Source: MICHIGAN STATE UNIV submitted to NRP
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS AND FISH POPULATION DYNAMICS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0166561
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 1, 2009
Project End Date
Jul 31, 2014
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIV
(N/A)
EAST LANSING,MI 48824
Performing Department
Fisheries & Wildlife
Non Technical Summary
Humans affect aquatic ecosystems at a variety of levels, and across a wide range of spatial scales. The impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems is often to reduce their productivity of "desirable" species, and to reduce the ability of the system to withstand additional perturbations. Applied research is needed to identify the consequences of specific actions (e.g., land use changes, lakeshore development, dam removal) and the mechanisms bringing about change. Basic research is needed to formulate models capable of synthesizing this information. Research linking fish populations to their habitat is relevant to the MAES mission as this investigation will provide information that is essential for better managing our fishery resources in the face of increasing demand by the citizens of Michigan. As the fishery management profession has matured, it has become increasingly apparent that habitat management (often in partnership with terrestrial land managers) is needed to maintain productive aquatic ecosystems capable of providing sustained societal benefits.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1350810107030%
1350810209020%
1350812107030%
1350812209020%
Knowledge Area
135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife;

Subject Of Investigation
0810 - Finfish; 0812 - Fish habitats;

Field Of Science
2090 - Statistics, econometrics, and biometrics; 1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal of this research is to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. The main objectives of this study are to 1)determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment; 2) investigate how man's activities bring about changes in aquatic habitats; and 3)develop models capable of predicting response of fish to habitat alteration. The primary expected outputs of this project are peer-reviewed publications describing the outcome of this work, plus meetings with natural resource management professionals to convey the applied implications of this work.
Project Methods
Several general approaches will be used to accomplish this research. First, correlational studies will be used to indicate particularly important environmental characteristics for fish population dynamics. The effects of these variables will then be tested in manipulative experiments. These experiments will be conducted on a whole-ecosystem basis where possible. One application I have recently been requested to investigate using a correlational approach is in the development of models for walleye abundance as a function of lake characteristics. Observational studies of ecosystems where human activities have brought about (or are in the process of inducing) environmental changes will also be employed as a research strategy. An example is observations on the sediment transport within a stream before and after removal of a dam. Contrasts in conditions over time will indicate the effect of dam removal on stream sediment transport. Such observational studies will examine the mechanisms of change involved as well as the actual impact observed. Similarly, legacy impacts of historical land use and change in land use will be evaluated from historical data available from remote sensing and aerial photography, and historical and current records of lake or stream conditions. Finally, mathematical models incorporating knowledge gained above will be developed. Where possible, mechanistic models will be developed to account for observed phenomena. These models will then be used to develop predictions of fish response to habitat changes, as well as the changes in vital rates of fish populations. In this way, hypotheses can be developed that are amenable to testing on the phenomenological level (e.g., total abundance of fish) as well as the mechanistic level (e.g., survival rate of fish). An example study within this objective would be the extension of my current modeling work on lake sturgeon to include variability in environmental conditions and the consequent variability in recruitment.

Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as well as other state, provincial and federal biologists. Graduate students at Michigan State University. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? I currently have four graduate student involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively to develop their research capacity and professional development. During the course of this project, I have had three additional students complete their degrees in areas related to this project. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Several research products (and the associated outreach I have done) havebeen incorporated into the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon and for dam management and dam removal. Our work on theInland Waterway walleye has been shared witha citizen's advisory committee, andregional biologists, which has lead to changes in the management strategies undertaken in this important chain of lakes in Michigan.During the course of this project, my students, collaborators, and I have presented over 33 presentations at scientific conferences, and numerous presentations and meeting with stakeholders, biologists, and other interested parties. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Through the course of this project, I have completed investigations on a number of areas relevant to the overall research goals. Specifically, I have 1. Overseen data collection and analysis on the recruitment dynamics of walleye and yellow perch in four large northern Michigan lakes (Inland Waterway). We have found that the density of walleye larvae in these lakes is extremely low, leading to low abundance for recreational anglers, and that the abundance of food items for young walleye are in short supply. We have also developed analysis models for tagged fish that exhibit interlake movement to determine exchange rates and rates of fishery harvest. 2. Modeled the impact of temperature, day of year, and water discharge on nest building by Chinook Salmon, and explored how dams affect these factors. 3. Evaluated the impact of a rock ramp structure on the summer fish assemblage of a Michigan stream. We found that the rock ramp appears to allow sufficient movement to allow the fish community above and below the structure to mix sufficiently to achieve a community structure similar to that of an undammed river during the summer months, but that spring time movement is limited by the rock ramp. 4. Collaborated on research aimed at improving the design and analysis of fishery monitoring designs, particularly in the context of how variance among systems is diagnostic of major ecosystem changes. 5. Published several synthetic journal articles on the topic of the effects of dams and dam removal on fishery resources. These publications have served as templates for other investigations. I have direct knowledge that these articles have helped inform dam removal efforts in Michigan and Maine, and possibly elsewhere. 6. I have completed several book chapters that focus on field methods of fishery assessment, analytical tools for analysis and reporting of fishery data, as well as a chapter that discusses fishery habitat issues in the Great Lakes Basin. 7. Published several articles on the demographic and genetic dynamics of lake sturgeon, and the implications for management. Based on this expertise, I co-chair the state of Michigan’s lake sturgeon management committee, and finding of this research have been directly integrated into the rehabilitation strategy (which I co-edited) for this species.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hayes, D. B., and B. E. Thompson. 2014. Movement rules for juvenile steelhead: dynamic linking of movement behaviour to habitat and density. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 23: 581-593.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kiraly, I.A., Coghlan S. M. Jr., Zydlewski, J. and D. Hayes. 2014. Comparison of Two Sampling Designs for Fish Assemblage Assessment in a Large River, Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, 143: 508-518
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Kiraly, I.A., Coghlan S. M. Jr., Zydlewski, J. and D. Hayes. 2014. An Assessment of Fish Assemblage Structure in a Large River. River Research and Applications DOI: 10.1002/rra.2738
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2014 Citation: Hayes, D.B., B. J. Bellgraph, B. M. Roth, D. D. Dauble, and R.P. Mueller. 2014 Timing of Redd Construction by Fall Chinook Salmon in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. River Research and Application DOI: 10.1002/rra.2719.


Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as well as other state, provincial and federal biologists. Graduate students at Michigan State University. Changes/Problems: None What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? I currently have three graduate student involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively to develop their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Research one of my students and I have completed has been incorporated into the Fisheries Division’s management plans for lake sturgeon, using results of our demographic and genetic analyses. Because of the important role we have played in the development of these foundational materials, I serve as co-chair of the state’s sturgeon management committee. We have presented our work on the Inland Waterway walleye to a citizen’s advisory committee, and this has also been shared with regional biologists. Because of the work I have done in the past, and continue to do in this project on the impact of dams on fish communities, I was asked to provide a white paper to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on this topic. Modeling work on the impact of river habitat conditions on Chinook Salmon nest building is starting to be used to assess different management options for the Priest Rapids Dam. In addition to these broad avenues for information dissemination, my students, collaborators and I have given the following scientific presentations: Fullard, C. D. J., B. A. Murry, T. Glaraowicz, G. Madel, M. Haas, D. Hayes, J. Stoller, and J. Chiotti. Preliminary findings of round goby predation by smallmouth bass above and below an impoundment on the Cass River, Michigan. 2013 Meeting of the Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Gaylord, MI, February 20-21, 2013. Herbst, S.J., D.B. Hayes, P.A. Hanchin, and B.M. Roth. 2013. Walleye movement dynamics and implications for population estimation in Michigan's Inland Waterway. Annual Meeting of the Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Feb. 19-21, 2013 Gaylord, MI. MacWilliams, R. D., S. Herbst, B. M. Roth, D. B. Hayes, M. T. Bremigan. Sources and limitations of larval walleye production in a heterogeneous waterway in northern Michigan. Michigan Chapter Meeting of The American Fisheries Society: Gaylord, Michigan. February 19th-21st 2013. MacWilliams, R. D., S. Herbst, B. M. Roth, D. B. Hayes, M. T. Bremigan. Sources and limitations of larval walleye production in a heterogeneous waterway in northern Michigan. Graduate Student Organization Symposium. February 22nd 2013. Stoller, J., D. Hayes, B. Murry, T. Galarowicz, M. Haas, G. Madel, C. Fullard. 2013. “Effects of a rock ramp fishway on summer fish assemblage in the Shiawassee River”. Michigan Chapter AFS Annual Meeting, Gaylord, MI. February 19-21, 2013. Fullard, C.D.J., B.A. Murry, T. Galarowicz, G. Madel, J. Stoller, M. Haas, D. Hayes, and J. Chiotti. Characterizing changes in energy pathways leading to centrarchid top predators resulting from the round goby invasion of Saginaw Bay tributaries. American Fisheries Society 143rd Annual Meeting. Little Rock, AK, September 8-12, 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We intend to continue data collection and analysis of larval fish production in Michigan’s Inland Waterway, and continue model development for the analysis of tagged fish. The modeling of Chinook Salmon nest building is completed and a manuscript is completed, which I anticipate will be published in 2014. The student doing the work on the rock ramp project has successfully defended his thesis, and we anticipate developing one or more manuscripts for submission during 2014.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Through this project, I have conducted research on several areas relevant to the overall research goals. Specifically, I have 1. Overseen data collection and analysis on the recruitment dynamics of walleye and yellow perch in four large northern Michigan lakes. We have found that the density of walleye larvae in these lakes is extremely low, leading to low abundance for recreational anglers, and that the abundance of food items for young walleye are in short supply. We have also developed analysis models for tagged fish that exhibit interlake movement to determine exchange rates and rates of fishery harvest. 2. Modeled the impact of temperature, day of year, and water discharge on nest building by Chinook Salmon, and explored how dams affect these factors. 3. Evaluated the impact of a rock ramp structure on the summer fish assemblage of a Michigan stream. We found that the rock ramp appears to allow sufficient movement to allow the fish community above and below the structure to mix sufficiently to achieve a community structure similar to that of an undammed river.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Irwin, B.J., T. Wagner , J. R. Bence , M. V. Kepler, W. Liu and D. B. Hayes. 2013. Estimating Spatial and Temporal Components of Variation for Fisheries Count Data Using Negative Binomial Mixed Models. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 142: 171-183.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wagner, T., B.J. Irwin, J. R. Bence and D. B. Hayes. 2013. Detecting Temporal Trends in Freshwater Fisheries Surveys: Statistical Power and the Important Linkages between Management Questions and Monitoring Objectives. Fisheries 38(7): 309-319.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition of data, analysis and mentoring of students. I currently have three graduate student involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively to develop their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences and meetings, including (1) American Fisheries Society annual conference, (2) the DNR Fisheries Division joint Research/Management Section meeting, as well as invited travel to Shanghai, China to provide a short course on the statistics of sampling fish populations and habitats. In all of these venues, I have shared the insights from this research with other professionals as well as serving to guide policy development. I have worked with numerous individuals to provide statistical consulting. PARTICIPANTS: Corrine Higley - M.S. graduate student Jacob Stoller - M.S. graduate student Seth Herbst - Ph.D. graduate student Michigan DNR Fisheries Division - various interactions Max Field of Little Traverse Bay Band - sampling advice Twelve students from Shanghai Ocean University - short course on sampling statistics for fish and fish habitats TARGET AUDIENCES: Michigan DNR Fisheries Division Other Resource Management Agencies and working professionals PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Research one of my students and I have completed has been incorporated into the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon, using results of our demographic and genetic analyses. Because of the important role we have played in the development of these foundational materials, I served as one of the two co-editors for this management plan. This work has also been incorporated into various aspects of the Fisheries Division's management plans, notably in their work on management of resources held jointly with the tribes in the state of Michigan. Similarly, I have been asked by the Little River Band for assistance in developing sampling strategies for large inland lakes in northern Michigan to help understand the dependence of walleye production on habitat conditions. Finally, work that is in progress modeling the impact of river habitat conditions on productive capacity of the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, Washington, is starting to be used to assess different management options for the Priest Rapids Dam.

