Evaluation of Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Introductions and Re-introductions Into Four Virginia Blue Ridge Mountain Streams

Approximately 100 brook trout were transplanted into each of four Virginia streams in September 2008. Garth Run and Kinsey Run were re-introductions, and Wildcat Hollow and Sweet Run were new introductions. Single pass electrofishing (EF) surveys were conducted with a backpack electrofisher five times during the study. Selected trout > 70 mm but < 100 mm and all trout > 100 mm received a Biomark® 134.2 kHz passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag to identify individual fish upon recapture. Trout were present in all streams almost three years post introductions. Catches decreased across the first four surveys. Young of year catch rates severely decreased from June 2009 (n = 77) to June 2010 (n = 7). Adult refuge under low flow conditions and environmental factors such as elevated stream temperatures and drought were determined to be potential limiting factors of brook trout success. Future monitoring is needed to further assess the populations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Isel, Michael, III

Contributors dc:contributor

• Greg Garman

• Brook Trout
• Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/290

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1289