The following schedule is from the 72nd Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies which was held October 21-24, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
AUTHORS: Keith Henderson, Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division; Russell A. Wright, Dennis R. DeVries, Matthew J. Catalano – School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University; David C. Glover, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
ABSTRACT: Pond enhancements such as pelleted feed or threadfin shad addition are used to manage pond fisheries but often are not fully evaluated. We used stable isotope analysis to indicate the contribution of pelleted feed to bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) reproduction and growth, and ultimately to largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) growth in the presence and absence of threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense) via two different approaches: a pond experiment and sampling of established ponds. Bluegill growth and reproductive metrics increased and their nitrogen signature decreased with pelleted feed in the experiment, suggesting feeding at a lower trophic level with increased feed. Largemouth bass nitrogen signature results were similar although not significant. In established ponds, pelleted feed contributed to the carbon isotopic signatures of both bluegill and largemouth bass independent of threadfin shad presence. These results suggest that adding pelleted feed to recreational largemouth bass-bluegill ponds can alter energy flow, possibly through multiple trophic levels.
