TPWD 1962 F-5-R-9 #757: Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region I-B: Job No. 12 Experimental Stocking of Marine Fish Species in Saline Waters of Western Texas

JOB COMPLETION REPORT As required by 4ggégéf~ kw *% FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-5~Ru9 Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the Waters of Region l—B Job .No. le Experimental Stocking of Marine Fish Species in Saline Waters of Western Texas Project Leader Lawrence S. Campbell H. D. Dodgen Executive-Secretary . Texas Game and Fish CommisSion Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Fragram Planning February 28, 1962 ABSTRACT Marine species of fish totalling 1,723 individuals have been introduced in to saline waters in western Texas. Except for a few yearling fish introduced into the Pecos River, fingerling size fish were used. Mbst of these smaller fish were released in Red Bluff Reservoir and Imperial Reservoir. Redfish (SciaenoEs ocellatualuktlantic croaker (Micropoggn undulatus), Spotted sea- trout (Cynoscion nebulosus) and southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigmus) were the Species introduced. Reconnaissance data indicate survival of the four Species to an undetermined degree, and also an exceptionally high rate of growth for all of the fishes recaptured. No data have been acquired from the releases in the Pecos River because of adverse conditions. Data on biochemical and other ecological factors have been collected for correlations with marine It is concluded that this work should be continued. counterpart conditions. JOB COMPLETION REPORT State of TEXAS Project No. F-5-R—9 Name: : Fisheries Investigations and Surveys of the ' Waters of Region 3-B Job No. F-l Title: Experimental Stocking of Marine Fish Species ____________________________________________x in Saline Waters of Western Texas Period Covered: March 12 1961 - February 282 1962 Objectives: To experimentally introduce desirable marine game fish species into saline waters of western Texas. Techniques Used: Through the cooperation of the Coastal Fisheries Division9 four Species of marine fishes have been experimentally introduced into three saline waters of western Texas. The species introduced include redfish (Sciaenops ocellatflS). Atlantic croaker'(Micropogondundulatus). spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebuloSus) and southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigmus). Waters selected for the introductions were the Pecos River, Imperial Reservoir, and Red Bluff ReservOir in Reeves County. L Standard small mesh seines were used to capture 1,723 fingerling or juvenile fishes. Adverse weather conditions on the coast during periods of collection prevented capture of the 5.000 fish that were included in original plans. The captured fish were transported by trucks equipped with conventional carrier tanks. Distribution of the species is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Distribution of Species introduced into the Red Bluff Reservoir. Imperial Reservoir and Pecos River Date. . . S-ecies Number _ Avera_e Size (inches)_ Arrival Cendition Red Bluff Reservoir 4—10—61 Redfdsh 50 2.7 Poor Seatrout 30 3.8 Poor Flounder 25 3.3 Poor 4—12—61 Redfish. 183 3.0 Good Seatrout 24 4.9 Fair Flounder 14 3.3 Good Croakers 470 3.5 Good Date _ Species Number Average Size (inches) Arrival Condition Imperial Reservoir 4m15u60 Redfish 246 3.0 Good Seatrout 50 4.9 Poor Flounder 75 3.8 Good Croakers 500 3 8 Fair Pecos River 9-18—59 Redfish 50 12.0 Fair Three reconnaissance surveys were conducted during this segment to determine the status of the experimentally introduced fishes. Plans for additional reconnaissance work will be initiated this coming Spring. Data concerning salinities, water level fluctuations, physical spawning facilities and species condition are being compiled for possible correlation with comparable marine circumstances. Findings: Upon receiving reports that anglers were occasionally taking marine species from these stocked waters, reconnaissance work was reinitiated to determine current conditions. Despite the relatively few numbers of maring fishes in these waters, every effort to recapture the species was successful. Gifl.nets of various mesh sizes and lengths were set during night hours to capture the species for examinrrtion. The catches and resulting data are tabulated in Table 2. W Table 2. Recathred marine species from the Red Bluff and Imperial Reservoirs with accompanying data Tenure AVg. Length AVg. Weight S ecies No. (Mflnths) (Inches) "3(PoundSJ7;. Av . K Factor Red Bluff Reservoir Redfish 3 5 16.9 ' 1.95 1.60 Imperial Reservoir Redfish 2 5 15.0 1.15 1.22 Redfish 1 12 17.0 1.90 1.43 Redfish 4 14 20.0 3.20 1.37 Redfish 19 18 26.0 6.75 1.94 Croakers 1 5 7.0 .30 2.07 Croakers 2 18 8.4 75 2.36 Flounder 1 18 18.0 4 20 2 38 No data concerning the Pecos River are contained in Table 2 as no reconnaissance effort was attempted due to adverse conditions. The problems created by the remoteness of this section