Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

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.

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