Publications

  • Bence, J. R., and Hayes, D.B. 2012. Integrating statistical methods and results into your writing. Pages 65 -87 in Scientific Communication for Natural Resource Professionals, C.A. Jennings, Lauer, T.E. and Vondracek, B., eds. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.
  • Hayes, D. B. 2012. Issues affecting fish habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. Pages 51-80 in Great Lakes Fisheries Policy and Management: a Binational Perspective, 2nd edition, W. W. Taylor, Lynch, A.J., and Leonard, N.J., eds. Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI.
  • Hansen, J. and Hayes, D.B. 2012. Long-Term Implications of Dam Removal for Macroinvertebrate Communities in Michigan and Wisconsin Rivers, United States. River Res. and App. 28: 1540-1550.
  • Martin, S.L., Hayes, D. B. Rutledge, D. T., and Hyndman, D. W. 2011. The land-use legacy effect: adding temporal context to lake chemistry. Limnol. and Oceanogr. 56: 2362-2370.
  • Hayes, D.B., and Caroffino, D.C. editors. 2012. Lake sturgeon rehabilitation strategy. Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition of data, analysis and mentoring of students. I currently have three graduate students involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively to develop their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences and meetings, including (1) Lake Huron-Erie Corridor Sturgeon Target setting, (2) the Sustainable Forestry Initiative External Review Panel, (3) the DNR Fisheries Division joint Research/Management Section meeting, as well as invited travel to Bangor Maine to provide guidance on a project evaluating the removal of dams on the Penobscot River. In all of these venues, I have shared the insights from this research with other professionals as well as serving to guide policy development. I have worked with at least 15 individuals to provide statistical consulting, and have also served as an expert witness for the Michigan DNR in litigation regarding alleged impacts of a dam malfunction on fish populations. I also served as a member of an Independent External Review Panel for the US Army Corps of Engineers as a reviewer for environmental DNA methodology. PARTICIPANTS: Corrine Higley - M.S. graduate student Seth Herbst - Ph.D. graduate student Jacob Stoller - M.S. graduate student Michigan DNR Fisheries Division - various interactions Maine DNR - statistical advice on analyses of fish populations TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Research one of my students and I have completed has been incorporated into the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon, incorporating results of our demographic and genetic analyses. Of particular importance is the prioritization of rehabilitation efforts for populations of different sizes. This plan is the first update since 1997, and will likely serve to guide management for the next 10-15 years. My service as an expert witness to the Michigan DNR has had a substantial impact on that litigation and efforts to come to a resolution out of court. My service as a member of the External Review Panel for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative has been helpful in insuring that the current revisions to the standards are scientifically based, and are the result of a credible public involvement process.

Publications

  • Tabor, R.A., Fresh, K.L., Piaskowski, R.M. , Gearns, H.A., and Hayes, D.B. 2011. Habitat use of juvenile Chinook salmon in the nearshore areas of Lake Washington: effects of depth, lakeshore development, substrate, and vegetation. North Am. J. Fish. Mgt. 31:700-713.
  • Schueller, A. M., and Hayes, D. B. 2011. Minimum viable population size for lake sturgeon using an individual based model of demographics and genetics. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 68: 62-73.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition of data, analysis and mentoring of students. I currently have two graduate students involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively in both their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences and meeting where I have shared the insights from this research with the lay public and other professionals. The meetings I've attended include two meetings of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative External Review Panel, two meetings of Michigan's Inland Citizen Advisory Committee, and an ad hoc meeting of Canadian and US scientists and managers to discuss goal setting for Lake Huron-Lake Erie corridor sturgeon populations. I have worked with at least 12 individuals to provide statistical consulting, and have also served as an expert witness for the Michigan DNR in litigation seeking to remedy impacts of a dam malfunction on fish populations. PARTICIPANTS: Corey Higley - M.S. graduate student Sherry Martin - Ph.D. graduate student Michigan DNR Fisheries Division - various interactions TARGET AUDIENCES: Biologists with Michigan DNR Graduate students in Fisheries and Wildlife PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. My service as an expert witness to the Michigan DNR has helped achieve a resolution out of court that should enhance the fishery in the Pigeon River, Michigan. I continue to be involved with sturgeon management in the basin and was a participant in a meeting seeking to set goals for lake sturgeon populations in the Lake Huron-Lake Erie corridor. In this meeting, my input was critical to help set the direction for this ad hoc group. The statistical consulting I have provided has substantially altered the design and analysis of several projects.