of the river and the existing weed problem are such that no further work is anticipated in this immediate area. However, it should be noted that a previous introduction of marine species at this same site, not under the auspices of the current project, did indicate survival. The degree of success of this experimental stocking during the winter of 1956 is unknown, and confirmed facts are too few for tabulation. The cliemical composition of the waters of Red Bluff Reservoir and the Pecos River near Imperial are given in Tables 3 and 4. These data were compiled during the first five months of 1961 through a cooperative effort of the Texas State Department of Health and the Texas Game and Fish Commission. No chemical data are available at this time on the waters of Imperial Reservoir. However, preliminary findings indicate a near identical composition of these waters with the waters of the Pecos River near Imperial (Table 4). Chemical analysis of the waters of the Pecos River near Imperial during the past 10 years indicate a mean average chloride concentration of approximately 4,500 parts per million. The maximum concentration of dissolved solids recorded during the past 20 years at Red Bluff Reservoir was 15,600 parts per million. Thfifi data were recorded in September 1953. A low concentration of 1,090 parts per million occurred in June 1948. The mean average chlorides for Red Bluff Reservoir during the past 10 years was approximately 3,000 parts per million. Table 3. Chemical composition of Red Bluff Reservoir waters through the first five months of 1961 Chemical MaximUm Date Minimum Date —MEan Average Dissolved solids 16,200.0. 2u2~61 6,450.0 3=15m61 9,510.0 Chlorides I6,400.0 2m2h61 1,700.0 3*15w61 3,191.0 Sulphates 2,470.0 4e1-61 1,575.0 4—26u6l 1,940.0 300 1/ 2.0 1-6-61 0.5 4—13—61 1.1 pH 7.9 1—6=61 7.3 4~13=61 7.7 9.4 ___1e6e61_ y____ 4.7 _4=13~61___ 7.3 Disselved.ox_ren.._ Table 4. Chemical composition of the Pecos River near Imperial. The composition of these waters are believed to be near identical to the waters of Imperial Reservoir. Data were collected during the same periods as Table 3. Chemical” . ,. 2 _Maximum,_._ Date. Minimum - ..Date. Mean Avera e Dissolved solids 19,020.0 2~15=61 14,280.0 4-12—61 16,828.0 Chlorides 8,400.0 2m15m61 5,800.0 1sl7~61 6,320.0 Sulphates . 3,676.0 5~24=61 1,420.0 2ml5~61 2,732.0 300 1/ 2.0 2u15m61 0.5 4»12~61 1.0 pH 7.9 5-24-61 7.1 3r“1r61 7.6} Dissolved oxygen 8.8 1— 4-61 6.5 3-14-61 7.8 L/ Biochemical oxygen demand DiscusSion: Q It is concluded that a significant number of marine species have not only survived the experimental stocking in these saline waters, but also have enjoyed an exceptionally high degree of well-being. The well—being or advanced rate of growth of the marine fishes may be attributed to either a condition of more productive environment or a circumstance of lesser feeding competion than existed in their native habitat. Without exception, the recaptured fishes have experienced a higher growth rate than their marine counterparts and in some cases haVe doubled.the average rate. Seemingly, these species are afforded a more productive environment rather than lesser feeding competition in-that the redfish in Red Bluff Reservoir have Significantly exceeded the growth rates of the red- fish in Imperial Reservoir. The waters of Red Bluff Reservoir are supporting a heavy pOpulation of white bass (Roccus chrySOps) as competitors to the redfish, whereas Imperial Reservoir has a low percentage of carnivorous species. Recommendations: Having acquired the knowledge that marine species will survive in these saline waters and eXperience a high degree of fitness, it is recommended that this investigation be continued and supplemented as follows: (1) Additional introductions of these species should be made in order to assure a breeding potential in the event of reproduction. (2) Biochemical and physical factors of the native marine spawning habitat should be compiled for comparison with existing conditions in the saline reservoir waters. (3) A more thorough knowledge of the Spawning requirements and other life history habits of these species should be acquired. (4) Mere frequent reconnaissance surveys should be conducted to determine species condition, development and possible reproduction. Prepared by Don R. Luethy Approved by 2 ::W v/M'él Assistant Project Leader (Coordinator) Date '.February 28, 1962 LeouD. Lewis Regional Supervisor Figure 1. From fingerling to over 7 pounds in 18 months.“ This redfish was recaptured.from Imperial Reservoir after being experimentally introduced from coastal waters. Figure 2. Part of a one—night gill net catch of redfish from Imperial Reservoir. Commission per— sonnel endeavor to collect necessary data prior to releasing the unharmed fish. Figure 3. This 4% pound flounder measured 18 inches, after having survived 18 months in Imperial Reservoir. Figure 4. Presence of these two golden croakers taken in gill nets indicate a third Species surviving and progressing in their new habitat.