently stocked and resident rainbow trout in a Tennessee tailwater. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:425-432. \| Download	June 2003
Ashton, M.J. and J.B. Layzer. 2010. Summer microhabitat use by adult and young-of-year snail darters (Percina tanasi) in two rivers. Ecology of Freshwater Fish. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0633.2010.00442.x	July 2010
Ashton, M., and J. B. Layzer. 2008. Distribution of the threatened snail darter (Percina tanasi) in the upper Tennessee River drainage. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science 83:52-56.	July 2008

Presentations

Presentations	Presentation Date
Wood, W.T., M.W. Rogers. 2019. Abundance and population controls of bigheaded carp in a productive southeastern reservoir. Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.	October 2019	Ecosystem modeling of Asian Carp on southeast reservoir food webs.
Wood WT, MW Rogers. 2019. Abundance and population controls of bigheaded carp in a productive southeastern reservoir. 2019 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Galveston, Texas.	January 2019	Describes modeling approaches for predicting Asian carp biomass in southeastern reservoirs and predicting fishing effects on the population.
Womble, K.I., Rosenberger, A.E., and G.R. Dinkins. 2023. A Comprehensive Freshwater Mussel Database for the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee: The History of Mussels in a Priority Watershed. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium: Portland, OR. April 2023.	February 2023	Womble, K.I., Rosenberger, A.E., and G.R. Dinkins. 2023. A Comprehensive Freshwater Mussel Database for the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee: The History of Mussels in a Priority Watershed. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium: Portland, OR. April 2023.
Womble, K.I., A.E. Rosenberger, and K.Key. 2024. Expansion of a comprehensive freshwater mussel database for Tennessee: Compiling mussel assemblage information for West Tennessee drainages. West Tennessee River Basin Authority Water Resource Symposium. Jackson, TN. February 2024.	February 2024	This database is a valuable asset for agencies and stakeholders responsible for managing and conserving West Tennessee's biota, enhancing the efficiency of their efforts. Furthermore, it can serve as the foundation for future research and conservation initiatives for freshwater mussels in West Tennessee.
Womble, K.I. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2022. A habitat suitability model for the Tennessee Heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Grand Rapids, MI. May, 2022.	May 2022	The Tennessee Heelsplitter (<i>Lasmigona holstonia</i>) is a rare, small-shelled mussel restricted to the Tennessee and New River drainages. It is currently petitioned for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This project narrows the search scope for future surveys targeting this species and informs its listing decision under the ESA.
Womble, K.I. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. A habitat suitability model for the Tennessee Heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). Oral presentation. Tennessee Endangered Mollusk Meeting, Crossville, TN. December 2019.	December 2019	Presentation was to alert local biologists that we were initiating work on the Tennessee Heelsplitter and a close relative.
Womble, K.I. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2021. A habitat suitability model for the Tennessee Heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Annual Meeting. April, 2021.	April 2021	Summarizes broad habitat use pattern of a species in need of assessment, the Tennessee Heelsplitter.
Womble, K.I. and A. Rosenberger. 2022. A habitat suitability model for the Tennessee Heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Gaitlinburg, TN. March 2022.	March 2022	Describes broad landscape patterns of a species up for assessment, the TN heelsplitter.
Wisniewski, J.M. and J.B. Layzer. 2004. Survival and growth of juvenile freshwater mussels cultured in conditioned sediment. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Wisniewski, J. and J.B. Layzer. 2004. Effects of conditioning sediment on growth and survival of juvenile freshwater mussels in an indoor culture facility. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29.	February 2004
Williams, J. and P.W. Bettoli. March 2001. Economic value of trout fishing opportunities in Tennessee Rivers. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Paris, TN	March 2001
Williams, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2002. Net value of trout fishing opportunities in the Clinch River, Tennessee. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls	March 2002
Williams, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2002. Net value of trout fishing opportunities in Tennessee. Mid-Year Meeting, Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, AR	February 2002
Wesley, V.P., M.W. Rogers. 2021. Age and growth of three important commercially harvested fishes in Tennessee: Skipjack Herring, Silver Carp, and Smallmouth Buffalo. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.	February 2021	Student Masters thesis proposal presentation on estimating age and growth of three commercial fishes in Tennessee.
Welte, N.T. and J.B. Layzer. 2005. Recent recruitment and distribution of mussels in the upper Green River, Kentucky. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Fall Creek Falls, TN.	March 2005
Weber, A.S. and J.B. Layzer. 2007. An evaluation of sampling methods for determining species composition and relative abundance of turtles in a small lake. Annual meeting of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, St. Louis, MO.	July 2007
Weber, A.S. and J.B. Layzer. 2006. Differences in capture rates and species composition of turtles between basking traps and baited hoop nets. 12th Annual Tennessee Herpetological Conference, Martin, TN.	April 2006
Warren, L.E., and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. Adult Spawning Habitat and Survival, Movement, and Nursery Habitat of Stocked Juvenile Muskellunge in Middle Tennessee Streams. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, Tennessee.	February 2013	No information exists on the extent of natural reproduction of native muskellunge in Tennessee or the efficiacy of a stocking program.
Warren, L., P.W. Bettoli, and A. Cole. Muskellunge in Tennessee: A Historic Overview and Recent Research. Muskellunge and Northern Pike Symposium, Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, Arkansas.	September 2013	Scant research has been done on populations of muskellunge at the southernmost extent of their native range. Assessments of stocking progams and extent of natural reproduction in different systems are presented.
Vandergoot, C., P.W. Bettoli, and T.N. Churchill. 2004. Stocking contribution and population dynamics of walleye in Tennessee reservoirs. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Madison, WI. August 23-27.	August 2004
Toala-Hidalgo, E., T. Kumetis, R. T. R. Paine, K. Wheeler, and A. E. Rosenberger. 2024. Comparing aqueous environmental DNA metabarcoding to sediment-bound environmental DNA metabarcoding in sand-dominated freshwater systems. Poster presented at the Southeastern Fishes Council Annual Meeting, Little Rock, Arkansas.	November 2024	This study compares aqueous and sediment-bound environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding in Cub Creek, a sand-dominated headwater of the Hatchie River in west Tennessee. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of these two eDNA sampling methods for evaluating fish assemblages in historically degraded headwater systems. Results may inform future sampling designs for monitoring headwater fish populations, crucial for understanding ecosystem health and biodiversity in these important habitats.
Swain-Menzell, R.T.R. Paine, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2024. Detection and Modeling of Darters and Madtoms: eDNA Surveillance of Imperiled Southeastern US Fishes. Poster presentation for the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Chatanooga, TN. January 2024.	January 2024	Illustrates how a combination of habitat modeling and sensitive environmental DNA surveillance can be used to verify the status of critically imperiled, cryptic fishes.
Surgenor, S.L. and J.B. Layzer. 2002. Survival and growth of juvenile Actinonaias pectorosa, cultured in an indoor recirculating system. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls	March 2002
Stewart, T.R., T.L. Cox, M.E. Colvin, C.G. Dunn, M.W. Rogers, and L.E. Miranda. 2022. Simulation tools for estimating statistical power to monitor invasive carps. 152^nd Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Spokane, Washington.	August 2022	Simulations revealed that newly-established invasive carp populations may require large and unrealistic amounts of sampling effort to detect a change with sufficient statistical power. This simulation effort highlighted the need to use statistical power analyses when evaluating monitoring programs for invasive carps.
Stewart, T.R., M.E. Colvin, C.G. Dunn, M.W. Rogers, and L.E. Miranda. 2022. Teamwork makes the dream work: an app to standardize inter-agency invasive carps surveillance. 152^nd Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Spokane, Washington.	August 2022	We developed a web-based application to standardize data integration and analyses for invasive carps within the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Integrating standardized datasets and analyses across jurisdictions can promote collaborative actions and increase the efficacy and efficiency of invasive carps management programs.
Spaulding, J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. Behavioral Thermoregulation of Fishes in Relation to Heated Effluent from a Power Plant on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, Tennessee.	February 2013	The behavior and movements of fishes in and around a thermal plume produced by a coal-fried steam plant is being studied using a sophisticated hydroacoustic listening array.
Spaulding, J., P.W. Bettoli, and M. Bevelhimer. 2014. Continuous telemetry of fishes near the heated effluent from a power plant on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Charleston, South Carolina.	January 2014	New techology has allowed for vast amount of data to be collected on thermal ecology of fishes in and around power plants.
Spaulding, J., P.W. Bettoli, and M. Bevelhimer. 2014. Temperature selection of fishes near a power plant thermal plume. Joint Annual Meeting of the Tennessee and Mississippi Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Pickwick Landing, Tennessee.	March 2014	New technologies now allow for the continuous monitoring of the temperatures selected by tagged fishes interacting with the heated discharge of a power plant.
Spaulding, J., P. Bettoli., and M. Bevelhimer. 2013. Behavioral thermoregulation of fishes in relation to heated effluent from a power plant on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, Arkansas.	September 2013	New technologies are permitting the acquisiton of vast amounts of fine-scale data associated with the thermo-regulatory behavior of fishes in and around heated power plant effluent.
Simmons, J.W. and J.B. Layzer. 2003. Spawning habitat and behavior of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Arkansas/Tennessee Joint Chapter American Fisheries Society meeting. Jackson, TN.	March 2003
Simmons, J.W. and J.B. Layzer 2003. Reproductive ecology of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Annual Meeting, Southern Division, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Arlington, VA.	April 2003
Simmons, J. and J.B. Layzer. 2002. Selected ecological aspects of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls	March 2002
Sievert, N., A. J. Lynch, H. S. Embke, A. Robertson, B. J. E. Myers, M. S. Allen, Z. S. Feiner, F. Hoogakker, S. Knoche, S. R. Midway, C. L. Nieman, C. P. Paukert, K. L. Pope, M W. Rogers, L. Wszola, T. D. Beard, Jr. November 2021. The U.S. Inland Creel and Angler Survey Catalog (CreelCat): A database and interactive tool for inland fisheries management and research. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD	November 2021	This study creates a publicly accessible database of creel survey data nationwide so managers can access angler data to determine how the environment and management actions may affect angler catch and harvest.
Shea, C.P., K. Potoka, P.W. Bettoli, C.F. Saylor, and P.W. Schute. 2013. Use of dynamic occupancy models to assess the response of darters (Teleostei: Percidae) to varying hydrological and hydrothermal conditions in the Elk River, Tennessee.Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, Tennessee.	February 2013	This work reports on a critical component of a Structured Decision Making model that is being developed to balance the recovery of endangered species below a hydroelectric dam with the competing interrests of flood control, power production, and recreational fishing.
Shea, C.P. P.W. Bettoli, and K. Potoka. 2012. A multi-species occupancy approach to assessing the stream status of stream fishes in the Elk River following operational changes at Tims Ford Dam. Annual Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Biloxi, MS.	January 2012
Shea, C., P. Bettoli, K. Potoka, C. Saylor, and P. Shute. 2013. Development of a decision support tool for determining optimal hydropower dam operations in the Southeastern United States tailwater. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, Arkansas.	September 2013	The competiting interests of three agencies in how a dam is operated to provide sportfishing opportunities, hydropower, flood control, and conserve endangered species are being addressed via a structured decision making model.
