Susan,
I Suggest drift nets (various horizontal and verticle positions for each
transect) in strong to moderate current and towed or pushed nets on
floodplain and in slower current, all with flowmeters to measure volume of
water. Where possible, use a variety of differnt types of gear. In quieter
waters along shore, in backwaters, and on the floodplain, consider fine-mesh
seines and dip nets (day and perhaps at night--consider attracting fish with
light before netting), pop-nets, point electrofishing for larvae and early
juveniles, and light traps. The latter two can be quite useful for relative
abundance data. Pop-nets (effectively verticle tows) are qualitative but
often suffer from low catches. I've been particularly impressed with
quatrefoil-type light traps and can provide results of some experiments and
and field experience if you are interested.
As you research the possibilites, be sure to consult the chapter on Fish
Eggs and Larvae in the AFS Fisheries Techniques manual:
Kelso, W. E., and D. A. Rutherford. 1996. Collection, Preservation, and
Identification of Fish Eggs and Larvae. Pages 255-302 in B. R. Murphy and
D. W. Willis, editors. Fisheries techniques, 2nd edition. American
Fisheries Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
If you have the earlier edition, check out:
Snyder, D. E. 1983. Fish eggs and larvae. Pages 165-197 in L. A. Nielsen
and D. L. Johnson, editors. Fisheries Techniques. American Fisheries
Society, Bethesda, Maryland.
However, I recommend the Kelso and Rutherford revision and update for the
latest info and recommendations.
Darrel
At 02:20 PM 6/3/97 -0400, you wrote:
> I an considering conducting research on larval fish use/reproduction
> of freshwater fish in coastal plain stream systems (South Carolina) by
> comparing stream channel habitat usage to floodplain. My first
> thought is to compare the number of individuals; number of individuals
> of each species; and number of species from three stream systems using
> stream channel and floodplain to represent the two conditions.
> Variables I consider important to sample/collect include velocity,
> D.O., temperature, and habitat characteristics (such as type of
> aquatic vegetation and cover, type of substrate, % vegetation cover,
> water depth, etc.). I plan on sampling fall through spring to
> coincide with spawning events occurring during high water periods for
> a two year period, sampling one or two times/week.
>
> I would appreciate any ideas/comments. Specific questions include:
> What type of larval fish sampling devise is appropriate for both
> faster moving stream channels and slower moving floodplain waters?
> Any ideas on adjusting the number of individuals collected since more
> water (higher water velocity) will flow through the sampling
> collection devises located in the stream channels? How long should
> each collection last (24 hours?)?
>
> I do plan on thoroughly researching this topic, but would appreciate
> any early advise you may have.
>
> Thanks!!! :)
>
> Susan Dyer
> University of South Carolina and the Savannah River Site
> [log in to unmask]
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Darrel E. Snyder Research Associate
Larval Fish Laboratory Curator, LFL Collection
33J Wagar Building Telephone: (970)491-5295
Colorado State University Fax: (970)491-5091
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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