Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Broadly, the purpose for this meeting was to allow project participants to get to know one another and to plan for efforts to address our project goal and objectives in the coming years, which includes determining how fisheries function as coupled human and natural systems (CHANS).  Because membership of the current project team includes individuals who were members of the previous NC1189 team (engaged before 2022) along with multiple new members, we began the meeting by reviewing the goal and objectives of our proposal.  This was followed by short lightning talks from each member so that we could learn about members' research expertise and interests.  Following those talks, Andrew Carlson provided an overview of the CHANS framework and discussed the various components of CHANS (scale, heterogeneity, feedback loops, time lags and legacy effects, nonlinear dynamics with thresholds, surprises).  We then had a discussion led by Mazeika Sullivan and Gayle Zydlewski which described previous efforts to incorporate the perspective of Native American tribes into the work as well as the challenges and opportunities of doing so in our current efforts.  We then began discussing details of a survey that would be sent to natural resource professionals that would in part assess their understanding of fisheries as CHANS and also serve as an education tool.  The meeting concluded with a short discussion on identifying some funding opportuntiies for our project.

SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES

We are collaborating with several different angling groups to quantify the impact of angling practices on individual fish and fish populations with hope of improving regulations that sustain healthy fisheries, particularly in the future when considering climate change.

We are collaborating with state and federal agencies to develop a risk assessment tool for invasive species range expansion via a network of rivers, streams, irrigation canals, and other connection points in the Great Plains that is building a compendium of physical connections among waterways, early detection data from eDNA, and human management practices that facilitate connections.

We are working with the National Park Service to develop an early detection and rapid response (EDRR) framework for aquatic ecosystems in the agency’s Midwestern region. In this region, increased air and water temperatures and intensifying drought risk will likely accelerate the rate of native species decline, opportunistically favoring invasive species.

We are working with the US Geological Survey Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program to identify a set of streams and lakes to monitor that are optimal for establishment of aquatic invasive species based on habitat characteristics of those waterbodies.

OUTPUTS

In our proposal, we identified multiple outputs that we expected to achieve through this effort.  These are listed below.

1. Research framework

Our team is developing a survey focused on fisheries as CHANS to send throughout our professional community.  This survey will assess respondents' understanding of fisheries as CHANS, and, based on responses, we expect that it will expand our own understanding and inform additional investigations.

We are developing a framework to link creel survey and mobile device-generated data to inland fisheries conditions, which will allow us to link human activity to fish assemblages, invasive species, water quality, and climate. It will be able to draw on the database described in output #3. This framework is a collaboration between social and fisheries scientists and piloted with data on reservoir fishing.

We are developing a framework for understanding factors associated with resilience and transformation of social-ecological systems, and it will be tested on fisheries case studies. We are conducting a comprehensive, structured literature review supplemented by key informant interviews about climate change impacts and adaptations in freshwater systems (fisheries as well as aquaculture), the results of which will inform the development of a framework for studying climate impacts and adaptations in freshwater fisheries and aquaculture systems.

We are mining historical self-reported creel data for brook trout fisheries in the Adirondack Park to assess how angling efforts and outcomes have shifted over the last 50 years.  In this region, warming in the summer has reduced trout angling during the period of peak park visitation, and displaced both effort and catch into the spring and fall.  This limits overall angling opportunities as a reflection of intersections between ecosystem changes, fish behavior, and angler responses.  Warming may also be facilitating species invasions and shifts in angling targets in this landscape.

We are looking at the response of native and invasive aquatic plants (fish habitat) to carp removal and alum treatments to improve water clarity and how this affects or requires additional plant management. We are also looking at the decision-making processes and integration across disciplines in managing these systems which have been impacted by climate change and human development.

We are assessing the effects of harvest, escapement, and environmental conditions on reservoir sportfish populations across a range of reservoirs with various water control structures.

We are developing ecological and social–ecological models to advance knowledge of Florida fisheries as coupled human and natural systems (e.g., Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Smalltooth Sawfish, Bluenose Shiner) in the context of stressors such as land-use change, species invasion, and groundwater withdrawal.

Over a decade of data are being aggregated and synthesized to empirically characterize factors affecting survival, reproduction, and population trends of diadromous coastal and inland species - particularly dam removal. Data continue to be collected from individual fish that are carrying long-lived (10 year) tags. These data are being used in species management as well as informing the framework development for the multi-state coupled human and natural systems research that are beyond the specific local fisheries research in Maine.