Schrum, M., A.E. Rosenberger, and S. McMurray. 2018. Identification of the cause of mussel population collapse, and current water quality and habitat suitability assessment in the Little Black River system, Carter, Ripley, and Butler Counties, Missouri. Oral Presentation to the Missouri Natural Resources Conference, Osage Beach, MO. February, 2018.	February 2018	Our goal is to identify likely sources of ongoing water quality issues to determine if sites in the Little Black River are presently suitable for reintroduction efforts and, potentially, narrow down the causes of the precipitous decline in mussel assemblages in the river. The results of this study will inform future potential mussel reintroduction efforts in the Little Black River.
Schrum, M., A. Rosenberger, and S. McMurray. 2018. Linking mussel population collapse to current and historic conditions and threats in the Little Black River system, Missouri. Oral Presentation for the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, NJ. August, 2018.	August 2018	Describes mussel population collapse in an important Missouri system to current and historic conditions and threats in the Little Black River, Missouri
Scholten, G.M., P.W. Bettoli, and G. Moyers. 2014. Stocking efficacy and catch-and-release mortality of Saugers in the Cumberland River, Tennessee. Joint Annual Meeting of the Tennessee and Mississippi Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Pickwick Landing, Tennessee.	March 2014	This study represents the first use of genetic markers to evaluate the efficacy of a stocking program in Tennessee waters and instantaneous rates of catch-and-release mortality have rarely been estimated for any species, including Sauger.
Scholten, G.D., P.W. Bettoli, and M.E. Sandrene. 2004. Effects of commercial fishing on paddlefish stocks in Kentucky Lake. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Scholten, G.D., M. Sandrene, and P.W. Bettoli. 2003. Population dynamics of paddlefish in Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. Joint Annual Meeting of the Arkansas and Tennessee Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Jackson, TN.	March 2003
Scholten, G.D. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Assessment of overfishing in a paddlefish fishery. Midyear meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, Virginia Beach, VA.	February 2005
Scholten, G., P.W. Bettoli, and M. Sandrene. 2004. Discharge as a predictor of paddlefish harvest in Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River. Southern Division American Fishery Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29.	February 2004
Scholten, G., P.W. Bettoli, and G. Moyer. 2014. Assessing stocking efficacy of Sauger using genetic markers and evaluating their movement and mortality in the Cumberland River in Tennessee. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Charleston, South Carolina.	January 2014	This study represents the first use of genetic markers to evaluate the efficacy of a stocking program in Tennessee waters and instantaneous rates of catch-and-release mortlaity have rarely been estimated for any species, including Sauger.
Sallack, K., Key, K.N., Irwin Womble, K., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2023. Initiating Freshwater Mussel Research in the Hatchie River. West Tennessee Water Resources Symposium, Jackson, TN. March 2023 (abstract not published)	March 2023	Sallack, K., Key, K.N., Irwin Womble, K., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2023. Initiating Freshwater Mussel Research in the Hatchie River. West Tennessee Water Resources Symposium, Jackson, TN. March 2023 (abstract not published)
Sallack, K., Key, K.N., Irwin Womble, K., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2023. Initiating Freshwater Mussel Research in the Hatchie River. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Chapel Hill, TN. March 2023 (Abstract not published)	March 2023	Sallack, K., Key, K.N., Irwin Womble, K., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2023. Initiating Freshwater Mussel Research in the Hatchie River. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Chapel Hill, TN. March 2023 (Abstract not published)
Sallack, K., K.N. Key, K.I. Womble, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2024. Freshwater mussels of the Hatchie River: distribution, composition, and abundance. Poster Presentation for the West Tennessee River Basin Authority Water Resource Symposium. Jackson, TN. February 2024. (Abstract not published)	February 2024	Updated known information about the most important drainage in West Tennessee for freshwater mussel diversity.
Saha, S. and J.B. Layzer. 2006. Evaluation of a nonlethal technique for determining gender of freshwater mussels. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.	February 2006
Saha, S. and J.B. Layzer. 2005. Non-lethal sex determination of freshwater mussels. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Fall Creek Falls, TN. BEST STUDENT PAPER	March 2005
Russell, D. and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. Age and growth of lake trout in two Tennessee Reservoirs. Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Spencer, TN. (Best Student Paper)	May 2010
Rosenberger, A.E., and K.I. Womble. Freshwater mussels of Tennessee: Future Directions for the Cumberland River Basin. Invited Presentation for the Sustainable Rivers Program FY24 Cumberland river Workshop, External PDT Meeting. Lebanon, TN. June, 2024.	June 2024	In this presentation, we introduced the biology and ecology of freshwater mussels, provided some ideas of the history of Cumberland river mussels, provided specific history of freshwater mussels in the Cumberland River basin, and outlined future research directions that may assist with the conservation of the species in the region specifically related to dam operations under the Sustainable Rivers Program.
Rosenberger, A.E., S. McMurray, K. Bouska, G. Lindner, K.Key, M. Schrum, and L. Lueckenhoff. 2018. Towards a Statewide, Strategic, and Spatially-Explicit Mussel Conservation Assessment and Monitoring Program – our vision. Oral Presentation to Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.	January 2018	Describes the component of my research program intended to provide information that allows for a statewide conservation assessment for Missouri's exciting and rare mussel fauna- a plan that could potentially transfer to Tennessee.
Rosenberger, A.E., S. McMurray, K. Bouska, G. Lindner, K. Key, J. Holtswarth, K. Womble, M. Schrum, and L. Lueckenhoff. 2020. Towards a statewide, strategic, and spatially-explicit mussel conservation assessment and monitoring program - our vision. Virtual Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, September.	September 2020	For threatened assemblages, the rarity of that resource and its isolation in the landscape play a role in the approach that mangers take in decision making. A strategic approach to management based on ecological and physical processes important for overall ecological health of a system is required for cost-effective and concrete recovery of threatened and endangered species.
Rosenberger, A.E., S. McMurray, K. Bouska, G. Lindner, K. Key, J. Holtswarth, K. Womble, M. Schrum, and L. Lueckenhoff. 2020. Towards a statewide, strategic, and spatially-explicit mussel conservation assessment and monitoring program - our vision. Virtual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, September, 2020.	September 2020	For threatened assemblages, the rarity of that resource and its isolation in the landscape play a role in the approach that mangers take in decision making. Without a strategic framework for decision making, identification of risks and threats to widespread assemblages can be subjective.
Rosenberger, A.E., K.I. Womble, M. Schrum, K. Key, J. Holtsworth, B.Bajo, J.Fetters, K. Sallack. 2024. TN Cooperative Research Unit mussel program update. Tennessee Endangered Mussels Conference; Cumberland Mountain State Park, TN. January, 2024.	January 2024	Met with researchers and managers working on TN endangered mussels to update them on my overarching program goals, research themes, and recent projects and outcomes.
Rosenberger, A.E., K.I. Womble, K. Sallack, J. Fetters, K. Key, G. Dinkins, D. Hua. 2023. Current Status of Mussel Research in the Rosenberger Lab at TN Tech. Tennessee Endangered Mollusk Committee Meeting: Crossville, TN. February 2023. (Abstract not published)	February 2023	I used this meeting of close colleagues to update them on all research endeavors I am presently undertaking with my lab in TN related to freshwater mussels.
Rosenberger, A.E., D.B. Fitzgerald, K.I. Womble, and D.R. Smith. 2022. Making your survey effort count for the USFWS species status assessment process. Invited Workshop Presentation for the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society, Henry Horton State Park, TN. August, 2022.	August 2022	Allocating sampling effort accross multiple mussel species for the SSA process and the SSA process overall is discussed.
Rosenberger, A.E. and Womble, K.I. 2023. The history of freshwater mussels in the Duck River, Tennessee. Presentation to the Duck River Agency Annual Meeting, Henry Horton State Park, TN. December.	December 2023	The USGS Tennessee Cooperative Research Unit at Tennessee Tech University has created a drainage-wide freshwater mussel database that enables us to highlight core areas of diversity and abundance, explore changes in mussel populations over time, and prioritize areas for future research. The database allows us to describe the history of freshwater mussel populations in the river and highlights the uniqueness and importance of the Duck River fauna.
Rosenberger, A.E. 2023. Direction of mussel research in Tennessee: A strategic approach and instream flow. Tennessee River Basin Network Annual Meeting, Florence, Alabama. August 2023.	August 2023	Rosenberger, A.E. 2023. Direction of mussel research in Tennessee: A strategic approach and instream flow. Tennessee River Basin Network Annual Meeting, Florence, Alabama. August 2023.
Rosenberger, A.E. 2022. Development and implementation of instream flow requirements to preserve the biotic integrity and resilience of the Duck River. Duck River Agency Annual Meeting, December 2022.	December 2022	Rosenberger, A.E. 2022. Development and implementation of instream flow requirements to preserve the biotic integrity and resilience of the Duck River. Duck River Agency Annual Meeting, December 2022.
Rogers, MW. 2019. Congratulations on your new project; uhhh, what now? Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Hilton Head, SC.	October 2019	Invited contribution to a symposium for new supervisors.
Rogers, M.W., W.T. Wood, Y-C Kao. 2019. An ecosystem model for population controls and ecological effects of bigheaded carp in a productive southeastern reservoir. Ecopath 25, St. Petersburg, Florida.	December 2019	Predicted effects of Asian carp in southeast US reservoirs from a foodweb based ecosystem model.
Rogers, M.W., J. Murdock. 2018. Influences of Asian Carp invasion on a native mussel biodiversity hotspot in Tennessee. Southern Division of American Fisheries Society, San Juan, Puerto Rico.	March 2018	We explored potential for food web overlap between invasive fish and native mussels.
Rogers, M.W., J. Murdock, D. Hubbs. 2018. Implications of Silver Carp invasion on the Food Web of a Freshwater Mussel Biodiversity Hotspot. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Mobile, Alabama.	October 2018	Invasive asian carp effects on native species and biodiversity.
Rogers, M.W., A. Deines, D.B. Bunnell, D. Bennion, A.J. Lynch, S.J. Cooke, and T.D. Beard, Jr. North American Inland Fisheries: Knowns, Unknowns, and Management Challenges. May 2016. World Fisheries Congress. Busan, South Korea.	May 2016	Status of North American inland fisheries and data gaps.
Rogers, M.W., A. Deines, D.B. Bunnell, D. Bennion, A.J. Lynch, S.J. Cooke, and T.D. Beard, Jr. North American Inland Fisheries: Knowns, Unknowns, and Management Challenges. February 2017. Southern Division of American Fisheries Society, Oklahoma City.	February 2017	Current understanding of North American inland fisheries production and data gaps.
Rogers, M.W. 2020. Asian Carp status and research efforts for informing TVA environmental assessment in the Tennessee River. TVA Environmental Assessment webinar series.	May 2020	Asian carp research updates for assisting the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with an environmental assessment for potential movement barrier siting in the Tennessee River. Biological information is one of many data needs for TVA efforts.
Roberts, A., J. Hundley, A. Rosenberger, K.L. Bouska, D. Mosby, B. Simmons, and G. Lindner. 2017. Quantitative Survey of Freshwater Mussels (Unionoidea) and Assessment of Sediment Contamination in the Big River, Missouri. Poster Presentation for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Annual Meeting, November, 2017.	November 2017	This work describes the effect of widespread lead contamination on freshwater mussel communities in the Big River, Missouri.
