Theses and Dissertations
Advisor
Miranda, Leandro E.
Committee Member
Dunn, Corey
Committee Member
Neal, J. Wesley
Date of Degree
5-10-2024
Original embargo terms
Immediate Worldwide Access
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Abstract
Invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin and threaten native species. The Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley has numerous water-control structures. These structures could potentially be operated to limit expansions of invasive fishes. My goal was to examine the effects of two water-control structures on movements of Silver Carp within a floodplain network of waterbodies, including an oxbow lake (Eagle Lake; LA, MS). I monitored Silver Carp movements with an acoustic array and bi-monthly active tracking. No movements occurred through the structure managed to deter carp while nine carp passed through the structure that is not managed to limit carp movements. The passages happened when i) the structure was opened, ii) hydraulic head was near zero, and iii) when Silver Carp are reportedly staging and spawning. Ultimately, my findings could help managers tailor operations of similar water infrastructure to slow the spread of invasive species.
Recommended Citation
Stafford, Joshua, "Evaluating efficacy of modified barrier operations to limit Silver Carp movements in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6179.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6179