SYLLABUS: FRESHWATER FISH ECOLOGY – Summer 2014, UOBS (BIOL 4970/5970, Sec. 050, 3 credit hours.) Instructor: William L. Shelton Department of Biology University of Oklahoma Norman, OK 73019 405-325-1058 [email protected] Background: Flowing and static water (lotic & lentic respectively) habitats are ecologically distinct. Biota are adapted to physicochemical conditions in each; impoundment abruptly modifies one set of conditions into the other. Reservoirs are artificial systems that are neither entirely characteristic of flowing waters nor lakes. They have not evolved slowly over time, but have been abruptly created; the biota undergo modifications in response to the environmental transition and subsequent biological dynamics of the various populations. Fish populations that existed during the lotic history are affected by the new, near-lentic conditions. Human-induced development through the construction of reservoirs, alters the physicochemical conditions of natural aquatic systems, which in turn directly affect the biology of the resident fishes. The dynamics of the new reservoir’s founding year-classes dominate the community for a number of years, then gradually develop a modified cyclic equilibrium. Subsequent environmental alterations can continue to impact the community; these may include edaphic factors that vary from year to year and further anthropogenic factors, such as nutrient influx, environmental contaminants, and fish management. Management may regulate harvest characteristics (creel and length limits) and increase the complexity of the fish community through supplemental or introduction stocking. Course Objectives: Freshwater Fish Ecology will be examined by relating environmental factors in streams, both pre- and post-impoundment, in relation to their effects on the fish populations. These environmental factors will be discussed in the context of fish adaptations to the aquatic environment. Thus, important components of basic fish biology will be included. The fish populations will be characterized relative to parameters that are important to dynamics – functional role in the community, size distribution within a species, and standing stock or biomass. The role of introductions, either supplemental or introductory, will be included. Because fishes usually are not easily observed, sampling must play an integral role in population evaluations and therefore will be included as a component of the course. Ongoing monitoring of populations is essential as elements of decision making for management purposes. Course Structure: A multifaceted approach will include traditional lecture discussions of the chalk-board variety, as well as vicarious experience through slide-shows and power-points. Discussion and experiential learning will be encouraged. This will extend to laboratory work which will be hands-on activities to illustrate classroom discussion. Some inside labs will be used, but most will be out-of-doors. Field trips will be taken to streams in the vicinity of UOBS; sampling in Lake Texoma will illustrate the impoundment component. The UOBS experience is best characterized as casual, dress and in activities; however, safety will be emphasized. Life preservers will be worn while in boats, sun screen is important, and liquid intake is essential in the Oklahoma heat. Bring field clothing including wading shoes (not flip-flops nor crocks). Text – \No text will be required, but pertinent literature will be availalble in the classroom and the library. Topics - The schedule of discussion is outlined below; laboratory exercises will be coordinated with the sequence Time required - For the most part, we will occupy the entire day and some evenings with our activities. A typical day might involve classroom work in the A.M., then an afternoon field project. We will try to allow time in the evenings for “book-work”. Alternatively, some field work will be accomplished in the morning, and afternoons to do associated lab work. Grading- Grading will be based on: exams (1 @ 30% and 1 @ 30%), laboratory exercises (30%), assigned readings andassociated discussions (10%). Students taking the course for graduate credit will be required to complete additional assignments. Reasonable Accommodation - Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him or her from demonstrating his or her abilities should contact your instructor, as well as Donna Cobb at 405-325-7430, and the office of Disability Services, Goddard Health Center, Rm. 166, 405-325-3852, as soon as possible so that accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate your educational opportunities can be discussed. Outline I. Course Introduction History of Water Resource Development Agriculture & Poor Land-Use Practices-watershed management (Land-use practices) Rise of Government Agencies in Water management (small impoundments) Management – Funding, Foci Classification of Types of Impoundments Global development, Regional Development & Local Development – drainage systems II. Characteristics of Impounded Waters versus Flowing Waters Physical and Chemical Environments – Lotic vs. Lentic Aquatic Habitat vs Terrestrial Natural vs modified systems Environmental effects Small vs Large & Mainstem vs. Upland III. Fish Adaptations to Aquatic habitat Fishes defined Morphology & Physiology Taxonomy Biology IV. Sampling Fish Populations & Habitats Safety in Field Research Sampling methodology Sampling Design V. Riverine-Reservoir Transition Stream Ecology Preimpoundment Evaluation Dam Construction Physico-Chemical Contrast Biological Effects - Transition of Fisheries Qualitative – species composition Quantitative – Populations & Community Predator-Prey dynamics VI. Case History West Point Reservoir – 10-year model Lake Texoma, UOBS – long-term, non-contiguous VII. Management Small Impoundment vs. Large impoundments Habitat Manipulation Stocking – Introduction vs Supplemental Fishery Harvest – Evaluation and manipulation