Ridgway, J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2016. Gear efficacy and population characteristics of Bigheaded Carp on the southeastern leading edge of their North American invasion. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Kansas City, Missouri.	August 2016	This study represents the first investigation into the biology and distribution of invasive Bigheaded Carps in Tennessee waters.
Rahm, E. and J.B. Layzer. 2007. Spatial distribution and microhabitat of adult and juvenile mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) within a bed. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Habitat Restoration Workshop. Little Rock, AR.	March 2007
Ragland, D.L. and J.B. Layzer. 2004. The clash of the abrupta. Combining indoor and outdoor culture faciltiies for long-term culture of the endangered pink mucket. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Ragland, D. and J.B. Layzer. 2004. Long-term growth and survival of cultured Lampsilis abrupta. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29.	February 2004
Potoka, K., P.W. Bettoli, and C.P. Shea. 2012. Distribution and ecology of the endandgered boulder darter in the Elk River, Tennessee. Annual meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Biloxi, MS.	January 2012
Potoka, C., C.P. Shea, and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. Occupancy modeling as a tool for evaluating the status and distribution of darters in the Elk River, Tennessee. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, Tennessee.	February 2013	This work reports on the use of state-of-the-art modling techniques to monitor the distribution of an endangered darter in a regulated river below a hydroelectric dam. Results will guide current efforts to modify dam operations to balance the the need to recover the species against other uses of the dam (i.e., flood control, power production, water supply).
Petersen, M.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2012. Hooking mortality of hybrid striped bass in a Tennessee lake. Annual meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Biloxi, MS.	January 2012
Paine, R.T.R., M.W. Rogers, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2024. Environmental DNA surveillance of a Clarias catfish in southeastern Puerto Rico. September, 2024. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting.	September 2024	Environmental DNA surveillance indicated that this <i>Clarias</i> catfish invasion is more widespread than expected, and more extensive survey efforts are needed to delineate the true leading edge and confirm the species of this cryptic genus. While the leading edge is still currently unknown, eDNA surveillance was useful to identify areas where targeted capture and removal efforts could be focused to control population abundance.
Paine, R.T.R., M.W. Rogers, C.R. Harty, and T. J. Flanagan. 2024.Molecular surveillance of invasive carp reproduction in Tennessee reservoirs. September, 2024. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting.	September 2024	The presence of carp larvae and eggs were detected in several locations of both reservoirs. Evidence of successful spawning of silver carp in Tennessee reservoirs was observed, however there has been no indication of recruitment to the existing population. Results from this study will be used to assist agencies with developing more efficient monitoring approaches for larval carps as well as a need for rapid response to limit potential further population expansion.
Paine, R.T.R., M.W. Rogers, C. Hurt. 2018. Environmental DNA (eDNA) tracking of the invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in the Duck River, Tennessee. Southeastern Fishers Council Annual Meeting, South Carolina.	November 2018	Testing and validation of qPCR techniques for eDNA detection of Silver Carp in Tennessee.
Paine, R.T., M.W. Rogers., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2024. Looking for Lazarus: Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance of the federally threatened Slender Chub (Erimystax cahni) in the Clinch River and Powell Rivers. Poster Presentation submitted to the American Fisheries Society. Chatanooga, TN.	February 2024	Our results do indicate the presence of slender chub DNA perseveres in the systems and can inform resource agencies of localities to pursue more intensive survey efforts with conventional methods (e.g., snorkeling, seining) and potential restoration and recovery sites.
Padgett, A., M.W. Rogers. 2021. Lower food web selectivity by bigheaded carps in southeastern reservoirs. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting.	February 2021	Food web evaluation of feeding patterns in bigheaded carps versus gizzard shad.
Neuswanger, J, M Wipfli, A Rosenberger. Feeding Ecology of Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Chena River, Interior Alaska. Western Division of the American Fisheries Society, Anchorage, Alaska, May 2018.	May 2018	Work shows how Juvenile Chinook Salmon compete for food resources, and how food is allocated among these young fish through their behavioral interactions.
Mott, R. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2017. Effects of sublethal stressors on Topeka Shiner (Notropis Topeka) physiology. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Tampa, FL. August, 2017.	August 2017	Summarizes M.S. work on Topeka shiner showing water quality requirements and preferences using nonlethal methods. Water quality measurements include temperature, ammonia and ammonia byproducts, and salt.
Moles, K.R. and J.B . Layzer. Reintroduction of the rayed bean, Villosa fabalis, into the Duck River. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Montgomery Bell, TN. 2009.	May 2009
Moles, K.R. and J.B. Layzer. Spawning, propagation and culture of Green River mussels. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium, Baltimore, MD. 2009.	July 2009
Moles, K. and J.B. Layzer. 2005. Gametogensis and fertilization of Actinonaias ligamentina in relation to distance from the Green River Dam, Kentucky. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Fall Creek Falls, TN.	March 2005
Moles, K. and J.B. Layzer. Declining mussel populations in a regulated river - a result of serial discontinuity? First Triennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science, St. Pete Beach, FL. 12-17 July. 2009.	July 2009
Moles, K. R., and J. B. layzer. 2011. Mussel restoration: augmentation, reintroductions and habitat restoration. Annual Meeting of the Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Tampa, FL.	January 2011
Moles, K. R. and J. B. Layzer. 2011. Population Demographics of Three Endangered and Five Imperiled Mussel Species In The Duck River. Rare Mollusk Meeting, December 6-7, Tennessee.	December 2011
Mengel, V.M. and J.B. Layzer. Fish hosts and other life history aspects of the fluted kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus subtentum (Bivalvia: Unionidae). 55th Annual Meeting of the North American Benthological Society, Columbia, SC.	June 2007
Mengel, V.M. and J.B. Layzer. 2007. Life history and population demographics of the fluted kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus subtentum) (Bivalvia: Unionidae). Spring meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Memphis, TN. (Best Student Poster Award)	February 2007
Meerbeek, J.R. and P.W. Bettoli. 2004. Diet and performance of stocked brown trout in five Tennessee tailwaters. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Meerbeek, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2004. Diet and performance of stocked brown trout in five Tennessee tailwaters. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29.	February 2004
M.W. Rogers, Wood, W.T., Koa, Y-C. 2020. An Ecosystem Model for Population Controls and Ecological Effects of Bigheaded Carp in a Productive Southeastern Reservoir. Southern Division of American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Little Rock, Arkansas.	February 2020	Bighead Carp <i>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</i> and Silver Carp <i>H. molitrix</i> (collectively referred to as bigheaded carp) are established in lower portions of the Tennessee River and Cumberland River. Multi-agency efforts to delineate the leading edge of invasion, population monitoring, and potential control measures are ongoing. A major concern regarding established populations is potential ecological effects on native aquatic communities and how fisheries could mitigate as a populatio
M.W. Rogers, C.R. Harty, P.W. Bettoli. 2020. Investigation of Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish Population Dynamics in Three Tennessee River Reservoirs. Southern Division of American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Little Rock, Arkansas.	February 2020	Monitoring and population modeling for two commercial and recreational catfish species in Tennessee.
Lynch, A.J., Z. Basher, Y.-C. Kao, T.D. Beard, Jr., D.B. Bunnell, M.W. Rogers, and W.W. Taylor. Estimating inland fisheries harvest potential with global change. May 2016. World Fisheries Congress. Busan, South Korea.	May 2016	Using GIS, remote sensed data, and models to quantify climate change effects on inland fisheries.
Lynch, A.J., S.J. Cooke, A. Deines, S. Bower, D.B. Bunnell, I.G. Cowx, V.M. Nguyen, J. Nohner, K. Phouthavong, B. Riley, M.W. Rogers, W.W. Taylor, W.M. Woelmer, S.J. Youn. T.D. Beard, Jr. 2016 The social, economical, and ecological importance of inland fishes and fisheries. International Union for the Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress. Honolulu, Hawaii.	September 2016	Ecological, social, and economic importance of inland fisheries.
Life History of the Cumberland Papershell Anodontoides denigrata. Tyler R. Hern and James B. Layzer. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium. Guntersville, Alabama.	March 2013	The Cumberland Papershell Anodontoides denigrata is a poorly known species endemic to the upper Cumberland River. We monitored two populations from October 2011 to October 2012, and determined spawning and brooding period, fecundity, age and growth, size and age at maturity, suitable host(s) in the laboratory and verify their use as hosts in the field, and natural glochidial infestation rates.
Layzer, J.B. and K.R. Moles. Ongoing mussel and fish studies in the upper Green River. 4th Annual Upper Green River Aquatic Fauna Symposium, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY. 2009.	May 2009
Layzer, J.B. and K.R. Moles. 2010. Fish and mussels within the Green River Glenview Nature Preserve. 6th Annual Upper Green River Symposium, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY.	April 2010
Layzer, J.B. and E.M. Scott. 2003. Restoration and colonization of freshwater mussels and fish in a southeastern United States tailwater. Ninth International Conference on River Research and Applications. Albury, New South Wales, Australia.	August 2003
Layzer, J.B. and E. Scott. 2004. Restoring biodiversity in an east Tennessee tailwater. Southern Division American Fishery Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29	February 2004
Layzer, J.B. March 2000. Restoration of aquatic fauna in the lower French Broad River - an overview of ongoing research. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN	March 2000
Layzer, J.B. July 2000. Modeling flow requirements for freshwater mussels: Unresolved issues. Eighth International Symposium on Regulated Streams. Toulouse, France	July 2000
Layzer, J.B. August 2001. Propagation and culture of Unionidae in fish hatcheries. World Congress of Malacology, Vienna, Austria	January 2001
Layzer, J.B. 2007. Instream flow requirements of mussels. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Habitat Restoration Workshop. Little Rock, AR.	March 2007
Layzer, J.B. 2006. Variation in recruitment of mussels in the Green River. 1st Upper Green River Aquatic Fauna Symposium. Campblesville, KY.	April 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2006. Nonannual reproduction of female muckets Actinonaias ligamentina. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.	February 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2006. Assessing the success of a mussel-stocking program. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society: Propagation and Captive Care of Freshwater Molluscs Workshop, Columbus, OH.	March 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2005. Tennessee's vanishing aquatic flora and fauna. EPSCoR Environmental Summit. Cookeville, TN.	February 2005
Layzer, J.B. 2002. Propagation and culture of unionidae in fish hatcheries. Freshwater Mussel Propagation Workshop. Shepherdstown, WV	March 2002
Layzer, J.B. 2001. Modeling flow requirements of freshwater mussels: Unresolved issues. Defining Ecological Flow Requirements Workshop. New Paltz, NY	December 2001
Layzer, J.B. The influence of a conservation flow regime on mussel recruitment in the Green River, Kentucky, USA. International Conference on Implementing Environmental Water Allocations. Port Elizabeth, South Africa. 2009.	May 2009
Layzer, J.B. 2010. Dams and mussels - the challenge of coexistence. International Conference on the Conservation and Management of Rivers: 20 years on. York, UK.	September 2010
Layzer, J.B. 2010. Assessment of the mussel fauna in the area of the Green River Ferry, Mammoth Cave National Park. 6th Annual Upper Green River Symposium, Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY.	April 2010
Layzer, J.B. 2006. Nonsynchronous recruitment among mussel species in a regulated river: Implications for prescribing flow releases. Tenth International Symposium on Regulated Streams. University of Stirling. Stirling, Scotland.	August 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2005. Stream Regulation and Mussel Populations. ESPCoR Environmental Summit 2005. Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN.	February 2005
Layzer, J. B. 2010. Factors affecting populations of the Cumberland elktoe Alasmidonta atropurpurea (Rafinesque, 1831) and the Cumberland papershell Anodontoides denigrata (Lea, 1852). The Cumberland HCP Science Advisory Committee Meeting. October 27, 2010. Cumberland Mountain State Park, TN.	October 2010
Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, and A. Rosenberger. 2024. A quantitative synthesis comparing eDNA metabarcoding and conventional sampling of freshwater fish assemblages. Oral Presentation for the Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Fisheries Council. Little Rock, Arkansas. November, 2024.	November 2024	This study compares eDNA metabarcoding with conventional sampling for freshwater fish assemblages. It's crucial for biodiversity conservation, evaluating new techniques, and detecting rare or invasive species. eDNA often detects more species and better captures complete species pools. By examining environmental factors' effects on results, this research guides managers in selecting optimal sampling methods, enhancing our understanding and management of aquatic ecosystems.
Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, K. Key, and A. Rosenberger. 2024. New Vs. Old: Comparing eDNA metabarcoding with conventional electrofishing sampling to monitor fishes in headwaters of Western Tennessee. West Tennessee River Basin Authority Water Resource Symposium. Jackson, Tennessee. February 2024.	February 2024	Results from our study can be used to inform sampling plans designed to evaluate status and trends in stream fish assemblages using eDNA, a critical component of effective freshwater resource management and conservation.
Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, K. Key, and A. Rosenberger. 2024. New Vs. Old: Comparing eDNA metabarcoding with conventional electrofishing sampling to monitor fishes in headwaters of Western Tennessee. Poster Presentation for the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee. February 2024.	February 2024	Results from our study can be used to inform sampling plans designed to evaluate status and trends in stream fish assemblages using eDNA, a critical component of effective freshwater resource management and conservation.
Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, K. Key, and A. Rosenberger. 2023. New Vs. Old: Comparing eDNA metabarcoding with conventional electrofishing sampling to monitor fishes in headwaters of Western Tennessee. SEAFWA Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. October 2023.	October 2023	Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, K. Key, and A. Rosenberger. 2023. New Vs. Old: Comparing eDNA metabarcoding with conventional electrofishing sampling to monitor fishes in headwaters of Western Tennessee. SEAFWA Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia. October 2023.<br>https://seafwa.org/conference
Kumetis, T., K. Wheeler, R. Paine, K. Key, and A. Rosenberger. 2023. New Vs. Old: Comparing eDNA metabarcoding with conventional electrofishing sampling to monitor fishes in headwaters of Western Tennessee. Poster presentation for the Southeastern Fisheries Council Annual Meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee. November 2023.	November 2023	Results from our study can be used to inform sampling plans designed to evaluate status and trends in stream fish assemblages using eDNA.
Kitterman, C.L. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. An evaluation of the influence of barotrauma on sauger survival in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee. Spring Meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, New Orleans, LA.	December 2009
Kitterman, C.L. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. An evaluation of the influence of barotrauma on sauger survival in Kentucky Lake, Tennessee. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell, TN.	March 2009
Key, K., A. Rosenberger, and C. Krause. 2017. A user-friendly tool to identify potential threats to species on a landscape level. Oral presentation at 2017 Organization of Fisheries and Wildlife Information Managers Conference, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Invited.	October 2017	This work was presented in previous conference, and Kayla was invited to re-present as part of being an award recipient.
Key, K., A. Rosenberger, G. Lindner, and K. Bouska. 2017. Hierarchical approach to mussel conservation: from niche modeling to field monitoring. Oral presentation, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, August 2017.	August 2017	Pinpointing causes of these declines and where threats cause the most risk to populations is an ongoing challenge for management. We aim to develop a spatial assessment of the status and risks to species-rich concentrations of mussel assemblages in the Meramec River Drainage.
Key, K. and A.E. Rosenberger. A strategic, efficient, and spatially-explicit monitoring program for freshwater mussel communities: a case study in the Meramec Basin in Missouri. Oral Presentation for the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Little Rock, Arkansas. February, 2020.	February 2020	The results of this project will improve our basic understanding of the habitat needs of freshwater mussels and the mechanisms leading to their decline, providing key information to guide state-wide mussel conservation.
Key, K. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. Spatial variation in composition of mussel communities in relation to modeled habitat suitability. Annual meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of AFS, Chatanooga, TN, March, 2019.	March 2019	We found that species richness was a useful, representative metric for modeling mussel bed distributions. Community composition of mussel beds act in an additive manner making beds with the most species effective in identifying areas that also can only support lower species beds. We present comparisons made among rivers, species-richness classifications, and habitat suitability. The information provided by this study will help to further support management and monitoring of mussels on a communi
Key, K. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. Spatial variation in composition of mussel communities in relation to modeled habitat suitability in the Meramec Drainage of Missouri. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. March, 2019.	March 2019	We found that species richness was a useful, representative metric for modeling mussel bed distributions. Community composition of mussel beds act in an additive manner making beds with the most species effective in identifying areas that also can only support lower species beds. We present comparisons made among rivers, species-richness classifications, and habitat suitability. The information provided by this study will help to further support management and monitoring of mussels on a communi
Key, K. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. Spatial variation in composition of mussel communities in relation to modeled habitat suitability in the Meramec Drainage of Missouri. Missouri Natural Resources Conference, Osage Beach, MO.	February 2019	We found that species richness was a useful, representative metric for modeling mussel bed distributions. Community composition of mussel beds act in an additive manner making beds with the most species effective in identifying areas that also can only support lower species beds. We present comparisons made among rivers, species-richness classifications, and habitat suitability. The information provided by this study will help to further support management and monitoring of mussels on a communi
Key, K. and A. Rosenberger. 2018. Spatial variation in composition of mussel communities in relation to modeled habitat suitability in the Meramec Drainage of Missouri. Oral presentation to the American Fisheries Society, Atlantic City, NJ, August 2018.	August 2018	We ask the following questions: 1) Does not only richness, but species composition of mussel beds vary with projected habitat suitability, 2) do we find specific community groupings in areas across the spectrum of suitability, and 3) what stream characteristics are community groups selecting? We compared mussel assemblages from three subwatersheds in the Meramec Drainage in Missouri: mainstem Meramec, Bourbeuse River, and Big River. We will present comparisons made among rivers, species-richnes
Kerns, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2006. Delayed mortality of paddlefish released as bycatch. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, San Antonio, TX.	February 2006
Kerns, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2006. Delayed mortality of paddlefish released as bycatch in the lower Tenhnessee River. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Lake Placid, NY.	September 2006
Kendall R.Moles and James B. Layzer. Reintroduction of mussels into the Calderwood bypass of the Little Tennessee River. A case of fraternizing with the enemy? . Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium. Guntersville, Alabama.	March 2013	When we assessed the long-term survival and condition of the translocated mussels we found dissimilar results among species. Our findings suggest different environmental requirements among mussel species
Kelley, L., K.N. Key, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2018. Life history strategies for freshwater mussels along longitudinal gradients in the Meramec River, Missouri. Poster presentation at 2018 Southeastern Fishes Council, McCormick, South Carolina.	November 2018	Undergraduate project highlighting strategies for freshwater mussels along longitudinal gradients in the Meramec River, Missouri
Kao,Y-C., Rogers, M.W., Bunnell, D.B. 2016. How will salmonine stocking levels, nutrient inputs, and mussel trajectories influence the Lake Michigan food web? International Association of Great Lakes Research Annual Meeting.	June 2016	An ecosystem-based food web model will be presented to demonstrate ecological responses to alternative management scenarios.
Kao, Y.C., M.W. Rogers, D.B. Bunnell, and others. Effects of climate change and land use on large lake fisheries around the world. Raleigh, NC. 2017 Society of Freshwater Science Annual Meeting.	June 2017	Modeling effects of climate and land use on large lakes.
Kao, Y.C., D.B. Bunnell, M.W. Rogers. The relative importance between round goby and alewife effects on Lake Michigan salmonines. International Association of Great Lakes Research.	May 2017	Ecosystem model of invasive species effects
Kao, Y.C., D.B. Bunnell, M.W. Rogers. Not all great lake fisheries are equally great in response to climate and land use change. International Association of Great Lakes Research.	May 2017	Time series analysis of fishery responses to climate and land use change across multiple large global lakes.
Kao Y-C, Rogers MW, Bunnell DB, Lynch AJ, and others. GLFI: A global initiative for lake fisheries. 2018. 148th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society: Atlantic City, New Jersey.	August 2018	Collaborative global partnerships for inland fisheries work.
Kao Y-C, Rogers MW, Bunnell DB, Lynch AJ, and others. 2018. Effects of extreme rainfalls on global lake fisheries: Could they be positive? 148th Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Atlantic City, New Jersey.	August 2018	Climate change induced rainfall extremities and fisheries.
Kaintz, M.A. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Smallmouth bass tournament mortality on middle Tennessee reservoirs. Mid year meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, Virginia Beach, VA.	February 2005
Kacmar, P.T., M.W. Rogers. 2018. Influences of sampling method and season on assessments of Florida largemouth bass (Micropterus floridanus) genetic introgression at Chickamauga Reservoir, Tennessee. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey.	August 2018	Evaluation of bass stocking management success and sampling biases.
Kacmar P, MW Rogers. 2019. Influences of Sampling Method and Season on Florida Largemouth Bass Genetic Introgression at Chickamauga Reservoir, Tennessee. Southern Division AFS, Galveston, TX	January 2019	Use of cutting edge tools to evaluate genetic contributions of stocking in a Tennessee reservoir.
K. Torrance, M. Rogers, C. Hurt, and J. Hammonds. 2023. Genetic Contributions of Hatchery-Stocked Walleye to Douglas Reservoir. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Norfolk, Virginia.	February 2023	Using molecular techniques to assess hatchery gene introgression into the walleye population and parentage assessment.
K. Mosel, W. Budnick, J. Vallazza, D. K. Gibson-Reinemer, J. Tompkins, T. Spier, M. Rogers, C. Harty, D. Appel, M. K. Brey, A. Fritts. 2024. Assessing Silver Carp passage at three locks and dams on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Chattanooga, Tennessee.	February 2024	Collaborative acoustic telemetry work to monitor lock and dam passage of invasive Silver Carp in the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.
Johnson, A.B. and P.W. Bettoli. 2002. Reintroduction of the Barrens Topminnow, Fundulus julisia. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls	March 2002
Johnson, A. and P.W. Bettoli. 2003. Monitoring the reintroductions of the Barrens topminnow. Joint Annual Meeting of the Arkansas and Tennessee Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Jackson, TN.	March 2003
Jamison, N.D. and P.W. Bettoli. 2007. Physiology, survival and dispersal of tournament caught largemouth bass. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Memphis, TN.	February 2007
Ivasuaskas, T., and P.W. Bettoli. 2013. The biotic integrity of fish assemblages in a highly altered tailwater system. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, Tennessee.	February 2013	Longitudinal changes in the riverine fish community below a peaking hydropower dam are described using a suite of metrics developed specifically for this cold tailwater.
