Perry, Stephen

Evaluation of Catch-and-Release Regulations on Brook Trout in Pennsylvania Streams: In 2004, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission implemented catch-and-release (CR) regulations on headwater stream systems to determine if eliminating angler harvest would result in an increase in the number of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Under the CR regulations, angling was permitted on a year-round basis, no Brook Trout could be harvested at any time, and there were no tackle restrictions. A before-after–control-impact design was used to evaluate the experimental regulations. Brook Trout populations were monitored in 16 treatment (CR regulations) and 7 control streams (statewide regulations) using backpack electrofishing gear periodically for up to 15 years (from 1990 to 2003 or 2004) before the implementation of the CR regulations and over a 7–8-year period (from 2004 or 2005 to 2011) after implementation. We used Poisson mixed models to evaluate whether electrofishing catch per effort (CPE; catch/100 m2) of adult (≥100 mm) or large (≥175 mm) Brook Trout increased in treatment streams as a result of implementing CR regulations. Brook Trout CPE varied among sites and among years, and there was no significant effect (increase or decrease) of CR regulations on the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout. Results of our evaluation suggest that CR regulations were not effective at improving the CPE of adult or large Brook Trout in Pennsylvania streams. Low angler use, high voluntary catch and release, and slow growth rates in infertile headwater streams are likely the primary reasons for the lack of response.
Located in Science and Data / Brook Trout Related Publications
Evaluation of Wild Brook Trout Populations in Vermont Streams: Wild brook trout populations in Vermont streams appeared to be relatively stable over a period of five decades as evidenced in this evaluation of 150 sites. Present-day brook trout populations sampled in 138 streams within 17 watersheds were characterized by abundant natural reproduction and multiple age-classes, including the contribution of older, larger fish. While most population measures were consistent between the two time periods, significantly higher densities of young-of-year brook trout were observed in current populations which may reflect improved environmental protections initiated since the 1950s. A decline in sympatric brown trout and rainbow trout sites also suggest that non-native trout populations have not appreciably expanded over the past 50 years.
Located in Science and Data / Brook Trout Related Publications
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP BROOK TROUT, AND NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON: After more than a century of population decline resulting from habitat loss, and competition from invasive species, Brook Trout are starting to feel the heat from climate change as well. Fortunately, partners from all sectors are joining forces to tackle “the big three” with the right tools, using the best available science supported by the North Atlantic Landscape Conservation Cooperative, the Appalachian Landscape Conservation Cooperative, the EBTJV, and others.
Located in News & Events / News Inbox
F14AS0012 Performance Report: 6-2-14 to 12-31-15: This report describes accomplishments made under this FWS Service Agreement.
Located in Projects / EBTJV Operational Grants / FY14 EBTJV Coordination and Operations_FWS-NFHAP Funded Agreement
F15AC00861 Performance Report: 7/30/2015 – 3/31/2017: This report describes accomplishments made under this FWS Service Agreement.
Located in Projects / EBTJV Operational Grants / FY15 EBTJV Coordination and Operations_FWS-NFHAP Funded Agreement
F16AC01200 Performance Report: 2/21/2017- 3/31/2018: This report describes accomplishments made under this FWS Service Agreement.
Located in Projects / EBTJV Operational Grants / FY16 EBTJV Coordination and Operations_FWS-NFHAP Funded Agreement
F17AC00855 Performance Report: 8/11/2017 – 3/31/2019: This report describes accomplishments made under this FWS Service Agreement.
Located in Projects / EBTJV Operational Grants / FY17 EBTJV Coordination and Operations_FWS-NFHAP Funded Agreement
F18AC00818 Interim Performance Report: 4/1/2019 – 9/30/2019: This report describes accomplishments made under this FWS Service Agreement.
Located in Projects / EBTJV Operational Grants / FY18 EBTJV Coordination and Operations_FWS-NFHAP Funded Agreement
Fall and Early Winter Movement and Habitat Use of Wild Brook Trout: Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations face a myriad of threats throughout the species’ native range in the eastern United States. Understanding wild Brook Trout movement patterns and habitat requirements is essential for conserving existing populations and for restoring habitats that no longer support self-sustaining populations. To address uncertainties related to wild Brook Trout movements and habitat use, we radio-tracked 36 fish in a headwater stream system in central Pennsylvania during the fall and early winter of 2010–2011.We used generalized additive mixed models and discrete choice models with random effects to evaluate seasonal movement and habitat use, respectively. There was variability among fish in movement patterns; however, most of the movement was associated with the onset of the spawning season and was positively correlated with fish size and stream flow. There was heterogeneity among fish in selection of intermediate (0.26–0.44 m deep) and deep (0.44–1.06 m deep) residual pools, while all Brook Trout showed similar selection for shallow (0.10–0.26 m) residual pools. There was selection for shallow residual pools during the spawning season, followed by selection for deep residual pools as winter approached. Brook Trout demonstrated a threshold effect for habitat selection with respect to pool length, and selection for pools increased as average pool length increased up to approximately 30 m, and then use declined rapidly for pool habitats greater than 30 m in length. The heterogeneity and nonlinear dynamics of movement and habitat use of wild Brook Trout observed in this study underscores two important points: (1) linear models may not always provide an accurate description of movement and habitat use, which can have implications for management, and (2) maintaining stream connectivity and habitat heterogeneity is important when managing self-sustaining Brook Trout populations.
Located in Science and Data / Brook Trout Related Publications
February 2008 NFH Board Meeting Summary: This document summarizes the National Fish Habitat Board's February 20-21, 2008 meeting.
Located in About EBTJV / National Fish Habitat Board Meetings / 2008 NFH Board Meetings

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