Publications

  • Thompson, B. E., Hayes, D. B. 2010. Estimating bioenergetics model parameters for fish with incomplete recapture histories. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 67:1075-1085.
  • Burroughs, B. A., Hayes, D. B., Klomp, K. D., Hansen, J. F., Mistak, J. 2010. The Effects of the Stronach Dam Removal on Fish in the Pine River, Manistee County, Michigan. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:1595-1613.
  • Schueller, A. M., Hayes, D. B. 2010. Sensitivity of Lake Sturgeon Population Dynamics and Genetics to Demographic Parameters. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 139:521-534.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition and analysis of data, and mentoring of students. I currently have two graduate students involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively in both their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences, including the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, and two meetings of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative External Review Panel. In both of these conferences, I have shared the insights from this research with other professionals as well as serving to guide policy development. I also taught a short course workshop on modeling relationships between fish, their habitat, and climate change to working professionals with the Fish and Wildlife Service in Lacey WA. I have worked with at least 18 individuals to provide statistical consulting, and have also worked as an expert witness for the Michigan DNR in litigation regarding alleged impacts of a dam malfunction on fish populations. PARTICIPANTS: Amy Schueller - Ph.D. graduate student. Michigan DNR Fisheries Division - various interactions. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - I provided a short course to this group on methods for modeling fish-habitat interactions and the impact of climate change TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. One of my students and I have been deeply involved with the revision of the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon, incorporating results of our demographic and genetic analyses. Of particular importance is the prioritization of rehabilitation efforts for populations of different sizes. My service as an expert witness to the Michigan DNR has had a substantial impact on that litigation and efforts to come to a resolution out of court. My service as a member of the External Review Panel for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative has been helpful in insuring that the current revisions to the standards are scientifically based, and are the result of a credible public involvement process.

Publications

  • Burroughs, B. A., Hayes, D. B., Klomp, K. D., Hansen, J. F., Mistak, J. 2009. Effects of Stronach Dam removal on fluvial geomorphology in the Pine River, Michigan, United States. Geomorphology 110: 96-107.
  • Pratt, T., O'Connor, L. M., Hallett, A. G., McLaughlin, R. L., Katopodis, C., Hayes, D. B., Bergstedt, R. A. 2009. Balancing aquatic habitat fragmentation and control of invasive species: enhancing selective fish passage at sea lamprey control barriers. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 138:652-665.
  • Claramunt, R. M., Kolb, T. L., Clapp, D. F., Hayes, D. B., Dexter, J. L. Jr., Warner, D. M., Madenjian, C. P. 2009. Effects of increasing Chinook salmon bag limits on alewife abundance: implications for Lake Michigan management goals. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 29:829-842.
  • Hayes, D. B., Jones, M., Lester, N., Chu, C., Doka, S., Netto, J., Stockwell, J., Thompson, B., Minns, C. K., Shuter, B., Collins, N. 2009. Linking fish population dynamics to habitat conditions: insights from the application of a process-oriented approach to several Great Lakes species. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 19:295-312.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition of data, analysis and mentoring of students. I currently have two graduate students involved in research associated with this project, and mentor them intensively in both their research capacity and professional development. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences, including the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, and two meetings of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative External Review Panel. In both of these conferences, I have shared the insights from this research with other professionals as well as serving to guide policy development. I also made presentations to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and the Orono, ME office of the National Marine Fisheries Service about the impact of dams on fish populations. I was also an invited speaker to the Atlantic Salmon Assessment Committee in March, 2008. I taught a short course workshop in methods for sampling and analyzing data on fish populations and habitat to members of the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society and to Fish and Wildlife Service staff in the Lacy, WA office. My major activities associated with this project involving lay people include a quarterly column on the science of cold-water fishery management in the Michigan Trout newsletter, a presentation to the Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited about the impact of dams, and a field trip for the Lakes and Streams Leadership Institute in Sept 2008. My work with local management agencies include (1) listing as an expert witness for the Michigan DNR in their case regarding a fish kill on the Pigeon River in 2008; (2) sampling advice for determining median river flows for the Michigan DNR and DEQ; and (3) work with the Michigan DNR in developing a lake sturgeon management plan. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel Hayes, PI. In association with this project, I provided two formal workshops on statistical aspects of sampling fish populations and habitat. These workshops were presented in conjunction with the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and the Lacey, Washington office of the Fish and Wildlife Service. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences of this project within the scientific community include fisheries researchers, fishery managers, and natural resource managers. Lay audiences include members of Trout Unlimited. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Based on this research program, I have had a strong influence in the revision of the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon, incorporating results of our demographic, genetic and habitat analyses. Of particular importance is the prioritization of rehabilitation efforts for populations of different sizes. Similarly, my work with the Michigan DNR and DEQ on river flow sampling has influenced their sampling protocol development. During the past year I have made numerous presentations on the impacts of dams and dam removals to professional and lay audiences; these presentations have informed individuals in Maine and Michigan about potential management decisions involved with dams. In my formal workshops on sample theory and in meeting deliberations, participants have commented positively on how large of an influence I have had in their thinking about sampling fish populations and habitats.