Ivasauskas. T. and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. Fate and dispersal of rainbow trout in Tennessee reservoirs. Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Spencer, TN.	May 2010
Ivasauskas, T.I., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. A synopsis of research being conducted on the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam, with a focus on assessing its biotic integrity. Annual meeting of the Tennessee chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell State Park, TN.	March 2011
Ivasauskas, T.I., P.W. Bettoli, and T. Holt. 2009. Effects of suture material and acoustic tag size on survival, growth, tag expulsion, and wound healing in rainbow trout. Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Nashville, TN. September 3, 2009.	September 2009
Ivasauskas, T.I. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. Effects of suture material and acoustic tag size on survival, tag expulsion, and wound healing in rainbow trout. Srping Meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, New Orleans, LA. January 17, 2009.	January 2009
Ivasauskas, T., and P.W. Bettoli. 2012. Indentifying metrics that respond to stressors in a regulated river using a traditional reference site approach and a novel multivariate approach. Annual Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Biloxi, MS.	January 2012
Irwin, K.L., A.E. Rosenberger, G.R. Dinkins, S.A. Ahlstedt, and J.B. Alford. 2019. Freshwater mussel and habitat assessment of the Duck River System, TN. Annual Conference of the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Society, San Antonio, TX. April, 2019.	April 2019	The Duck River in Tennessee is one of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America, and is a crucial locality for ongoing persistence of critically endangered freshwater mussel species. Although the main channel is regularly monitored, the tributaries have been neglected as a research focus.
Hutt, C.P. and P.W. Bettoli. March 2001. Recreational specialization, preferences, and management attitudes of Tennessee tailwater trout anglers. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Paris, TN	March 2001
Hutt, C.P. and P.W. Bettoli. 2002. Recreational specialization, preferences, and management attitudes of Tennessee Tailwater Trout Anglers. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Fall Creek Falls	March 2002
Hutt, C. and P.W. Bettoli. 2002. Recreational specialization, preferences, and management attitudes of tailwater trout anglers in Tennessee. Mid-Year Meeting, Southern Division American Fisheries Society, Little Rock, AR	February 2002
Howard, J.M. and J.B. Layzer. February 2000. Temporal and spatial characteristics of the fish assemblages in a large regulated river. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Mid-Year meeting. Savannah, GA	February 2000
Hoogaker, F.J., M.W. Rogers. 2021. Exploring synchrony in black bass angler activity and management actions across Tennessee reservoirs. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting.	February 2021	Modeling using historical creel data to evaluate trends in angler patterns through time.
Holtswarth, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, K.N. Key, and G. Lindner. 2019. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel fundamental niche model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. Oral presentation (invited), Organization of Fisheries and Wildlife Information Managers Annual Meeting, West Virginia. October, 2019.	October 2019	Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel fundamental niche model within the Ozark Ecoregion
Holtswarth, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, K.N. Key, and G. Lindner. 2018. Do freshwater mussel beds associate with lateral channel stability and channel controls? Oral presentation (invited). Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers Annual Meeting, Portland, Oregon. October, 2018.	October 2018	Do freshwater mussel beds associate with lateral channel stability and channel controls?
Holtswarth, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, G. Lindner, and K. Key. 2019. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel fundamental niche model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. Tennessee American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Knoxville, TN.	March 2019	It is important to understand what factors allow riverine freshwater mussels to persist to inform successful conservation efforts, yet challenging because of their unique life cycle, benthic habitat preferences, and sensitivity to disturbance across spatial and temporal scales.
Holtswarth, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, K.N. Key, G. Lindner. 2019. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel fundamental niche model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. Master’s Seminar to the Deparment of Biology, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TN. July, 2019	July 2019	It is important to understand what factors allow riverine freshwater mussels to persist yet, challenging because of their unique life cycle, benthic habitat preferences, and sensitivity to disturbance across spatial and temporal scales. Habitat suitability modeling using hydrogeomorphic variables as corelates to instream features deemed important to freshwater mussel establishment and persistence, has been successful in the Meramec River of Missouri. However, while the creation of habitat suita
Holtswarth, J.N., A.E. Rosenberger, K.N. Key, G. Lindner. 2019. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel fundamental niche model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, April, 2019.	April 2019	It is important to understand what factors allow riverine freshwater mussels to persist to inform successful conservation efforts, yet challenging because of their unique life cycle, benthic habitat preferences, and sensitivity to disturbance across spatial and temporal scales.
Holtswarth, J., K. Key, G. Lindner, and A. Rosenberger. 2018. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater habitat suitability model to Ozark River drainages. Poster presented to the Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Atlantic City, NJ, 2018.	August 2018	We apply existing knowledge of habitat requirements of rich mussel beds in the Meramec River Basin to other Ozark rivers. Five GIS layers representing lateral channel stability, stream power, proximity to persistent gravel bars, the presence of channel controls, and areas of low water will be applied to selected study rivers. Using existing information supplied by the Missouri Department of Conservation, we will determine correspondence between species-rich beds and these variables to evaluate
Holbrook, C. and P.W. Bettoli. 2006. Assessment of potential spawning habitat and length at maturity of brown trout in Tennessee tailwaters. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, San Antonio, TX.	February 2006
Hoffman, K. and P.W. Bettoli. 2003. Efficacy of stocking largemouth bass using oxytetracycline marking techniques. Joint Annual Meeting of the Arkansas and Tennessee Chapters of the American Fisheries Society, Jackson, TN.	March 2003
Helton, J.S. and J.B. Layzer. Predicting the unseen: estimating mussel species richness in the upper Green River. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium, Baltimore, MD. 2009.	December 2009
Helton, J.S. and J.B. Layzer. Estimating the presence of undetected mussels. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Montgomery Bell, TN. 2009.	April 2009
Heitman, E. and J.B. Layzer. 2002. Horse Lick Creek sediment bioassay using juvenile mussels. Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN	March 2002
Harty, C.R., and P.W. Bettoli. 2016. Assessment of Channel Catfish population dynamics and tandem hoop nets as a standard sampling method in Tennessee reservoirs. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Kansas City, Missouri.	August 2016	The research represents the first fisheries-independent assessment of catfish populations in Tennessee reservoirs since they were listed as a sport fish species in 2007.
Hargrove, J.S., M.W. Rogers. 2018. Rethinking Florida Bass stocking as a fishery management tool. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Mobile, Alabama.	October 2018	New hypotheses and data review on bass stocking practices.
Hargrove, J.S., M.W. Rogers, and P. Black. 2018. Genetic composition of largemouth bass populations stocked with Florida bass in Tennessee. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, San Juan, Puerto Rico.	March 2018	Evaluation of stocking impacts on largemouth bass sport fisheries.
Hargrove, J.S., M.W. Rogers, P.T. Kacmar, P. Black. 2018. A Statewide Evaluation of Florida Bass Introgression Across a Gradient of Stocking Rates and Reservoirs in Tennessee. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey.	August 2018	Statewide evaluation of effectiveness of stocking bass to enhance fisheries.
Gore, J.A., J.B. Layzer, and J. Mead. July 2000. Macroinvertebrate instream flow studies after 20 years: a role in stream management and restoration. Eighth International Symposium on Regulated Streams, Toulouse, France	July 2000
Goldsworthy, C.A. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Population dynamics of reintroduced Barrens topminnows. Mid year meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, Virginia Beach, VA.	February 2005
Goldsworthy, C.A. and P.W. Bettoli. 2004. Population dynamics of the barrens topminnow. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Garrison, E.K., J.H. Gunderson, and J.B. Layzer. 2005. Gene flow among seemingly isolated populations of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society, Fall Creek Falls, TN	March 2005
Fraley, S.J., J.B. Layzer, and E.M. Scott. 2005. The mighty Holston: a decimated fauna reinvigorated? 4th Biennial Symposium Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society, St. Paul, MN	May 2005
Ford, A. and J.B. Layzer. 2003. Seasonal variation in glochidial infestation rates of fishes in the upper Green River, Kentucky. Arkansas/Tennessee Joint Chapter American Fisheries Society Meeting, Jackson, TN	March 2003
Foley, R. P. and J. B. Layzer. 2013. ANNULUS DEPOSITION AND INTRA-ANNULAR GROWTH OF Epioblasma ahlstedti AND Lemiox rimosus IN THE DUCK RIVER, TENNESSEE. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium. Guntersville, Alabama.	March 2013	We found that annulus formation occurs earlier that previously suspected. Although growth occurs from spring through fall, growth rates are greatest in the spring
Flanagan, T.J., M.W. Rogers. 2021. Recruitment, Survival, and Growth of Rainbow Trout in Two Tennessee Tailwaters. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting.	February 2021	Evaluating stocked versus naturally reproduced rainbow trout to support Tennessee fisheries.
Flanagan, T., M.W. Rogers. Evaluating Asian Carp Movement in the Tennessee River with Focus on Prohibiting Lock and Dam Passage. 2019 Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Galveston, TX	January 2019	Detecting increasing invasion of Asian Carps in the Tennessee River for informing control efforts
Fitzgerald, D.B., D.R. Smith, K.O. Maloney, J.A. Young, M.C. Freeman, A.E. Rosenberger, and D.C. Kazyak. 2019. Multispecies approaches to status assessments to inform endangered species determinations. AFS Annual Meeting, Reno, NV.	September 2019	The detailed description of species' ecology, distribution, and population structure required to accurately estimate current and future conditions for species status assessments are time consuming and often data limited. One option for improving efficiency and accuracy may be multispecies assessments, in which several species with similar ecology, distribution, and threats are assessed simultaneously. While multispecies status assessments in support of endangered species determinations are alre
Fetters, J.G., A.E. Rosenberger, and A. Ford. 2022. Mussels of the Wolf River, TN: A resurvey of unionids in an inundated Cumberland tributary. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. Henry Horton State Park, TN. Poster Presentation.	August 2022	Represents a resurvey of an important mussel fauna and stronghold of a federally listed species, the Fluted Kidneyshell.
Fetters, J., A.E. Rosenberger, and A. Ford. 2022. Mussels of the Wolf: A resurvey of Unionids in an inundated Cumberland tributary. Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting. Grand Rapids, MI. May, 2022.	May 2022	Mussels in the Wolf represent a stronghold of the Obey River fauna, including a listed species, the Fluted Kidneyshell.
Fetters, J., A. Rosenberger, A. Ford. 2021. The Distribution and Habitat Status of Freshwater Mussels in the Wolf River, TN. Poster Pesentation to the Southeastern Fisheries Council, Columbus, Georgia.	November 2021	The Wolf River, the largest tributary of the Obey River, remains a critically important stronghold of the Cumberland River mussel fauna. This project updates its status.
Fernholz, S.R., M.W. Rogers. 2018. Relative Densities and Population Characteristics of Bighead and Silver Carp in Reservoirs of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Atlantic City, New Jersey.	August 2018	Asian carp invasion in Tennessee, tributaries to the Ohio River.
