TPWD 1973 F-2-R-20 #1550: Job Progress Report: Pollution Studies, Region 2-B Fisheries Investigations, Project F-2-R-20

JOB PROGRESS REPORT As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-2-R-20 FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS REGION Z-B Job. No. C-l, Pollution Studies Project Leader: ~Darrell W. Butler Asst. Project Leader: James L. Lasswell Clayton T. Garrison Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas David L. Pritchard Robert J. Kemp, Director D-J Coordinator Fish and Wildlife Division April 24, 1973 Summary Only one fish kill was reported during 1972. It was investigated by department personnel and it was determined to have been caused by low water temperature. One species (Tilapia mossambica), a tropical introduction, was the only fish killed. JOB PROGRESS REPORT State of Texas Project No. F-2-R-20 Name: Region 2-B Fisheries Studies Job No. C-l Title: Pollution Studies Period Covered: February 1, 1972 to January 31, 1973 P. S. OBJECTIVE: To locate and identify aquatic pollution. SEGMENT OBJECTIVES: 1. To determine the source and extent of natural or man made pollutants which affect fish populations. I 2. To suggest remedial action for pollution abatement. PROCEDURES: 1. a. When evidence of pollution was found, a gross examination of the polluted area was made to determine the extent of the kill and the source and nature of the pollutant(s). 2. b. When pollutants were determined to be from industrial, agricultural, or domestic sources operating without a Texas Water Quality Board permit, all findings of the investigation were turned over to Law Enforcement personnel for appropriate action. b. Pollution abatement recommendations were made to the Texas Water Quality Board when it was determined that an effluent being dis- charged under a Water Quality Board permit was causing danger to fish or other aquatic life. FINDINGS: Only one fish kill was reported in Region 2-B during this segment. It occurred in Canyon Reservoir on December 20, 1972. Department personnel investigated the kill and found that only Tilapia mossambica (mozambique tilapia) were affected. There was no pollution in evidence. The air temperature had been below freezing for almost three days and had fallen to a low of 18°F. Department personnel felt that the water in Canyon Reservoir cooled to a point at which several tilapia (a warm water species) were killed and hundreds of others experienced shock. As the water began to warm, many of the fish in shock were revived. Prepared by: James L. Lasswell Approved by: ' D-J Coordinator Date: February 14, 1973 R. L. Bounds Region II Inland Fisheries Director