Publications

  • Latimore, J., and Hayes, D. 2008. The vigor-organization-resilience concept of ecological health: lessons from temperate warmwater stream fish communities. Page 1807 to 1813 in Proceedings of the Fourth World Fisheries Congress. Vancouver, BC.
  • Hayes, D., Dodd, H., and Lessard, J. 2008. Conservation considerations for small dams on cold-water streams. Page 1791 to 1806 Proceedings of the Fourth World Fisheries Congress. Vancouver, BC.
  • Hayes, D., Hook, T., Seelbach, P., and Matlock, G. 2008. Fisheries Sector. Page 141 to 152 in Proceedings of Coping with Climate Change National Summit. Ann Arbor, MI.
  • Hayes, D. 2008. Fisheries Interim Plenary. Page 92 to 96 in Proceedings of Coping with Climate Change National Summit. Ann Arbor, MI.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
Throughout this project, some of the major activities conducted include the acquisition of data, analysis and mentoring of students. I currently have two graduate students involved in research associated with this project, an mentor them intensively in both their research capacity and professional development. The activities included within this project also contribute directly to my classroom teaching as well and indirectly to areas for potential new teaching case studies. During this year, I have been involved in a number of conferences, including the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, and two meetings of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative External Review Panel. In both of these conferences, I have shared the insights from this research with other professionals as well as serving to guide policy development. I also taught a short course workshop to members of the Ohio Chapter of the American Fisheries Society in methods for sampling and analyzing data on fish populations and habitat.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. As an outgrowth of population-level analyses, I have developed an Excel-based tool to inform managers about the consequences of different size limits for fish for sustainable harvesting. This tool has been applied to trout populations in the Au Sable River, and was provided to the Fisheries Division for use in other situation. I am also helping in the revision of the Fisheries Division's management plans for lake sturgeon, incorporating results of our demographic and genetic analyses. Of particular importance is the prioritization of rehabilitation efforts for populations of different sizes.

Publications

  • Wagner, T., Bence, J. R., Bremigan, M. T., Hayes, D. B., Wilberg, M. 2007. Regional trends in fish mean length at age: components of variance and the statistical power to detect trends. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 64: 968-978.
  • Hansen, M., Beard, D., Hayes, D. B. 2007. Sampling and experimental design. Chapter 3 In C. Guy and M. Brown (eds), Analysis and Interpretation of Freshwater Fisheries Data. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD, p. 51-120.
  • Hayes, D. B., Bence, J., Kwak, T., Thompson, B. 2007. Abundance, biomass and production, Chapter 8 In C. Guy and M. Brown (eds), Analysis and Interpretation of Freshwater Fisheries Data. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD, p. 327-374.
  • Thayer, S. A., Taylor, W. W., Hayes, D. B., Haas, R. C. 2007. Weight of evidence for underlying dynamics of yellow perch in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron. Ecological Modeling 206:31-40.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, (3) the impact of fish stocking on the demographics and genetics of lake sturgeon. My on-going project on the impact of the removal of Stronach Dam is nearing completion, and has clearly shown how removal of a dam results in erosion of the stream channel upstream of the former dam, and deposition (aggradation) of the stream channel downstream of the dam. The changes in stream channel and channel geomorphology result in altered habitat conditions for stream fishes, generally resulting in increased abundance of favored game fishes. The removal of Stronach Dam also allowed fish to move freely among river reaches formerly disconnected. This resulted in higher fish diversity upstream of the dam, but also has resulted in a more homogeneous fish community throughout the stream reach studied. The research on the impact of fish stocking on the demographics and genetics of lake sturgeon just started, but preliminary results suggest that in situations where recruitment is insufficient to maintain the population, stocking can benefit both the demographics of the population, as well as reduce the loss of genetic diversity. Further refinements to the modeling used will be important to determine optimal stocking strategies for situations where habitat degradation negatively impacts the reproductive success of fishes.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. I am currently applying this work in conjunction with the Michigan DNR to develop general state-wide objectives for inland fisheries, and specific management plans for lake sturgeon. The general results of my work on the relationship between fish and their habitat are currently being used to develop state-wide fishery objectives for stream and lake fish populations. Detailed results from work on habitat improvement structures added to reservoirs along the Au Sable River have modified management actions being taken in these reservoirs. The insights developed from my research on the effects of dams have helped to foster consideration of dams in the Boardman River system near Traverse City, Michigan.

Publications

  • Bellgraph, B. J., Thompson, B. E. , Hayes, D. B., Riley, T. S. 2006. Growth of age-0 steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the Pine River watershed, Alcona county, Michigan. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 21:687-692.
  • J. F. Kratzer, Hayes, D. B., Thompson, B. E. 2006. Methods for interpolating stream width, depth, and current velocity. Ecological Modeling 196:256-264.
  • Wagner, T., Hayes, D. B., Bremigan, M. T. 2006. Accounting for multilevel data structures in fisheries data using mixed models. Fisheries 31:180-187.
  • McLaughlin, R. L., Porto, L., Noakes,D. L. G., Baylis,J. R., Carl, L. M., Dodd, H. R., Goldstein, J. D., Hayes, D. B., Randall, R. 2006. Effects of low-head barriers on stream fishes: taxonomic affiliations and morphological correlates of sensitive species. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 66:766-779.
  • Thomas, D., Hayes, D. 2006. A comparison of fish community composition of headwater and adventitious streams in a coldwater river system. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 21: 265-275


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, (3) the resilience of warmwater fish communities to experimental perturbation, and (4) the effects of adding whole trees to the shoreline of large Michigan rivers. The results of projects 1 and 2 above show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes. Investigation into habitat and fish community composition in streams where dams were previously removed indicated that the fish community and stream channel morphology respond quickly to dam removal. Other aspects of fish habitat such as stream channel unit makeup (i.e., the proportion of the stream in pools, riffles, or runs) takes much longer to rebound following dam removal. Results of item 3 above indicate that degraded fish communities have high resilience because their composition is dominated by weedy species. Thus, additional impacts to degraded fish communities are often not visible at the small-scale site level because these impacts are buffered by fish community resilience. Much of the resilience in fish communities come about through the behavioral response of fish, rather than a population-level response. In the fourth item, we have shown that the addition of whole trees to the shoreline of the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers has provided minimal fishery benefits. This occurs partly because the thermal regime of these rivers is somewhat too warm to support trout year-round, and partly because the amount of cover added may not be substantial enough to augment trout populations.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. I am currently applying this work in conjunction with the Michigan DNR to develop general state-wide objectives for inland fisheries, and specific management plans for lake sturgeon. The general results of my work on the relationship between fish and their habitat are currently being used to develop state-wide fishery objectives for stream and lake fish populations. Detailed results from work on habitat improvement structures added to reservoirs along the Au Sable River have modified management actions being taken in these reservoirs. The insights developed from my research on the effects of dams have helped to foster consideration of dams in the Boardman River system near Traverse City, Michigan.