Farmer, J.K. and J.B. Layzer. March 2001. Scarcity of larval fish in the French Broad River below Douglas Dam. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Paris, TN	January 2001
Farmer, J.K. and J.B. Layzer. February 2001. Abundance and distribution of larval fish in a hydroelectric-peaking project tailwater. Southern Division, American Fisheries Society 9th Mid-Year Meeting, Jacksonville, FL	January 2001
Falke, J.A., Dunham, J.B., Rosenberger, A.E., Thurow, R.F., Dolloff, A., Howell, P.J., and W.C. Saunders. 2024. Standardized Sampling of Coldwater Fish in Wadeable Streams in North America. World Fisheries Congress, Seattle, WA. 3-9 March, 2024.	March 2024	In this presentation we describe our textbook chapter on standardized techniques for quantitative sampling of fishes in North American coldwater streams focused on backpack electrofishing, snorkeling, and redd count methods. We emphasize training, method validation, and obtaining unbiased measurements and estimates within sampling units as critical components of any coldwater stream standardized sampling program.
Falke, J.A., Dunham, J.B., Rosenberger, A.E., Thurow, R.F., Dolloff, A., Howell, P.J., and W.C. Saunders. 2024. Standardized Sampling of Coldwater Fish in Wadeable Streams in North America. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Honolulu, Hawai’i, 15 – 19, September 2024.	September 2024	quantitative sampling of fishes in North American coldwater streams focused on backpack electrofishing, snorkeling, and redd count methods. We emphasize training, method validation, and obtaining unbiased measurements and estimates within sampling units as critical components of any coldwater stream standardized sampling program.
Ehlo, C. and J. B. Layzer. 2011. Population characteristics of an expanding population of the round hickorynut, Obovaria subrotunda (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the Duck River, Tennessee. 7th biennial Symposium of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society, Louisville, KY.	April 2011
Ehlo, C. and J. B. Layzer 2011. Reproductive characteristics of the Round Hickorynut, Obovaria subrotunda (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the Duck River. Annual meeting of the TN Chapter Am. Fish. Soc., Montgomery Bell State Park. March 1-2, 2011.	March 2011
Eads, C.B. and J.B. Layzer. March 2000. An indoor recirculating system for culturing juvenile freshwater mussels. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN	March 2000
Eads, C. and J.B. Layzer. May 2000. Chemical marking of juvenile freshwater mussels. 48th Annual Meeting North American Benthological Society, Keystone, CO	May 2000
Davis, B.F., K.R. Moles, and J.B. Layzer. Reintroduction of mussels into the Little Tennessee River below Calderwood Dam. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society. Montgomery Bell, TN. 2009.	December 2009
Davis, B.F., J.B. Layzer, and K.R. Moles. Determining length at age for young mussels in the Green River, Kentucky. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium, Blatimore, MD. 2009.	January 2009
Damer, J.D. and P.W. Bettoli. 2007. Fate of brook tourt stocked into the Watauga River below Wilbur Dam. Spring Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Memphis, TN.	February 2007
Coons, A., A.E. Rosenberger, and J.T. Westhoff. 2019. Distribution and Habitat Use of Longnose Darters (Percina nasuta) in Missouri. Poster Presentation at the Southeastern Fishes Council Annual Meeting. November, 2019.	November 2020	In an effort to aid managers in conservation, this work provides MDC with the most complete and applicable habitat use data available for Longnose Darter in Missouri.
Coons, A., A.E. Rosenberger, and J.T. Westhoff. 2020. Multi-scale habitat associations of Longnose Darter (Percina nasuta). Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Virtual.	March 2020	Multi-scale habitat associations of Longnose Darter (<i>Percina nasuta</i>)
Coons, A., A.E. Rosenberger, and J.T. Westhoff. 2020. Distribution and habitat use of Longnose Darter (Percina nasuta) in Missouri. Tennessee Rare Fishes Meeting. Cookeville, TN.	March 2020	In an effort to aid managers in conservation, this work provides MDC with the most complete and applicable habitat use data available for Longnose Darter in Missouri.
Coons, A., A.E. Rosenberger, and J. Westhoff. 2020. Habitat use of longnose darters (Percina nasuta) in Missouri. Annual Meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Little Rock, Arkansas, February, 2020.	February 2020	The longnose darter (<i>Percina nasuta</i>) is threatened throughout its range and designated as endangered in the state of Missouri. Poster summarizes an ongoing multi-scale habitat assessment and life history investigation on this species in the St. Francis River being conducted to aid managers in the conservation of this imperiled species.
Coons, A., A.E. Rosenberger, and J. Westhoff. 2020. Habitat associations of longnose darters (Percina nasuta) in the St. Francis River, Missouri. Virtual Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society. Won Best Student Paper Award.	September 2020	In an effort to aid managers in conservation, this work provides MDC with the most complete and applicable habitat use data available for Longnose Darter in Missouri.
Collier, W.R. and P.W. Bettoli. Monitoring dam passage of sonic-tagged sturgeon in the upper Tennessee River. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell, TN. March 5, 2009	March 2009
Collier, W., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Dispersal and dam passage of sonic-tagged juvenile lake sturgeon in the upper Tennessee River. Annual Proceedings of the Southeast Assocaition of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Nashville, Tennessee.	October 2011
Collier, W., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. A comparison of sampling gears targeting lake sturgeon in the upper Tennessee River. Annual meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Tampa, FL.	January 2011
Collier, W., P.W. Bettoli, T.N. Churchill, and G.D. Scholten. Regulation of striped bass and hybrid bass fisheries in the US. Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Nashville, TN. September 1, 2009.	September 2009
Collier, W. and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. A comparison of sampling gears targeting lake sturgeon in the upper Tennessee River. Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Spencer, TN.	May 2010
Cole, A.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Seasonal distribution and thermal ecology of muskellunge in Melton Hill Lake. Annual meeting of the Tennessee chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell State Park, TN.	March 2011
Cole, A.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Seasonal distribution and thermal ecology of muskellunge in Melton Hill Lake. Annual meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society, Tampa, FL.	January 2011
Chilton, J., Rosenberger, A.E., & DiStefano, R.J. 2018. Habitat associations of endemic crayfishes in the Meramec River drainage: the Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii). International Association of Astacology, Pittsburgh, PA.	July 2018	Understanding the habitat associations of rare species is important to make informed management and policy decisions. The Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii) are two of Missouri’s rare and endemic crayfish species. Both species are listed as vulnerable on Missouri’s list of species and communities of conservation concern due to their limited range.
Chilton, J., A.E. Rosenberger, and R.J. DiStefano. 2018. Habitat associations of endemic crayfishes in the Meramec River drainage: the Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii). Poster presentation at the American Fisheries Society Annual Conference, Atlantic City, NJ, 2018.	August 2018	Habitat associations of endemic crayfishes in the Meramec River drainage: the Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii).
Chilton, J., A.E. Rosenberger, and R. DiStefano. 2019. Habitat associations and distributions of endemic crayfishes in the Meramec River Drainage. Missouri Natural Resources Conference, Osage Beach, MO. February, 2019.	February 2019	The Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii) are two of Missouri's rare and endemic crayfish species. We found benthic habitat factors, such as large substrate size and aquatic vegetation were associated with the presence of these two crayfish species. In addition, we discovered that both species inhabited a larger range within the Meramec River drainage than previously documented. This information will guide conservation managers in future projects and p
Chilton, J. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2018. Habitat associations of endemic crayfishes in the Meramec River drainage: the Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii). Missouri Natural Resources Conference, Osage Beach, Missouri, February 2018.	February 2018	Understanding the habitat associations of rare species is important to make informed management and policy decisions. The Freckled Crayfish (Cambarus maculatus) and Belted Crayfish (Faxonius harrisonii) are two of Missouri’s rare and endemic crayfish species. Both species are listed as “vulnerable” on Missouri’s list of species and communities of conservation concern due to their limited range.
Chilton, J. and A.E. Rosenberger, 2017. The Detectability of Two Rare Crayfish Species in the Meramec River Drainage: the “Vulnerable” Freckled Crayfish and Belted Crayfish. Poster Presentation for the Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Tampa, FL.	August 2017	The results of this project will improve our basic understanding of the detectability of two rare crayfish.
Casto-Yerty, M. and P.W. Bettoli. Assessment of bridge-mounted hydroacoustic telemetry arrays. Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell, TN.	March 2009
Casto-Yerty, M. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. Assessment of bridge-mounted hydroacoustic telemetry arrays. Spring Meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, New Orleans, LA.	January 2009
Cary, J.B., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2022. Habitat associations of the Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) in the Little River, Tennessee and the suitability of Abrams Creek for reintroduction. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Meeting: Charleston, SC. January 2022.	January 2022	Habitat associations of the Blotchside Logperch (<i>Percina burtoni</i>) in the Little River, Tennessee and the suitability of Abrams Creek for reintroduction.
Cary, J.B. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2021. Habitat associations of Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) and the availability of habitat for a reintroduced population in Abrams Creek, Tennessee. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting. Virtual, March, 2021.	March 2021	Habitat associations of Blotchside Logperch (<i>Percina burtoni</i>) in the Little River, Tennessee, and the habitat suitability for a reintroduced population in Abrams Creek.
Cary, J. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2021. Habitat associations of Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) in the Little River, Tennessee, and the habitat suitability for a reintroduced population in Abrams Creek, Tennessee. American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Baltimore MD. November, 2021.	November 2021	Habitat associations of Blotchside Logperch (<i>Percina burtoni</i>) in the Little River, Tennessee, and the habitat suitability for a reintroduced population in Abrams Creek, Tennessee.
Cary, J. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2022. Habitat associations of Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) in the Little River, Tennessee and the suitability of Abrams Creek for reintroduction. Tennessee Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Gatlinburg, TN. March, 2022.	March 2022	Blotchside logperch are slated to be reintroduced to Abrams Creek and this study examines the suitablity of that habitat for the reintroduction program to streamline reintroduction efforts.
Brooke, C.A., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Species richness in three tributaries of the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam. Annual meeting of the Tennessee chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell State Park, TN.	March 2011
Brittle, E.M. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Mortality and mark efficacy of brown trout and rainbow trout marked with OxyMarine and calcein. Mid year meeting, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, Virginia Beach, VA.	February 2005
Brady, T.R., J.B. Layzer, and A.L. Currie. November 1999. Mussels and trout culture; an unusual combination. Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Greensboro, NC	November 1999
Brady, T.R., J.B. Layzer, and A.L. Currie. March 2000. Culture of juvenile mussels at the Dale Hollow Fish Hatchery. Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN	March 2000
Brady, T.R. and J.B. Layzer. May 2000. Culture of freshwater mussels. Effects of sediment particle-size. 48th Annual Meeting North American Benthological Society, Keystone, CO	May 2000
Brady, T.R. and J.B. Layzer. March 2001. Substrate compaction and particle size affect long-term culture of juvenile freshwater mussels. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Symposium, Pittsburg, PA	January 2001
Brady, T.R. and J.B. Layzer. March 2001. Microhabitat use by the endangered bluemask darter (Etheostoma sp.). Annual Meeting, Tennessee Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Paris, TN	January 2001
Bouska, K., A.E. Rosenberger, K. Key, J. Holtswarth, G. Lindner, and S. McMurray. 2020. Development and implementation of a strategic mussel conservation assessment in Missouri. Midwest Fish and Wildlife Resources Conference, Springfield Illinois. January, 2020.	January 2020	Work summarizing conservation assessments for freshwater mussels in missouri.