2. Best practices

We have defined how different angling practices across temperatures can impact fish populations, identifying situations where water conditions may be exceeding the tolerable limits for certain fishes, suggesting the need for management intervention.

We have created co-developed decision-support, including integration of spatial data into an interactive map to serve as a knowledge base and creation of a central data repository for non-spatial information to inform coastal development, with a focus on tidal power and fisheries.

3. Database

Stream fish data have been acquired from state agencies across the US.  These data have been integrated into an existing dataset to characterize assemblages sampled in a consistent manner at tens of thousands of locations in the US.

We and collaborators are developing a database of aquatic plant point intercept surveys in Minnesota and Wisconsin and another data base of watermilfoil genotypes and known responses to herbicide treatments.  These data could be linked to or accessed from project data base or project members

We are working to connect coastwide datasets on Shortnose and Atlantic Sturgeon populations on the east coast of the US.

4. Data needs

Nothing to report yet.

5. Assessment

Using information on characteristics of locations where aquatic invasive species have established previously across the US, we have modeled the likelihood of invasions by a set of new species to aid in developing watch lists for state and federal agencies.  This was also described as a short-term outcome but will form the basis of a larger assessment focused on invasive species.

6. Synthesis comments

We are conducting a comprehensive, structured literature review supplemented by key informant interviews about climate change impacts and adaptations in freshwater systems (fisheries as well as aquaculture), the results of which will inform the development of a framework for studying climate impacts and adaptations in freshwater fisheries and aquaculture systems.

7. Meetings and workshops

We held our first NC-1189 meeting on August 18, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan.  Some members of the team were able to join in person while others attended virtually.

We hosted a workshop in October 2023 with MSU, FAO, and world experts on ecosystems restoration, with the goal of exploring guidelines for doing ecosystems restoration that supports livelihoods and food security, among other social objectives.

The framework described in output #1 will be presented at the World Fisheries Congress, March 3-7 in Seattle, Washington.

We are organizing a symposium on the physiological control of invasive species at the Fish Physiology meeting (International Congress on the Biology of Fishes), June 23-27, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We are in the process of planning for a symposium to occur at the American Fisheries Society 2024 annual meeting to highlight work showcasing fisheries as CHANS.

8. Publications and presentations

Peer-reviewed journal articles

See following section.

Research reports

Weaver, M. E., and R. M. Newman. 2023. Aquatic Plant Community of Lakes Riley, Susan and Staring within the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed: Annual Report for 2022. Report to the Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District. 59 pages.

Yu, H., A. R. Cooper, J. Ross, A. McKerrow, D. J. Wieferich, and D. M. Infante. 2023, Developing fluvial fish species distribution models across the conterminous United States—A framework for management and conservation: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5088, 41 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235088.

Professional presentations

Bieber, J.F., S. Macdougall-Shackleton, M. J. Louison, C. D. Suski.  2023.  Behavior and environment overlap to predict capture of Muskie. 83rd Midwest Fish and Wildlife 2023, Overland Park, Kansas.

Bonvechio, K. I. and A. K. Carlson. 2023. Using surveys as part of a multifaceted monitoring program evaluation. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Graduate Student Symposium, University of Florida, February 2023, Gainesville, Florida.

Bonvechio, K. I., R. Paudyal, C. Crandall, and A. K. Carlson. 2023. Survey evaluation of Florida’s Freshwater Fisheries Long-Term Monitoring Program. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Meeting, February 1-5, 2023, Norfolk, Virginia.​​​​

Brumm, K. J., G. Whelan, and D. M. Infante. 2023. Documenting barriers to climate adaptation among state fisheries management agencies. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Coleman, T. S., M. Vilchez, B. C. Thompson, and A. K. Carlson. 2023. Assessing a newly created fishery using a volunteer angler data program. Florida Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, May 9-11, 2023, St. Augustine, Florida.

Hembre, K. M. and R. Newman. 2023. Native and invasive aquatic plant species response to water quality conditions after alum treatments. 63rd Annual Meeting of the Aquatic Plant Management Society, July 25, 2023. Indianapolis, Indiana.

Pfaff, P., D. P. Coulter, B. J. Schall, T. Davis, and A. A. Coulter. 2023. Modeling watershed boundary connectivity to mitigate the spread of invasive carp. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Mounsdon, R., P. Pfaff, M.A. Kaemingk, C. Goble, M. Fincel, and A.A. Coulter. 2023. Optimization of fish stocking to increase license sales: Can it be done? . Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Poster.

Mulligan, H., B. J. Schall, T. Davis, A. Gerber, M. Kaemingk, and A. A. Coulter. 2023. Small but risky: Non-native fish introductions via the live bait trade. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Pease, A.A. 2023. Flow alteration effects on trophic structure of fish assemblages in temperate and tropical rivers. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Siller, M., D.P. Coulter, S.R. Chipps, M.A. Kaemingk, T. Mahmood, M. Maldonado, M. Neal, and A.A. Coulter. 2023. Development of fish classifications based on lake characteristics to inform fisheries management. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Poster.

Vilchez, M., T. S. Coleman, and A. K. Carlson. 2023. Volunteer angler data reveal social-ecological responses to habitat manipulation in a new water management area. Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society Meeting, February 1-5, 2023, Norfolk, Virginia.

Weaver, M. E., and R. M. Newman. 2023. Aquatic macrophyte community response to carp removal and invasive macrophyte management in Staring Lake, Minnesota. 63^rd Annual Meeting of the Aquatic Plant Management Society, July 25, 2023, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Wolfe, A., R. A. Thum, and R. Newman. 2023. A centralized database of watermilfoil strains across the United States: Initial insights, and utility for stakeholder communication. 43rd Annual Meeting of the Midwest Aquatic Plant Management Society, March 2023, Grand Rapids, MI.

Yu, H., W. Daniel, D. M. Infante, A. Cooper, and J. Ross. 2023. Predicting freshwater fish invasion hotspots by combining habitat suitability and climate match in the conterminous U.S. Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries Society, August 20-24, 2023, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

MILESTONES

In the next project year, we anticipate conducting the survey of fisheries professionals to gauge their understanding of fisheries as CHANS, including consideration of similarities and differences in understanding by profession and region.  We anticipate that this survey will clarify additional areas that we could work in to better understand relationships between fisheries and human systems, and we expect that this survey will provide a baseline of information for more clearly developing an overarching framework (refer to Output 1).

We are also organizing a session for the American Fisheries Society meeting in September 2024.  In this session, participants will present on their respective research projects but will be asked to incorporate the emphasis of the fishery or system that they work on using a CHANS framework.

We have been having near monthly calls with the project team, and on our next call in February 2024, we will begin discussions to plan our next in-person meeting.

In Press

Carlson, A. K., N. J. Leonard, M. Munawar, and W. W. Taylor. In press. Assessing and implementing the concept of Blue Economy in Laurentian Great Lakes fisheries: Lessons from Coupled Human and Natural Systems (CHANS). Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management.

Hughes, R. M., R. C. Gardner, P.D. Shirey, S. M. P. Sulliván, S. A. R. Colvin, and D. B. Winters. In press. Waters of the United States: an urgent call for action by fisheries and aquatic ecologists. Fisheries. DOI: 10.1002/fsh.11001

2023

Bieber, J. F., M. J. Louison and C.D. Suski. 2023. Capture is predicted by behavior and size, not metabolism, in Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy). North American Journal of Fisheries Management. North American Journal of Fisheries Management. DOI: 10.1002/nafm.10852

Bieber, J.F., S. A. MacDougall‐Shackleton, and C. D. Suski, 2023. Food availability influences angling vulnerability in muskellunge. Fisheries Management and Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/fme.12657

Bohenek, J.R., D. M. P. Sulliván, and S. M. Gray. 2023. Habitat and nutrients, but not artificial lighting at night, drive fish assemblage composition in urban streams. Urban Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1007/s11252-023-01409-w

Brumm, K., D. M. Infante, A. R. Cooper. 2023. Functional biogeography of fluvial fishes across the conterminous USA: assessing the generalizability of trait-environment relationships over large regions. Freshwater Biology. DOI: 10.1111/fwb.14064

Cooke, S. J., M. L. Piczak, E. A. Nyboer, F. Michalski, A. Bennett, A. A. Koning, ... and W. W. Taylor. 2023. Managing exploitation of freshwater species and aggregates to protect and restore freshwater biodiversity. Environmental Reviews. DOI: 10.1139/er-2022-0118

Dean, E. M., D. M. Infante, H. Yu, A. R. Cooper, L. Wang, and J. Ross. 2023. Cumulative effects of dams on migratory fishes across the conterminous United States:  Regional patterns in fish responses to river network fragmentation. River Research and Applications. DOI: 10.1002/rra.4173

Harrison. S., and S. M. Gray. Effects of light pollution on Bluegill foraging behavior. 2023. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. DOI: 10.1002/tafs.10451

Marafino, Zydlewski, Jansujwicz. 2023. Applying knowledge co-production to improve information uptake: a case study in Downeast Maine. Maine Policy Review 32(2).

Mulligan, H., B. J. Schall, T. Davis, and A. A. Coulter. 2023. Opportunities for regional collaboration and prevention: Assessing the risk of the live bait trade as a pathway of invasive species. Biological Conservation. DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2023.110342

Montesanto, F., L. M. Ohlman, and M. A. Pegg. 2023.  Survival and growth assessment after reintroduction of the pocketbook mussel, Lampsilis cardium Rafinesque, 1820 among three streams in Nebraska (USA).  Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3942

Rice, E. D., A. E. Bennett, P. Muhonda, S. P. Katengeza, P. Kawaye, L. S. O. Liverpool-Tasie, D. M. Infante, and D. L. Tschirely. 2023. Connecting gender norms and economic performance reveals gendered inequities in Malawian small-scale fish trade. Maritime Studies DOI: 10.1007/s40152-023-00337-x

Stevens, J. R., J. M. Jech, G. B. Zydlewski, and D. C. Brady, 2023. Response of estuarine fish biomass to restoration in the Penobscot River, Maine. Estuaries and Coasts. DOI: 10.1007/s12237-023-01292-w

Sulliván, S.M.P. and R.C. Gardner. 2023. US Supreme Court opinion harms watersheds. Science 381: 385. DOI:10.1126/science.adj0227 

Sylvia, A., M. J. Weber, and T. Froman. 2023. Do jaw deformities adversely affect Largemouth Bass? Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management. DOI: 10.3996/JFWM-21-096

Turner, T.F., H. Bart, F. McCormick, … A. A. Pease, et al. 2023. Long-term ecological research in freshwaters enabled by regional biodiversity collections, stable isotope analysis, and environmental informatics. BioScience. DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad039

Ublacker, M. M., D. M. Infante, A. R. Cooper, W. M. Daniel, S. Schmutz, and R. Schinegger. 2023.  Cross-continental evaluation of landscape-scale stressors to fluvial fishes:  Understanding stressor configuration, frequency and severity to improve fish conservation in Europe and the U.S. Science of the Total Environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165101

Werner, J. P., Q. J. Dean, M. A. Pegg, and M. J. Hamel. 2023. Patterns in spatial use and movement of Silver Carp among tributaries and main-stem rivers: Insight from otolith microchemistry analysis. Biological Invaders. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02927-y

Zydlewski, J., S. Coghlan, C. Dillingham, G. Figueroa-Muñoz, C. Merriam, S. Smith, ... and G. Zydlewski. 2023. Seven dam challenges for migratory fish: insights from the Penobscot River. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1253657

2022

Boonstra, W. J., N. Boucquey, A. K. Carlson, L. Drakopulos, J. Fly, S. Joosse, S. Panchang, M. N. Marjadi, A. Rieser, and H. C. Wernersson. 2022. Urban fishing reveals underrepresented diversity. Nature Food. DOI: s43016-022-00501-2

Carlson, A. K., W. W. Taylor, D. R. DeVries, C. P. Ferreri, M. J. Fogarty, K. J. Hartman, D. M. Infante, M. T. Kinnison, S. A. Levin, R. T. Melstrom, R. M. Newman, M. L. Pinsky, D. I. Rubenstein, S. M. P. Sullivan, P. A. Venturelli, M. J. Weber, M. R. Wuellner, G. B. Zydlewski. 2022. Stepping up: A U.S. perspective on the Ten Steps to Responsible Inland Fisheries. Fisheries. DOI: 10.1002/fsh.10695

Carlson, A. K., W. J. Boonstra, S. Joosse, D. I. Rubenstein, S. A. Levin. 2022. More than ponds amid skyscrapers: Urban fisheries as multiscalar human-natural systems. Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management. DOI: 10.14321/aehm.025.01.49

Tigchelaar, M., J. Leape, F. Micheli, E. H. Allison, X. Basurto, A. Bennett, ... and C. C. Wabnitz, C. C. 2023. The vital roles of blue foods in the global food system. Global Food Security. DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100637