Publications

  • Roseman, E.F., Taylor, W. W., Hayes, D. B., Jones, A. L. 2005. Predation on Walleye Eggs by fish on reefs in Western Lake Erie. Journal of Great Lakes Research.
  • Hayes, D. B., Taylor, W. W., Smith, K. 2004. Ecological and Socioeconomic factors influencing fisheries sustainability. Pages 15-27 in Knudsen, E., MacDonald, D. D. MacDonald, Muirhead, Y. K., editors. Sustainable management of North American fisheries. American Fisheries Society, Symposium 43, Bethesda, Maryland.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, (3) the resilience of warmwater fish communities to experimental perturbation, and (4) the effects of adding whole trees to the shoreline of large Michigan rivers. The results of projects 1 and 2 above show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes. Results of item 3 above indicate that degraded fish communities have high resilience because their composition is dominated by weedy species. Thus, additional impacts to degraded fish communities are often not visible at the small-scale site level because these impacts are buffered by fish community resilience. In the fourth item, we have shown that the addition of whole trees to the shoreline of the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers has provided minimal fishery benefits. This occurs partly because the thermal regime of these rivers is somewhat too warm to support trout year-round, and partly because the amount of cover added may not be substantial enough to augment trout populations.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. The general results of my work on the relationship between fish and their habitat are currently being used to develop state-wide fishery objectives for stream and lake fish populations. Detailed results from work on habitat improvement structures added to reservoirs along the Au Sable River have modified management actions being taken in these reservoirs.

Publications

  • Wills, T.C., Bremigan, M. T., Hayes, D. B. 2004. Variable effects of habitat enhancement structures across species and habitats in Michigan reservoirs. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 133:398-410.
  • Workman, R.D., Hayes, D.B., Coon, T.G. 2004. Spawning Habitat Selection by Rainbow Trout in the Pere Marquette River, Michigan. Journal of Great Lakes Research 30:397-406.
  • Klungle, M.M., Hayes, D.B. 2004. Can Placement of Whole Trees in Rivers Restore Habitat for Fish? (Michigan). Ecological Restoration 22:304-305.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, and (3) the resilience of warmwater fish communities to experimental perturbation. The results of projects 1 and 2 above show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes. Results of item 3 above indicate that degraded fish communities have high resilience because their composition is dominated by weedy species. Thus, additional impacts to degraded fish communities are often not visible at the small-scale site level because these impacts are buffered by fish community resilience.

Impacts
The findings of this research have important implications for how fisheries are managed with the goal of achieving sustainable benefits. Due to results of this work, the Fisheries Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has changed its sampling design for inventorying aquatic resources in the state of Michigan. Results of work on sea lamprey barriers and dams has helped shape decision regarding fish passage made by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Publications

  • Hayes, D., Baker, E., Bednarz, R., Borgeson, D. Jr., Braunscheidel, J., Breck, J., Bremigan, M., Harrington, A., Hay, R., Lockwood, R., Nuhfer, A., Schneider, J., Seelbach, P., Waybrant, J., Zorn, T. 2003. Developing a Standardized Sampling Program: the Michigan Experience. Fisheries 28(7):18-24.
  • Mistak, J.L., Hayes, D.B., Bremigan, M.T. 2003. Food habits of Coexisting Salmonines above and below Stronach Dam in the Pine River, Michigan. Environmental Biology of Fishes 67(2):179-190.
  • McLaughlin, R.L., Marsden, J.E., Hayes, D.B. 2003. Achieving the Benefits of Sea Lamprey Control While Minimizing Effects on Nontarget Species: Conceptual Synthesis and Proposed Policy. Journal of Great Lakes Research 29(Supplement 1):755-765.
  • Dodd, H.R., Hayes, D.B., Baylis, J.R., Carl, L.M., Goldstein, J.D., McLaughlin, R.L., Noakes, D.L.G., Porto, L.M., Jones, M.L. 2003. Low-head Lamprey Barrier Effects on Stream Habitat and Fish Communities in the Great Lakes Basin. Journal of Great Lakes Research 29(Supplement 1):386-402.
  • Hayes, D.B., Baylis, J.R., Carl, L.M., Dodd, H., Goldstein, J.R., McLaughlin, R.L., Noakes, D.L.G., Porto, L. 2003. Biological effect of low-head lamprey barriers: designs for extensive surveys and the value of incorporating intensive process-oriented research. Journal of Great Lakes Research 29(Supplement 1):373-385.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, and (3) the resilience of warmwater fish communities to experimental perturbation. The results of projects 1 and 2 above show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes. Results of item 3 above indicate that degraded fish communities have high resilience because their composition is dominated by "weedy" species. Thus, additional impacts to degraded fish communities are often not visible at the small-scale site level because these impacts are buffered by fish community resilience.

Impacts
Results and insights developed in the portion of this study focusing on the effects of dams have been used by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Division, in their ongoing negotiations and regulatory interactions with the hydropower industry. The component of this study focusing on steelhead in the Pine River is not yet completed, but we have met regularly with the Pine River - Van Etten Lake Watershed Coalition to help develop goals and objectives for their watershed management plan. We have also provided data and shared our insights with fishery biologists with the U.S. Forest Service to help them in their management of the Pine River and its surrounding watershed.

Publications

  • Roseman, E. F., Taylor, W.W., Hayes, D.B., Fofrich, J.Sr., Knight,R.L. 2002. Evidence of walleye spawning in Maumee Bay, Lake Erie. Ohio Journal of Science 102:51-55.
  • Workman, R. D., Hayes, D.B., Coon, T.G. 2002. A model of steelhead movement in relation to water temperature in two Lake Michigan tributaries. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 131:463-475.
  • Krause, A. E., Hayes, D.B., Bence, J.R., Madenjian, C.P., Stedman, R.M. 2002. Measurement error associated with surveys of fish abundance in Lake Michigan. Journal of Great Lakes Research 28:44-51.
  • Lessard, J. L., Hayes, D.B. 2002. Effects of elevated water temperature on fish and macroinvertebrate communities below small dams. River Research & Applications in press.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production, and (3) the resilience of warmwater fish communities to experimental perturbation. The results of projects 1 and 2 above show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes. Preliminary results of item 3 above indicate that pristine fish communities have relatively low ability to rebound to perturbation, and that degraded fish communities have greater resilience because their composition is dominated by "weedy" species. We speculate that the resilience of fish communities in highly degraded habitats or habitats fragmented by dams or culverts would be low due to blockage of fish movement and reduced opportunity for recolonization.

Impacts
This research on dam removals, in particular, has had a large impact on decision making by state environmental management agencies by serving as a key scientific case study for other dam removal requests. Ongoing research on the temperature effects of dams has also been used by these agencies to develop strategies for determining the environmental damage by dams and the associated lost opportunity costs to anglers.

Publications

  • Petrusso, P. A., Hayes, D.B. 2001. Invertebrate drift and feeding habits of juvenile chinook salmon in the Upper Sacramento River, California. California Fish and Game 87(1):1-18.
  • Petrusso, P. A., Hayes, D.B. 2001. Condition of juvenile chinook salmon in the Upper Sacramento River, California. California Fish and Game 87(1):19-37.
  • McLaughlin, R.L., Carl, L.M., Middel,T., Ross, M., Randall, R.G., Noakes, D.L., Hayes, D.B., Bayliss, J.R. 2001. Potentials and pitfalls of integrating data from diverse sources: lessons from a historical database for Great Lakes stream fishes. Fisheries 26(7):14-23.
  • Roseman, E.F., Taylor, W.W., Hayes, D.B., Knight, R.L.. Haas, R.C. 2001. Removal of walleye eggs from reefs in western Lake Erie by a catastrophic storm. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 130:341-346.


Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
The main objectives of this study are to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes(1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River (Manistee County, MI) in response to removal of a dam,(2)research into the effects of hydroelectric dams on stream water temperature and the implications for fish community composition and trout abundance,(3) methods to estimate sustainable fishing mortality, and(4) development of models relating habitat conditions in the Pine River (Alcona County, Michigan) to juvenile steelhead trout production. The results of these investigations show that dams have a substantial effect on fish communities by blocking fish migration and by altering habitat conditions. These habitat effects, combined with fishery removals, have the potential to reduce the populations of important game and non-game fishes.

Impacts
This research on dam removals, in particular, has had a large impact on decision making by state environmental management agencies by serving as a key scientific case study for other dam removal requests. Ongoing research on the temperature effects of dams has also been used by these agencies to develop strategies for determining the environmental damage by dams and the associated lost opportunity costs to anglers.

Publications

  • Hayes, D.B. 2000. A biological reference point based on the Leslie Matrix. Fishery Bulletin 98:75-85.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
The main objectives of this study were to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes (1) an ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River, MI, in response to removal of a dam (2) examination of the response of stream fish communities to low- head sea lamprey barriers in 24 Great Lakes tributaries (3) determination of the effect of land use changes on fish communities and stream functioning in two MI watersheds (4) research into the effects of hydroelectric dams on stream water temperature and the implications for fish community composition and trout abundance and (5) development of models relating habitat conditions in Lake Erie and the productivity of walleye stocks. The results of these investigations show that some anthropogenic influences (e.g., low-head lamprey barriers) have relatively little effect on stream fish habitat and community composition, whereas larger dams and large-scale watershed alterations have a considerable impact on stream fishes and their habitats.

Impacts
The results of this project & its subcomponents have produced positive impacts on the environmental quality in MI and in the Grt.Lks. basin. the info developed is being used by fishery & environmental mgrs. to improve the choice of locations for low-head lamprey barriers, reducing the fishery impacts of sea lampreys. Info developed from the Stronach Dam removal project has gained national attention & is being used to guide river restoration projects in WI & OR.

Publications

  • Roseman, E.F., et. al. 1999. Influence of physical processes on the early life history stages of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) in Western Lake Erie. Pgs. 43-54, Ecosystem Approaches for Fisheries Mgt. Univ. of Alaska Sea Grant, AK SG 99 01, Fairbanks. 756pp.
  • Newman, K.R., Hayes, D.B., Taylor, W.W. 1999. The effect of urbanization on fish community structure in a large MI watershed. Pgs. 467-479 in Ecosystem Approaches for Fisheries Mgt. Univ. of Alaska Sea Grant, AK SG 99 01, Fairbanks. 756pp.
  • Hayes, D.B. 1999. Issues affecting fish habitat in the Grt. Lakes Basin. Pgs. 209-237 in Grt. Lks. fishery policy and mgt: a binational perspective, W.W. Taylor and D.P., Ferreri, ed. MI State Univ. Press, E. Lansing, MI.
  • Hayes, D.B., Taylor, W.W., Soranno, P.A. 1999. Natural Lks and large impoundments. Pgs. 589-621 in Inland fisheries mgt. in N. America, 2nd ed., C. Kohler and W. Hubert, ed. Am. Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.
  • Roseman, E.F., et. al. 1999. The Demise and Rehabilitation of Walleye in Lk Erie. Sustainable Lk Mgt: Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on the Conservation and Mgt of Lks, Vol. 2:S15B-11.


Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
The main objectives of this study were to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. My primary research under this project includes (1) an-ongoing determination of changes in stream habitat and fish populations of the Pine River, MI, in response to removal of a dam (2) examination of the response of stream fish communities to low-head sea lamprey barriers in 24 Great Lakes tributaries (3) determination of the effect of land use changes on fish communities and stream functioning in two MI watersheds (4) initial research into the effects of hydroelectric dams on stream water temperature and the implications for fish community composition and trout abundance and (5) development of models relating habitat conditions in Lake Erie and the productivity of walleye stocks. The results of these investigations show that some anthropogenic influences (e.g., low-head lamprey barriers) have relatively little effect on stream fish habitat and community composition, whereas larger dams and large-scale watershed alterations have a considerable impact on stream fishes and their habitats.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • Becerra-Munoz, S., Hayes, D. B., Taylor, W. W. 1998. Stationarity and rate of dampening of modeled indices of fish abundance in relation to their exploitation status in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Ecological Modeling: in press.
  • Hayes, D. B., Petrusso, P. A.. 1998. The role of tributaries in the sustainability of Great Lakes fisheries. Fisheries 23(7):42-43.
  • Hayes, D. B., Taylor, W. W., Drake, M. T., Marod, S. M., Whelan, G. E. 1998. The value of headwaters to brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in the Ford River, Michigan, USA. Pages 175-185 in Headwaters: water resources and soil conservation. M. J. Haigh, J. Krecek, G. S. Rajwar, and M. P. Kilmartin, editors. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi.


Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
The main objectives of this study were to determine how fish population dynamics are affected by the physical, chemical & biol. environment & how human activities bring about changes in the environment. As part of this study, I developed an overview of fish habitat issues in the Great Lakes and how habitat is important to fishery production. Additional activities under this project include(1)the documentation of the habitat & fish pop. of the Pine River, MI, during the pretreatment phase of a project to remove a dam on the river(2)the response of stream fish communities to low-head sea lamprey barriers in Great Lakes tributaries (3)determination of the effect of land use changes on fish communities & stream functioning in two MI watersheds &(4) development of models relating habitat conditions in Lake Erie and the productivity of walleye stocks. Each of these components of the overall project explores how anthropogenic influences on the ecosystem affect fish populations & communities, particularly in streams.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • HAYES, D. B. 1998. Issues affecting fish habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. In Great Lakes fishery policy and management: a binational perspective, W. W. Taylor and C. P. Ferreri, editors. in press.
  • HAYES, D. B., BRODZIAK, J. K. T. 1997. Reply: Efficiency and bias of estimators and sampling designs for determining length-weight relationships of fish. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 54:744-745.


Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
The main objectives of this study were to determine how fish population dynamicsare affected by the physical,chemical & biol. environment & how human activities bring about changes in the environment. A model relating fish carrying capacity & surplus production to habitat changes was developed based on stock-recruitment theory. This model explicitly integrates changes in juvenile & adult survival & growth that occur in habitats of different suitability. Using this model, we show that fish populations respond to habitat alterations in a density-dependent manner. Additional activities under this project include (1)the documentation of the habitat & fish pop. of the Pine River, MI, during the pretreatment phase of a project to remove a dam on the river (2)the response of stream fish communities to low-head sea lamprey barriers in Grt Lks tributaries & (3)determination of the effect of land use changes on fish communities & stream functioning in two MI watersheds. Each of these components of the overall project explores how anthropogenic influences on the ecosystem affect fish populations & communities, particularly in streams.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • HAYES, D. B. 1996. Issues affecting fish habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. In Great Lakes fishery policy and management: a binational perspective, W. W. Taylor, C. P. Ferreri, editors. In press.
  • ROSEMAN, E. F.,TAYLOR, W. W.,HAYES, D. B.,HAAS, R. C.,KNIGHT, R. L.,PAXTON, K. O. 1996. Walleye egg deposition and survival on reefs in western Lake Erie. Annales Zoologici Fennici. In press.
  • HAYES, D. B.,FERRERI, C. P.,TAYLOR, W. W. 1996. Active fish capture methods. Pages 193-220 in Fisheries Techniques, B. R. Murphy, D. W. Willis, editors. American Fisheries Society, Bethesda, MD.
  • JONES, M. L.,RANDALL, R. G.,HAYES, D. B. 1996. Assessing the ecological effects of habitat change: moving beyond productive capacity. Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Science. 53:(Suppl.1) 446-457.
  • TAYLOR, W. W.,FERRERI, C. P.,HAYES, D. B. 1996. Using watershed analysis to teach fisheries management: integrating fisheries & the ecosystem. 190-196, in Proceed. of the 1st Bi. Conf. on Univ. Edu. in Nat. Res.


Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
The main objectives of this study were to determine how fish population dynamicsare affected by the physical, chemical and biological environment and how human activities bring about changes in the environment. A model relating fish carrying capacity and surplus production to habitat changes was developed based on stock-recruitment theory. This model explicitly integrates changes in juvenile and adult survival and growth that occur in habitats of different suitability. Using this model, we show that fish populations respond to habitat alterations in a density-dependent manner. As such, single measures of population response such as carrying capacity or maximum surplus production do not fully represent the population-level changes following a habitat alteration. We have begun documenting the habitat of the Pine River, Michigan, during the pretreatment phase of a project to remove a dam on the river. The removal of this dam is intended to improve the habitat available to resident brook, brown and rainbow trout populations. We will begin monitoring fish populations next year, and continue to monitor the habitat while and after the dam is removed.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

  • HAYES, D. B., FERRERI, C. P., TAYLOR, W. W. 1996. Linking fish habitat to their population dynamics. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. 53:(Suppl. 1) in press.