Bevelhimer, M., J. Spaulding, P.W. Bettoli, and C. Scherelis. 2014. Not all challenges are natural: Collecting telemetry and hydroacoustics data in a heavy-traffic semi-industrial waterway. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.	August 2014	New field data collection technologies and innovative statistical analyses of fish behavior in and around a power plant's heated effluent will be presented.
Bettoli, P.W., M. Casto-Yerty, and G.D. Scholten. 2008. Wrong place at the wrong time: incidental take of endangered pallid sturgeon in a commercial caviar fishery. Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Ottawa, Canada.	December 2008
Bettoli, P.W., M. Casto-Yerty, and G.D. Scholten. 2008. Wrong place at the wrong time: incidental take of endangered pallid sturgeon in a commercial caviar fishery. Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Fishes Council, Chattanooga, TN.	December 2008
Bettoli, P.W., M. Casto-Yerty, and G.D. Scholten. 2008. Incidental take of endangered pallid sturgeon in a commercial caviar fishery. Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology, Chattanooga, TN.	December 2008
Bettoli, P.W., C. Hutt, and J. Williams. 2002. Attitudes and economics associated with managing for quality versus quantity in Tennessee tailwater trout fisheries. Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Baltimore, MD	August 2002
Bettoli, P.W. and M.A. Kaintz. 2004. Livewell or deathtrap: the influence of confinement and livewell conditions on tournament mortality. Annual Meeting American Fisheries Society, Madison, WI. August 23-27.	August 2004
Bettoli, P.W. and G.D. Scholten. 2005. Bycatch mortality and gillnet size selectivity in a paddlefish fishery. Mid year, Southern Division, American Fisheries Society, Virginia Beach, VA.	February 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2005. Recommendations for the conservation of paddlefish stocks in the Tennessee River. Public meeting, Nashville, TN.	June 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2005. Recommendations for the conservation of paddlefish stocks in the Tennessee River. Public meeting, Jackson, TN.	June 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2005. Recommendations for the conservation of paddlefish stocks in the Tennessee River. Public meeting, Chattanooga, TN.	June 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2004. The fundamental thermal niche of adult landlocked striped bass. Southern Division American Fisheries Society Spring Meeting, Oklahoma City, OK. February 26-29.	February 2004
Bettoli, P.W. Challenges and opportunities in studying and managing striped bass and their hybrids in the 21st century. Annual Meeting, American Fisheries Society, Nashville, TN. August 31, 2009.	August 2009
Bettoli, P.W. 2011. The recreational snag fishery for paddlefish in Cherokee Lake, Tennessee. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Nashville, Tennessee.	October 2011
Bettoli, P.W. 2009. Challenges and opportunities in studying and managing striped bass and their hybrids in the 21st century. Annual meeting of the American Fisheries Society, Nashville, TN.	September 2009
Bettoli, P.W. 2007. Growth, dispersal, mortality, and contribution of largemouth bass stocked into Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee. Black Bass Stocking Symposium, Osage Beach, MO.	February 2006
Bettoli, P.W. 2007. Conflict resolution in Tennessee fisheries disputes. Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, St. Cloud, MN.	March 2007
Barton, S. D. and J. B. Layzer. 2011. Gravidity, fecundity, and host fishes of the Barrens Heelsplitter (Lasmigona sp.). 7th Biennial Symposium of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society, Louisville, KY.	April 2011
Barton, S. D. and J. B. Layzer 2011. Age, growth and sexual characteristics of the Barrens Heelsplitter (lasmigona sp). Annual meeting of the TN Chapter Am. Fish. Soc., Montgomery Bell State Park. March 1-2, 2011.	March 2011
Ballard, C.E., M.W. Rogers. 2023. Contributions of Stocked and Naturally Reproduced Rainbow Trout to Two Tennessee Trout Fisheries. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Norfolk, Virginia.	February 2023	Evaluating survival and growth of stocked rainbow trout in Tennessee tailwaters.
Bajo, B., and A.E. Rosenberger. 2019. Modeling fundamentally suitable freshwater mussel habitat in the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee. Oral presentation (invited), Organization of Fisheries and Wildlife Information Managers Annual Meeting, West Virginia. October, 2019.	October 2019	This work will inform conservation efforts by identifying the strongest areas for reestablishment, growth, and reintroduction of native mussel species.
Bajo, B., J. Holtswarth, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2020. Field validating a suitable habitat model for the Gasconade River. Organization of Fish and Wildlife Information Managers Annual Meeting. October, 2020.	October 2020	Providing an update on fundamental niche modeling efforts taking place in Missouri to better understand factors limiting endangered freshwater mussel distributions.
Bajo, B., J. Hartman, and A.E. Rosenberger. 2021. Freshwater mussel status assessment using a suitable habitat model for the Gasconade River, Missouri. Poster Presentation for the Missouri Natural Resources Conference, Virtual. February, 2021.	February 2021	Provides new information on habitat selection for freshwater mussel concentrations and indicates the status of Gasconade River mussel populations.<br><br>While conservation efforts have dramatically grown over the last few years, freshwater mussels remain one of the most imperiled groups of aquatic organisms. Our understanding of a mussel's sessile tendencies, clustered distribution in high density beds, benthic habitat preference, and sensitivity to temporal and spatial disturbances allows us
Bajo, B. and A.E. Rosenberger. 2021. Freshwater mussel status assessment using a suitable habitat model for the Gasconade River, Missouri. Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society Annual Meeting. Virtual, April 2021.	April 2021	Freshwater mussel status assessment using a suitable habitat model for the Gasconade River, Missouri.
Ashton, M.J. and J.B. Layzer. 2007. Microhabitat use of snail darters (Percina tanasi) in the French Broad and Holston rivers. Spring meeting of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society. Memphis, TN.	February 2007
Ashton, M. and J.B. Layzer. 2006. Present distribution of the threatened snail darter (Percina tanasi). Joint Meeting of the Tennessee and Kentucky Chapters of the American Fisheries Society. Paris Landing, TN.	March 2006
Adair, B.D. and J.B. Layzer. 2006. Factors associated with the localized distribution of adult and juvenile freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionoidea). Annual Meeting of the Association for Southeastern Biologists.	April 2006
Adair, B.D. and J.B. Layzer. 2004. Factors affecting the distribution of juvenile freshwater mussels (bivalvia: unionoidea). Tennessee Chapter American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, Fall Creek Falls, TN. March 2-3.	March 2004
Mork, M.D., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011. Behavior and thermal ecology of adult brown trout in Boone Lake and its headwater rivers. Annual meeting of the Tennessee chapter of the American Fisheries Society, Montgomery Bell State Park, TN.	March 2011

Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations	Publication Date
Wood, W.T. 2020. An ecosystem model to predict effects of bigheaded carps on productive southeastern U.S. reservoirs.	January 2020
Warren, L.H. 2013. Spawning and nursery habitat of wild muskellunge and the fate of stocked muskellunge in middle Tennessee rivers. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 58 pages	August 2013
Spaulding, J.S. 2014. Behavioral thermoregulation of fishes in relation to heated effluent from a power plant on the Cumberland River, Tennessee. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville.	August 2014
Schrum, M. 2017. Development of standardized and validated visual sampling methods for assessing population metrics and recruitment of rare and threatened mussel species in Missouri. M.S. Thesis Submitted to the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.	December 2017
Scholten, G.M. 2014. EVALUATING THE SPAWNING HABITAT AND CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF CATCH AND RELEASE FISHING MORTALITY OF SAUGER IN OLD HICKORY LAKE, TENNESSEE. MS THESIS, TENNESSE TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, COOKEVILLE.	December 2014
Russell, D.C. 2010. Age, growth, and sampling of lake trout in two east Tennesee reservoirs. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 47 pages	December 2010
Ridgway, J.L. 2016. Sampling and Population Characteristics of Bighead Carp and Silver Carp in the Tennessee and Cumberland River Systems. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 66 pages	August 2016
Potoka, K. 2013. Occupancy modeling as a tool for evaluating the status and distribution of darters in the Elk River, Tennessee. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 68 pages.	August 2013
Petersen, M.J. 2012. Hooking Mortality and Assessment of Hybrid Striped Bass Fisheries in Tennessee. MS Thesis, Tennessee Techological University, Cookeville. 63 pages.	December 2012
Padgett, A. Lower Food Web Selectivity By Bigheaded Carps in Southeastern Reservoirs.	December 2021
Mott, R. 2017. Thermal Preferences and Water Quality Tolerances of the endangered Topeka shiner. Master's Thesis Submitted to the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.	December 2017
Mork, M. 2011. Survival and movements of large brown trout in a regulated river systems in east Tennessee. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 76 pages.	December 2011
Laske, S.M. 2017. Surface water connectivity of Arctic lakes drives patterns of fish species richness and composition, and food web structure. PhD dissertation, University of Alaska Fairbanks. 171 pp.	August 2017
Kitterman, C. Barotrauma in saugers. 2009. M.S. Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN.	August 2009
Key, K. N. 2019. A Spatial Assessment of the Status and Risks to Mussel Concentrations in the Meramec Drainage of Missouri. Doctoral dissertation, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville.	December 2019
Kerns, J.A. 2006. Delayed mortality and movements of paddlefish released as bycatch in the lower Tennessee River. MS Thesis, Tennessee Techological University, Cookeville. 42 pp.	December 2006
Kacmar, P.T. Influences of Sampling Method and Season on Detecting Florida Largemouth Bass Genetic Introgression at Chickamauga Reservoir, Tennessee.	December 2018
Jamison, N. D. 2007. Physiology, survival, and dispersal of tournament-caught largemouth bass. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville.	August 2007
Ivasauskas. T. 2009. Stocking survival and dispersal of trout in reservoirs. M.S. Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN.	December 2009
Hoogakker, F. Modelling Synchrony Between Black Bass Angler Activity and Management Actions in Tennessee Reservoirs.	June 2022
Holtswarth, J.N. 2019. Assessing the transferability of a freshwater mussel habitat model within the Ozark Ecoregion, Missouri. M.S. Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN.	August 2019
Holbrook, C. 2006. An assessment of spawning habitat, length at maturity, and fecundity of brown trout in Tennessee reservoirs. MS Thesis, Tennesee Technological University, Cookeville. 53 pp.	August 2006
Helton, J. 2009. An evaluation of non-parametric species richness estimators for mussel assemblages in the Green River, Kentucky.	December 2009
Flanagan, T. Recruitment, Demographics, and Growth of Rainbow Trout in two Tennessee Tailwaters.	March 2022
Fetters, J.G. 2023. Mussels of the Wolf River, TN: A Resurvey of Unionids in an Inundated Cumberland Tributary. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, 2023.	May 2023
Fernholz, S. Relative Densities, Population Characteristics, and Sampling Efficiency of Bighead and Silver Carps in Reservoirs of the Tennessee River and Cumberland River.	November 2018
Ehlo, C. A. 2011. Population demographics and life history of the round hickorynut, Obovaria subrotunda, in the Duck River, Tennessee. MS Thesis, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville.	December 2011
Damer, John. 2008. The fate of brook trout stocked into the Watauga River below Wilbur Dam. MS Thesis, Tennessee Techyological Universicty, Cookeville. 58 pp.	May 2008
Coons, A. 2021. Multi-scale habitat associations of Longnose Darters (Percina nasuta) in the St. Francis River, Missouri. M.S. Thesis, Tennessee Technnological University, Cookeville.	May 2021
Collier, W. 2011. Dispersal of sonic-tagged lake sturgeon and a a compparison of smapling gears in teh upper Tennessee River. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 57 pages.	December 2011
Cole, A.J. 2011. Seasonal distribution and thermal ecology of muskellunge in Melton Hill Lake, Tennessee. MS thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 78 pages.	December 2011
Chilton, T.J. 2019. Habitat associations and distributions of endemic crayfish in the Meramec River Drainage. M.S. Thesis, University of Missouri, Columbia.	May 2019
Casto-Yerty, Michelle. 2009. Population characteristics of exploited shovelnose sturgeon and assessment of a bridge-mounted hydroacoustic array. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 69 pp.	August 2009
Cary, J.B. 2022. Habitat Associations of Blotchside Logperch (Percina burtoni) in the Little River, Tennessee, and the Availability of Preferred Habitats in Abrams Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville.	December 2022
Brooke, C.A. 2013. Evaluating biotic integrity and spatio-temporal variation in tributary fish communities. MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville. 45 pages	August 2013
Bergthold, C. L. Spatial and temporal variation in electrofishing catches, stocking comparison, gear comparison, and performance of rainbow trout in three Tennessee reservoirs. MS Thesis, Tennesee Technologcial University, Cookeville. 100 pp.	August 2008
Barton, S. D. 2011. Life history of the Barrens Heelsplitter (Lasmigona sp.) (Bivalvia:Unionidae). MS Thesis, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville.	December 2011
Ballard, C. 2023. Growth, Survival, and Recruitment of stocked Rainbow Trout in the Norris and Fort Patrick Henry tailwaters, Tennessee. Tennessee Tech University.	July 2023
Bajo-Walker, B. 2022. Modeling Potentially Suitable Freshwater Mussel Habitat Using Remote Data for the Duck River Drainage, Tennessee." MS Thesis, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville.	August 2022

Technical Publications

Technical Publications	Publication Date
Vandergoot, C.S., D.C. Honeyfield, and P.W. Bettoli. 2001. An investigation of reproduction and early mortality syndrome in Tennessee walleye populations. Final Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service	December 2001
Vandergoot, C.J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2001. Evaluation of current management practices and assessment of recruitment, growth and condition of walleyes in Tennessee reservoirs. Fisheries Report 01-44 to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville	December 2001
Smith, E.K., J. Gunderson, and J.B. Layzer. 2006. Gene flow among seemingly isolated populations of the endangered bluemask darter, Etheostoma (Doration) sp. Final Report, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, Tennessee. 61pp.	September 2006
Schrum, M. C., and A. E. Rosenberger. 2018. An investigation of the cause of mussel population collapse, and the a current habitat suitability assessment in th eLittle Black River system, Carter, Ripley, and Butler counties, Missouri.	September 2018
S.L. Surgenor and J.B. Layzer. 2003. Survival of artificially propagated juvenile mussels. Final Report, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN. 52pp.	December 2003
Russell, D.C., and P.W. Bettoli. 2011, Age, growth, and sampling of lake trout in two eastern Tennessee reservoirs. Fisheries Report 11-02, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 34 pages.	April 2011
Paine, R.T.R., M.W. Rogers, A.E. Rosenberger. 2024. Early Detection and Rapid Response to the African Walking Catfish in Puerto Rico: Identification and Removal. Final Report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.	March 2024
Meerbeek, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Survival, growth, condition, and diet of stocked brown trout in five Tennessee tailwaters. Fisheries Report 05-05, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 73p.	January 2005
Martin, R. and J.B. Layzer. 2001. Movements, habitat use, and survival of captive-reared lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) released into the upper Tennessee river system. Final Report submitted to USGS, Biological Resources Division. 68p	December 2001
M.W. Rogers. 2020. Asian carp in the Tennessee River and Cumberland River: Relative density and movement. USGS Fact Sheet	August 2020
Layzer, J.B., T.R. Brady, and L.M. Madison. 2002. Propagation of endangered mussels at fish hatcheries. Final Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 78pp.	September 2006
Layzer, J.B., E.M. Scott, Jr., J.M. Howard, and J.K. Farmer. 2004. Reintroduction of freshwater mussels into the Tennessee River and its major tributaries. Final Report, U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, Cookeville, Tennessee. 157pp.	January 2004
Layzer, J.B., D.L. Ragland, and L.M. Madison. 2004. Reintroduction of endangered mussels and perfection of methods for the establishment of experimental populations. Final Report, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 49pp.	September 2006
Layzer, J.B., B. Adair, S. Saha, LM. Woods, and T.R. Brady. 2002. Life history of the Bluemask darter and the Cumberland pigtoe, Phase I: Microhabitats and Host Identification. Final Report submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, TN. 31p	June 2002
Layzer, J.B. and K. Moles. 2009. Reintroduction of the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis) into the Duck River. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. College Station, PA.	September 2009
Layzer, J.B. and K. Moles. 2009. Assessment of the fish and mussel communities in the Glenview Nature Preserve on the Green River. Green County, KY.	September 2009
Layzer, J.B. and J.W. Simmons. 2004. Structure and stability of bluemask darter populations. Final report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 60pp.	September 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2004. Enhancement of endangered mussels in Horse Lick Creek. Final Report, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. 15pp.	September 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2000. Book Review - Instream flow protection: Seeking a balance in western water use. By D.M. Gillilan and T.C. Brown. Island Press, Washington, DC. 1997. 410pp. In: Fisheries 25(1):42	August 2001
Layzer, J.B. 2009. Relationship between stream discharge and recruitment of the Cumberland Elktoe (Alasmidonta atropurpurea). The Nature Conservancy. Tennessee.	September 2009
Layzer, J.B. 2004. Recovery of the endangered Ringpink Obovaia retusa. Final Report, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 4p.	September 2006
Layzer, J.B. 2004. Maintenance of captive populations of endangered freshwater mussels. Final Report, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, Tennessee. 5p.	September 2006
Kraus, R.T., C.K. Knight, A.M. Gorman, P.M. Kocovsky, B.C. Weidel, M.W. Rogers. 2016. Developing Fish Trophic Indicators of Climate Change for the Great Lakes. Final Report to the Department of Interior Northeast Climate Change Center and Great Lakes Landscape Conservation Cooperative. IP-075680.	July 2016
Kitterman, C.L. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. An assessment of barotrauma and stock characteristics of Tennessee River sauger populations. Fisheries Report 09-06, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 75 pages.	January 2009
Kaintz, M.A. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. Black bass tournament activity and initial mortality on middle Tennessee reservoirs. Fisheries Report 05-12, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 49p.	January 2005
Jamison, N.D., P.W. Bettoli, and J.M Redding. 2007. Physiology and survival of tournament-caught largemouth bass. Fisheries Report 07-07, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 40p.	August 2007
Ivasauskas, T.J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2010. Movements and mortality of recently-stocked rainbow trout in Tennessee reservoirs. Fisheries Report 10-07, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN. 59p.	September 2010
Ivasauskas, T. 2014. Biotic integrity, water quality, and the recreational fishery in the Caney Fork River below Center Hill Dam, 2009-2012. Final Report to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. 190 pp.	July 2014
Holbrook, C. and P.W. Bettoli. 2006. Spawning habitat, length at maturity, and fecundity of brown trout in Tennessee tailwaters. Fisheries Report 06-11, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 42p.	October 2006
Hoffman, K.J., and P.W. Bettoli. 2003. Recruitment variability, status of largemouth bass populations, and stoking efficacy in Tennessee River impoundments. Fisheries Report 03-25, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 61p.	December 2003
Goldsworthy, C. and P.W. Bettoli. 2005. The fate of stocked Barrens topminnows Fundulus julisia (Fundulidae) and status of wild populations. Final Report, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 48p.	January 2005
Dillard, J.G., A. Rosenberger, and E. Tracy-Smith. 2018. Still Hooked: Our First 50 Years. Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, ISBN 978-1-61600-518-4.	April 2018
Damer, J. and P.W. Bettoli. 2008. The fate of brook trout stocked in the Watauga River below Wilbur Dam. Fisheries Report 08-03, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 36p.	March 2008
Casto-Yerty, M. and P.W. Bettoli. Range assessment and detection limitations of bridge-mounted hydroacoustic telemetry arrays in the Mississippi River. Fisheries Report 09-05, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 19 pages.	March 2009
Brady, T.R., A.L. Currie, and J.B. Layzer. 2003. Development and transfer of technology to propagate and culture mussels at the Dale Hollow and Wolf Creek National Fish Hatcheries. Final Report, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cookeville, Tennessee. 15pp.	February 2003
Bikash, S., V.S. Neary, and P.W. Bettoli. 2006. Feasiblity study of trout habitat enhancement in the Caney Fork River using bolder clusters. Fisheries Report 06-10, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 67p.	September 2006
Bettoli, P.W., J. Kerns, and G.D. Scholten. 2007. Delayed mortality and movements of paddlefish released as bycatch. Final Report to the Division of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. 36p.	May 2007
Bettoli, P.W., C.A. Goldsworthy, and A.B. Johnson. 2004. Field assessment of the Barrens topminnow reintroduction program, 2001-2003. An interim report submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and The Tennessee Nature Conservancy. 42p.	March 2004
Bettoli, P.W. and G.D. Scholten. 2005. Assessment of overfishing and bycatch for an exploited paddlefish population in the lower Tennessee River. Final Report, Division of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. 64p.	January 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2005. Survey of the trout fishery in the Hiwassee River. Fisheries Report 05-11, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 20p.	January 2005
Bettoli, P.W. 2004. Survey of the trout fishery in the Caney Fork River: March-October, 2003. Fisheries Report 04-10, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 25p.	July 2004
Bettoli, P.W. 2004. Creel survey and smallmouth bass population assessment in Smith Fork Creek. Fisheries Report 04-09, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 22p.	March 2004
Bettoli, P.W. 2002. Creel survey of the North Fork of the Holston River. Final Report to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville.	May 2002
Bettoli, P.W. 2001. Creel surveys on the Duck and Elk Rivers. Final Report submitted to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 25p.	December 2001
Bettoli, P.W. 2010. The recreational snag fishery for paddlefish in Cherokee Lake, Tennessee. Fisheries Report 10-06, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville, TN. 21p.	September 2010
Bettoli, P.W. 2007. Surveys of the trout fisheries in the Watauga River and South Fork of the Holston River, March-October 2007. Fisheries Report 07-07, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 41p.	July 2007
Bettoli, P.W. 2006. Clinch River creel survey results: April-October 2006. Fisheries Report 06-08, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 18p.	September 2006
Bergthold, C. and P.W. Bettoli. 2009. Growth, diet, and sampling of rainbow trout in three Tennessee reservoirs. Fisheries Report 09-04, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Nashville. 35 pages.	January 2009

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Tennessee Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Tennessee Research Activities

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: Tennessee
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources