TPWD 1968 F-3-R-15 #1180: FINAL REPORT: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies, Job No. 13. Experimental Use of Copper Sulphate as a Fish Toxicant, Federal Aid Project No. F-3-R-15

--- Page 1 --- ~— 74.0 yA’ 6 7 po» FINAL REPORT ae As required by FEDERAL AID IN FISHERIES RESTORATION ACT TEXAS Federal Aid Project No. F-3-R-15 Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 13. Experimental Use of Copper Sulphate as a Fish Toxicant Project Leader: Joe E. Toole J.R. Singleton Executive Director Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Austin, Texas Marion Toole Eugene A. Walker D-J Coordinator Director, Wildlife Services April 18, 1968 --- Page 2 --- ABSTRACT Preliminary work on the experimental use of copper sulphate as a selective fish toxicant consisted of several series of bioassays in the laboratory to determine lethal thresholds for various rough and game fish species. These early tests failed to provide exact toxicity criteria for given water quality. To provide more accurate optimum dosages for actual field experiments on area lakes, bio- assays were conducted in the laboratory prior to each chemical application. Extensive evaluation of alkalinity, pH and other unknown factors influencing the toxicity of copper sulphate chemically was not achieved in this study. It was concluded that in waters of lower alkalinity copper sulphate could be an effective management tool in controlling bullhead catfish, suckers and shad with minimal damage to game fish popu- lations. --- Page 3 --- FINAL REPORT State of Texas Project No, F-3-R-15 Name: Region 3-B Fisheries Studies Job No. 13 Title: Experimental Use of Copper Sulphate in Killing Undesirable Fish Species Period Covered: February 1, 1967 - January 31, 1968 OBJECTIVES: To analyze data from all segments and prepare a final report on the evaluation of copper sulphate as a fish toxicant in the waters of eastern Texas. INTRODUCTION: Preliminary work was begun on this study in 1956 to determine toxicity levels of copper sulphate on fish in the waters of East Texas. During the initial phases of this work, laboratory techniques were planned to evaluate temperature, total alkalinity and pH as factors influencing the toxicity of copper sulphate on various fish species. These evaluations were attempted through bioassays on ten species of fish: white crappie (Pomoxis annularis), golden shiner (Notemigonus chrysoleucas), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), black bullhead catfish (Ictalurus melas), yellow bullhead catfish (Ictalurus natalis), chubsuckers (Erimyzon sucetta), spotted suckers (Minytrema melanops), spotted bass (Micropterus punctatus) and redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus). Early experiments were conducted with four 40 gallon capacity aquaria filled to 25 gallon level. In order to more nearly simulate field conditions, the water was taken from area lakes. Methyl orange alkalinity and pH were taken at the time the copper sul- phate was added. One tank was used as a control for each series of tests. These tests were run for a period of 72 hours. During the 1956-57 segment, twenty-five separate tests were conducted. The concen- tration of CuSO4 xanged from 0.1 p.p.m. to 1.5 p.p.m. with the majority of the tests made at the 1.0 p.p.m. concentration. pH values for this group of tests ranged from 6.0 to 7.0. Methyi orange aikalinity ranged from 8 p.p.m. to 46 p.p.m. The temperature ranged from 58°F to 73°F with the temperature for a unit test not varying over 6° during the 72 hour test period. Bullhead catfish and various centrarchids were placed in each aquaria in an effort to determine toxic concentrations for each species. Table 1 contains specific data for this group of tests. All test specimens survived the 0.1 p.p.m. concentration of CuS04. Bullhead catfish were killed at 0.3 and 0.5 p.p.m. concentrations with no harm to the sun- fish. As contained in Table 1, 13 tests were made at a 1.0 p.p.m. concentration and with few exceptions proved lethal to bullheads without harming the centrarchids. Five tests from this group were run at 1.5 p.p.m. copper sulphate. All of the bull- head catfish were killed within 36 - 48 hours but only a few sunfish were killed. --- Page 4 --- =2- Table 1 Notes on Toxicity of Copper Sulphate to Bullhead Catfish at Various pH and Temperatures EXPERIMENT NO. 1 Feb. 6 through 9, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 65 to 67 6.0 46 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Largemouth bass 1 Bullhead catfish 2 Bluegill sunfish 2 Redear sunfish 1 REMARKS : Both bullhead catfish dead after 43 hours. All other fish appeared normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 2 Feb. 6 through 9, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 65 to 67 6.0 46 p.poM. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Largemouth bass 1 Bluegill sunfish 1 Bullhead catfish 2 White crappie 1 Redear sunfish L Warmouth 1 REMARKS: Both bullhead catfish in distress after 3 hours. Both builheads dead after 43 hours. All other fish appeared normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 3 Feb. 28 through March 2, 1957 (72 hrs.) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 59 to 63 6.2 18 p.p.m. 0.1 p.p.m. SPECLES Largemouth bass 2 Bluegill sunfish 2 Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 REMARKS : All fish including bullheads, alive and normal after /2 hours. --- Page 5 --- ~j- Table 1 (Continued) EXPERIMENT NO. 4 Feb. 28 through March 2, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pi M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 59 to 63 6.2 18 p.p.m. O.1 p.p.m. SPECIES Largemouth bass 1 Black crappie 2 Bullhead catfish 2 Warmouth REMARKS : All fish including bullheads, alive and normal after 72 hours. pee ne ene ee RC RA A te EXPERIMENT NO. 5 March 5 through March 7, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 58 to 61 6.0 10 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Bluegill sunfish 3 Redear sunfish 3 Warmouth 1 REMARKS : The two bullheads were dead after 24 hours. All remaining fish alive after 72 hours. EXPERIMENT NO. 6 March 5 through March 7, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 57 to 61 6.2 10 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Warmouth 1 Redear sunfish 3 Black crappie 1 Bluegill sunfish 4 Largemouth bass 1 i ggg REMARKS 1 bullhead dead after 30 hours. 1 bullhead remained alive through the 72 hour period. 3 bluegill sunfish died within 24 hours, probably due to injury in catching and handling. a EXPERIMENT NO. 7 March 5 through March 7, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity Cus04 57 to 62 0.4 10 p.p.em. 1.0 p.p-m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Bluegill sunfish 4 Largemouth bass 1 Redear sunfish 3 Black crappie 1 REMARKS 2 bullhead died after 24 hours. All other fish alive and normal after 72 hours. SSS SSS SSCS SSS --- Page 6 --- ~4- Table 1 (Continued) EXPERIMENT NO. 8 March 18 through March 20, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 62 to 65 6.0 8 p.pem, 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 REMARKS: First bullhead died within 24 hours. Second bullhead died within 48 hours. 1 redear sun- fish died from unknown causes. — TTT nO OQ ee EXPERIMENT NO. 9 March 18 through March 20, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 62 to 65 6.9 40 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. a sa i SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 REMARKS: 2 bullheads died within 72 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 10 March 18 through 20, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE “F., pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS0O4 62 to 65 7.0 37 p.pMs 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Bluegill sunfish 1 REMARKS : 1 bullhead catfish appeared to be in distress after 72 hours. All other fish alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 11 March 25 through 27, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 58 to 64 6.2 9 p.p.m., 1.5 p.pom. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Biuegiil sunfish 1 Redear sunfish 1 Black crappie i REMARKS : Crappie died after 24 hours. Bluegill died after 30 hours. Both builheads died after 36 hours. Redear sunfish remained alive through the 72 hour period. --- Page 7 --- (ad ~5— Table 1 (Continued) EXPERIMENT NO. 12 March 25 through 27, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO, 57 to 62 6.2 9 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Black crappie 1 oe REMARKS: 1 crappie died within 24 hours. Both bullheads and 1 redear sunfish died within 72 hours. EXPERIMENT NO. 13 March 25 through 27, 1957 (72 hours) re NE TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 57 to 64 6.2 9 p.p.m. 0.5 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Black crappie 1 ES REMARKS ; 1 redear died within 24 hours. Both bullheads died within the 72 hour period. nn RL I EXPERIMENT NO. 14 March 28 through April 1, 1957 (72 hours) a TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO, 61 to 64 6.2 12 p.p.m. 1.5 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 a i REMARKS : Both bullheads died after 24 hours. 2 redear died after the 72 hour period. ee sas EXPERIMENT NO. 15 March 28 through April 1, 1957 (72 hours) nee eer EI UIE UE ISIS ENSURE TEMPERATURE RANGE °F, pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 60 to 64 6.2 12 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Warmouth 1 REMARKS : Both bullheads died after 24 hours. 1 redear died after the 72 hour period. ee ET EE IIT --- Page 8 --- -~6- Table i (Continued) ae ee i EXPERIMENT NO. 16 March 28 through April 1, 1957 (72 hours) ee TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuS04 61 to 64 6.2 12 p.p-m. 0.3 p.p-.m. sc i a a SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Warmouth a Redear sunfish 2 Black crappie l REMARKS : Both bullhead catfish and one crappie died after 72 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 17 April 2 through April 4, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 67 to 72 6.4 12 p.p.m. 0.3 p.p.m. SPECLES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 REMARKS: 1 bullhead died within 24 hours. Second bullhead died after 72 hours. 1 redear died after 72 hours. (injured) Other fish remained alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 18 April 2 through April 4, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 67 to 72 6.4 12 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 REMARKS : Both bullheads died after 24 hours. All remaining fish alive and normal after the 72 hour period. EXPERIMENT NO. 19 April 2 through April 4, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. 0. Aikalinity CuS04 66 to 73 6.4 12 p.p.m-. 1.5 p.p.om. SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Warmouth 1 REMARKS: 1 bulihead died within 9 hours. Second bullhead died within 24 hours. 1 redear died after 24 hours. (injured) All other fish alive and normal after the 72 hour period. --- Page 9 --- aJe Table 1 (Continued) EXPERIMENT NO. 20 April 8 through 10, 1957 (72 hours) i ia ne ec TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 64 to 66 7.0 22 p.p.m. 0.3 p.p.m. ee SPECLES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 2 Warmouth i. SS a REMARKS: Both bullheads died after 24 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. rn ee ee ee EXPERIMENT NO. 21 April 8 through 10, 1957 (72 hours) ga TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO, 64 to 66 6.6 19 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. a St SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 a REMARKS: 1 bullhead died after 30 hours. Second bullhead died within 48 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 22 April 8 through 10, 1957 (72 hours) TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 64 to 67 7.0 22 p.p.m. 1.5 p.p.m. a eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeSeSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSFsFFFe SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Bluegill sunfish 2 Redear sunfish 1 REMARKS: Both bullheads died within 24 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. EXPERIMENT NO. 23 April 15 through 17, 1957 (72 hours) ing, TEMPERATURE PANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 60 to 65 6.2 22 p.p.m. 0.3 p.p.m. $e a et a SPECIES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 REMARKS: 1 bullhead died within 72 hours. Second bullhead and three redear remained alive and normal. --- Page 10 --- =8= Table 1 (Continued) i EXPERIMENT NO. 24 April 15 through 17, 1957 (72 hours) a TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 58 to 65 6.4 18 p.p.m. 1.0 p.p.m. in it SPECLES Bullhead catfish 2. Bluegill sunfish 2 Redear sunfish 1 I REMARKS: 1 bluegill sunfish died within 4 hours. (injured) Both bullheads died within 48 hours. All other fish remained alive and normal. SaaS. Se EXPERIMENT NO. 25 April 15 through 17, 1957 (72 hours) nO TEMPERATURE RANGE °F. pH M. O. Alkalinity CuSO4 58 to 65 6.4 18 p.p.m. 1.5 p.p.m. SPECLES Bullhead catfish 2 Redear sunfish 3 nnn REMARKS : 1 bullhead died within 24 hours. Second bullhead and 1 redear died within 48 hours. Second redear died before end of period. One redear remained alive and normal. ee eee eaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoeoeeeeeeooooomum=s$s The need for determining more precise toxicity levels and the correlation of alkalinity infiuence warranted further experimentation in the laboratory before actual field testing would be feasible. Tests ranging from 0.1 p.p.m. to 4.0 p.p.m. at .l p-p.m. increments were planned. Wide mouthed jars were utilized in place of the large aquaria to facilitate a lar- ger number of tests in each series. Nineteen of these large jars holding 16 liters of water each were used. Seven series of bioassays were made, consisting of 108 separate tests. A standard solution of copper sulphate was prepared by dissolving 10 grains of CuS0O4 in one liter of distilled water. This solution was used to bring each test jar to the desired concentration. The test period was extended from 72 to 96 hours. Test species were limited to bullhead catfish and bluegill sunfish. Methyl orange alkalinity for this group of tests ranged from 73 p.p.m. to 104 p.p.m. considerably higher than that of previous experiments. Temperature range was 59°F. to 78°F. Specific dats for these experiments are contained in Table 2. The tact that cal- cium carbonate and bicarbonate react with the copper sulphate to precipitate insoluble basic copper carbonate is substantiated by these tests. Versene, (tetrasodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is a chelating agent manufactured by Dow Chemical Com- pany. It was hoped that the copper ions could be held in solution by making them a part of chelate ring compounds. While the Versene did hold the copper in solution in waters of higher aikalinity, it greatly reduced the toxicity of copper sulphate to fish so this test was abandoned in the laboratory and was not field tested. --- Page 11 --- Gm Table 2 Results of Laboratory Experiments Using CuS0, as a Possible Selective Control for Bullhead Catfish Series Jar Temp. Total CuSO4 Condition of bluegills Condition of bull- No. No. Range °F Alk. ppm pH ppm _ after 96 hours heads after 96 hours Dead Alive Dead Alive a NS YSN 0 A © PUG I © DP DD CD OT 2 0.2 X Xx 3 0.3 X X 4 0.4 Xx X 1 5 0.5 X Xx 6 0.6 X X 7 0.7 X Xx 8 0.8 Xx X 9 0.9 xX xX LO 1.0 xX Xx Cont. none X X 1 65 - 70 12 6.2 0.6 X xX 2 1.0 xX X 2 3 1.6 X xX 4 1.8 Xx X 1 58 - 65 13 6.6 O.1 Xx X Zz 0.2 X X 3 0.6 X xX 4 1.2 X xX 3 5 1.4 X X 6 1.6 xX X 7 2.0 Xx x 8 2.5 x X 9 3.0 xX X 16 4.0 x xX Cont. none Xx xX L 58 - 58 15 6.8 O.1 X X 2 0.3 X X 3 0.4 xX X 4 0.5 Xx X 4 5 0.6 X Xx 6 0.8 X X 7 0.9 Xx X 8 1.0 Xx xX 9 1.1 Xx Xx 1d 1.2 xX xX Cont. none xX Xx --- Page 12 --- oh ee Tabie 2 (Continued) Series Jar Temp . Total CuSO4 Condition of bluegills Condition of bull- No. No. Range °F Alk. ppm pH pom after 96 hours heads after 96 hours Dead Alive Dead Alive 1 49 - 49 aL 7.0 O.1 xX X 2 0.4 X X 3 0.5 X xX 4 0.6 Xx Xx 5 5 0.7 xX xX 6 0.8 xX xX 7 0.9 xX xX 8 1.0 Xx X 9 1.1 X xX 10 Li 2 x xX Cont. none Xx Xx 1 65 = 70 36 7.0 0.4 x Xx 2 0.6 xX xX 3 1.0 Xx xX 6 4 1.4 xX xX 5 1.8 Xx Xx Cont. none X X 7 Fish used in this series were infected with fungus and all died before 96 hours. 1 58 - 58 55 19 0.3 X Xx 2 0.4 xX x 3 0.5 X xX 4 0.6 xX xX 8 5 0.7 Xx Xx 6 0.8 xX xX 7 0.9 xX x 8 1.0 xX xX 9 1.1 xX xX 10 1.2 Xx xX Cont. none x Xx 1 57 - 57 60 Ped 1.0 X X 2 iad Xx xX 3 1.2 Xx xX 4 1.4 xX xX Qxk 5 1.6 xX Xx 6 1.8 xX Xx 7 2.0 X Xx 8 2.2 Xx xX 9 Zed Xx Xx 10 2.8 xX Xx Cont. none Xx xX nn Cont. — Control Jar gxk — The results of this series are very erratic and could be due to the fact that the water was very turbid. The death of the control animals indicates that some other factor was involved. --- Page 13 --- -~i1- From these laboratory experiments it was concluded that the minimum lethal dose for bullhead catfish ranged from 0.4 p.p.m. in waters of lower alkalinity to 2.3 p.p.m. in waters of higher alkalinity. The minimum tethal dose for bluegiil sunfish varied from 0.8 p.p.m. to no deaths at 4.0 p.p.m., the maximum concentration tested. In analysis of these data, it was concluded that copper sulphate could successfully be used in certain waters to selectively control bullhead catfish and possibly other undesirable fish species. However, the bioassay results failed to produce an accurate correlation for a given combination of temperature, pH, and alkalinity. Within the ranges tested, temperature did not appear to be an important factcr, but pH and aikalin- ity were indicated to be influencing factors although no definite correlation between pH and alkalinity and toxicity at a definite concentration of treatment was established. The simple test used in this study for the determination of alkalinity expressed only equivalent amounts of bicarbonate, carbonate or hydroxide ions. Other ions that could influence alkalinity such as silicate, phosphate, borate and flouride could not be evaluated. At this point in the study, it appeared that field trials in area lakes with suitable fish populations were needed. During project segment F-3-R-/ five small lakes were se- lected for treatment with copper sulphate as a selective toxicant. Bloassays were con- ducted in the laboratory prior to each field experiment to determine proper dosage for given water quality. Water samples were hauled to the laboratory from each lake for these tests. Bluegill sunfish and bullhead catfish were used as test animals. Nineteen five-gallon, wide-mouth jars equipped with one airstone each were used as test vessels. The volume of water used in each jar was sixteen liters. Nine of the test solutions were prepared over a wider range of concentrations (e.g. 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 p.p.m.). If bulihead catfish were killed at 2.5 p.p.m. and not at 1.0 p.p.m. intermediates were set up within that range (e.g. 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 p.p.m.). Then from the intermediate tests a dosage was selected for field testing. ‘the dosage selected was that which killed the maximum number of bullhead catfish and the minimum number of bluegill sunfish while leaving a broad enough mergin in both directions to allow for reasonable error in field application. This margin or tolerance spread be- tween the two species was found to be wide enough so that the dosage selected usually approached LD i100 for the bullheads and LD 00 for the bluegills. Bluegill sunfish were selected as test animals because previous work proved them to heve the lowest tolerance to copper sulphate of the centrarchids. Bullhead catfish were selected because they are one of the more problematic noxious species. Also, it has been determined by exploratory work that concentrations of copper sulphate that are lethal for bullhead catfish are also lethal for threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), lake chubsuckers and possibly other rough fish species. Each series of bioassays were terminated after 96 hours. Two bluegill sunfish and two builhead catfish were placed in each jar. One jar was used as a control. Water analyses included phenolphthalein and methyl-orange alkalinity, dissolved chlorides, dissolved carbon dioxide, and dissolved oxygen determinetions.. An attempt was made to keep the temperatures near the outside air temperatures, No attempt was wade to control daily temperature fluctuations since it would be impossible to control them in the field. --- Page 14 --- | De Field Procedure Each lake selected for a field test site was mapped and sounded to determine the water volume. Some of the lakes were sounded by means of a recording fathometer while others were sounded with a pole marked at one foot and one-fourth foot intervals. Lakes having large variations in depth were marked off in sections and volumes calculated for each section. After the proper dosage had been determined in the laboratory, concentra- tions were calculated for each section of the lake or in some instances for the entire Jake. The copper sulphate was applied to the lakes in solution. The crystals were dissolved by pumping lake water through a hopper mounted inside a 55 gallon drum (Figure 1). The centrifugal pump delivered 50 gallons per minute into the hopper dissolving the cry- stals at the rate of approximately 1,600 pounds per hour. The hopper was built of expanded metal with a 14 by 18 mesh plastic screen liner and held 150 pounds of copper sulphate cry- stals. The solution left the drum by gravity flow through a 2 3/4 inch rubber hose connected to a pipe fitting which passed through the transom of the boat. The intake foot valve on the pump was streamlined and equipped with two horizontal fins that held it under water while the boat was in motion. The two feet of intake line immediately above the foot valve was made of heavy duty rubber hose to allow the foot to deflect when struck by an underwater object. Thus, the distribution of copper sulphate was an uninterrupted operation. The only stops required were to pick up additional copper sulphate. Field Results Lindale Club Lake Lindale Club Lake is located three miles northeast of Lindale, Smith County, Texas. It is a man made lake, impounded by an earthen dam, and was built primarily for fishing. The lake covers 50 acres and contains 388 acre-feet of water. It was built in 1914 and rebuilt in 1946, after the spillway broke in 1944. A fishery survey conducted in 1958 re- vealed that the lake contained large numbers of yellow bullhead catfish (Ictalurus natal- is), lake chubsuckers (Erimyzon sucetta) and large golden shiners (Notemigonus crysoleucas). These three species made up 71.26 per cent of the total number and 61.2 per cent of the total weight of the fish taken in 1,000 feet of gill net. On August 12, 1959, the lake was treated with 1,677 pounds of copper sulphate crystals which brought the concentration to 1.61 p.p.m. The only fish noted in distress on August 12th were a few madtoms (Schilbeodes gyrinus), Water temperatures reached 90°F. during the day. On August 13, dead and distressed golden shiners, yellow bullhead catfish, madtoms and a few small bluegill sunfish began to appear. On August 18, a good kill of golden shiners, bullheads, madtoms and chubsuckers was evident. A very few bluegill and crappie (Pomoxis sp.) were found dead. Also, two large flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris) and one large smallmouth butfalo, (ictiobus bubalus) were found dead. On September 9, 1959, a follow-up survey was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the treatment as well as the effect, if any, the treatment had on the physical condition of the remaining fish. (Tables 3, 4, and 5), Cost of chemical for this treatment was $0.73 per acre foot or a totel of $283.24 for the entire lake. Pharris Lake Pharris Lake is a 38 acre man-made lake located four or five miles south of Larue, Henderson County, Texas. It is impounded by an earthen dam and contains 238 acre-feet of water. A fishery survey wec conducted in July 1957, at which time the lake was found to contain bullhead catfish and .ake chubsuckers. In the spring cf 1958, the iake was stocked with 400 threadfin shad. Ns shad were present in the survey collections of 1957. --- Page 15 --- | aoe e e a EG wo wa Mr why 55-gallon drum with 9- by 27-inch cutaway intake. Hopper opening Expanded metal hopper with 14 X 18 mesh plastic screen liner Valve to regulate pump output Four cycle, i3-horsepower gasoline engine for driving centrifugal pump Centrifugal pump Priming plug Heavy duty rubber hose Streamlined foot valve with horizontal fins. Rubber hose (2 3/4-inch) Outlet Figure 1. - Diagram of equipment for dissolving and distributing copper sulphate crystals /e --- Page 16 --- -14- Table 3 Netting Results, Lindale Club Lake, November 11, 1958 Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, 1,000 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Lake chubsucker 5 5.74 3.5 12.1 Golden shiner 53 60.92 11.8 40.8 Yellow bullhead 4 4.60 2.4 843 Largemouth bass 1 1.15 0.8 8 Warmouth 1 1.15 0.3 .0 Bluegill sunfish 15 17.24 4.9 17.0 Redbreast sunfish 1 1.15 0.3 1.0 White crappie L 1.15 0.9 3.1 Black crappie 6 6.90 4.0 13.9 Totals 87 100.00 28.9 100.0 Table 4 Netting Results, Lindale Club Lake, September 9, 1959 After Copper Sulphate Treatment, 1,000 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Lake chubsucker 0 -- -- -- Golden shiner 2 1.10 0.50 0.72 Yellow bullhead 12 6.59 7.37 10.65 Largemouth bass 2 1.10 0.75 1.09 Warmouth 5 2.75 1.50 2617 Bluegill sunfish 138 75.82 40.31 58.27 Redbreast sunfish 1 0.56 0.50 0.72 White crappie 10 5.49 9.25 13637 Black crappie 12 6.59 9.00 13.01 Totals 182 100.00 69.18 100.00 Table 5 Lindale Club Lake Coefficients of Condition Before and After Copper Sulphate Treatment November 11, 1958 September 9, 1959 Species Number Range Average Number Range Average Yellow bullhead 4 1.65 - 1.88 1.74 7 1.99 - 2.67 2.22 Largemouth bass 1 1.95 1.95 2 2.19 - 2.21 2.20 --- Page 17 --- Table 5 (Continued) a A RN NE RA November 11, 1958 September 9, 1959 Species Number Range Average Number Range Average Warmouth a 3.43 3.43 5 3.60 - 4.16 3.86 Bluegill sunfish L5 3.36 - 4.85 4.12 25 3.51 - 5.01 4.27 White crappie 1 2.70 2.70 7 2.73 - 3.64 3.18 Black crappie 6 3.02 = 3,52 3.22 9 2.99 - 3.66 3.37 On June 23, 1959, the lake was treated with copper sulphate crystals at the rate of 1.55 p.p.m. Water analysis values at the time of treatment were: Methyl orange alkalinity - 18 p.p.m., pH - 7.2, dissolved chlorides - 21.28 p.p.m., and water temperature (surface) - 84°F, Immediately after the copper sulphate was applied to the water, uncountable thousands of threadfin shad from 4 to 2 inches in length began to flounce on the surface and die. Several hours after the treatment, golden shiners and chubsuckers began to come to the surface in distress. The next day, Jume 24, larger numbers of bullheads, golden shiners, and chubsuckers were observed dead or in distress. A few redear and bluegill sunfish and crappie succumbed to the treatment. It was estimated that less than two per cent of the fish killed were game species. The cost of chemicals for treatment of Pharris Lake was $0.71 per acre foot of water or a total of $168.98 for the entire lake. Tables 6 and 7 are the before and treatment netting results. Table 8 shows condition coefficients after treatment. No threadfin shad were taken during the after-treatment netting which indicates the treatment eradicated this species. Table 6 Netting Results, Pharris' Lake, July 9, 1957 Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, 500 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Lake chubsucker 1 0.55 0.56 0.82 Yellow bullhead catfish 17 9.39 10.94 16.03 Warmouth 15 8.29 2.31 3.38 Largemouth bass 2 1.10 5.00 7.33 Redear sunfish 24 13.26 8.31 12.3.8 Bluegill sunfish 97 53.59 26.13 38.29 White crappie 5 2.77 3.62 5.31 Black crappie 20 11.05 11.37 16.66 Totals 181 100.00 68.24 100.00 --- Page 18 --- call Goss Table 7 Nerting Results, Pharris' Lake, September 17, 1959 Arter Copper Sulphate Treatment, 500 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Lake chubsucker 1 1.53 0.37 1,32 Yeliow builhead catfish Li 16.93 5.00 17.94 Warmouth 2 3.07 0.25 0.90 Redear sunfish 5 7.1/0 1.50 5.38 Bluegill sunfish 31 47,68 7.50 26.91 White crappie 5 7.70 Died 18.84 Black crappie 10 1). 39 8.00 28.71 Totais 65 100,00 27.87 100.00 Table 8 Pharris' Lake Coefficients of Condition Three Months After Copper Sulphate Treatment Species Number Range Average Yellow bullhead catfish 10 1.88 - 2.37 2.07 warmouth 2 2.55 — 2.81 2,68 Redear sunfish 4 2.21 - 2296 2.68 Bluegill suntish 30 2.25 - 4.49 3°53 White cvapoie | 2.10 - 3.16 2.54 Black crappie iG Z.15 - 5.02 2.73 jomisa Leake Tomlin Lake is located two miies northwest of Lindale, Smith County, Texas. It is impounded by an earthen dam on Duck Creek which flows north to the Sabine River. The lake cevers 24.29 acres and contains 98.17 acre-feet of water at spillway level. It was built in 1934, A tishery survey conducted in January 1959 produced 4 large number of gizzard shad, spotted suckers (Minytrema melanops), iake chubsuckers and a lesser number of river carpsuckers (Carpiodes carpio), carp (Cyprinus carpic), golden shiners, black bullheads and yellow buliheads. Table 9 contains these data. a Qo June 10, 1959, the iake was treated with 345 pounds of copper sulphate crystals, or a concentration of 1.3 p.p.mw. Late in the day eight carp averaging four pounds each had died, On Jime 11, 1959, due to the lack of distressed and dead fish, it was suspected that the lake nad been unde: treated and an additional 55 pounds of copper sulphate were applied to the lake. The total amount of copper sulphate applied would have brought the lake to 1.5 p.p.m. concentration. However, it is believed that a large amount ot the copper sulphate appliec che first day had precipitated in non-toxic forms before the second dosage was applied. The copper residual in water two days after treatment was only O.1 p.p.m. --- Page 19 --- -17- Table 9 Netting Results, Tomlin Lake January 29, 1959 Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, 950 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Spotted gar 4 1.31 7.5 Bef Gizzard shad 66 21.64 18.0 8.9 Spotted sucker 77 25.24 89.8 44.4 Lake chubsucker 93 30.49 52.4 25.9 Bigmouth buffalo 2 0.66 349 1.9 River carpsucker 1 0.33 50D Lat Carp L. 0.33 4.1 2.0 Golden shiner 10 3.27 1.8 0.9 Channel catfish L 0.33 0.6 0.3 Black bullhead 4 1.31 347 1.8 Yellow bullhead 10 3.28 6.1 3.0 Bluegill sunfish 7 2.30 0.7 0.4 Redear sunfish 7 2.29 1.9 0.9 Longear sunfish 1 0.33 0.3 0.2 White crappie 21 6.89 6.0 3.0 Totals 305 100.00 202.3 100.00 Table 10 contains the after treatment netting data for Tomlin Lake. According to these data a sharp reduction was obtained in gizzard shad and spotted sucker populations. The fact that the before treatment netting survey was made in January and the after treatment survey in August could have greatly influenced the number of suckers netted, as this spe- cies is more active in the winter months. Table 10 Netting Results, Tomlin Lake, August 13, 1959 After Copper Sulphate Treatment, 950 feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Spotted gar 4 10.00 8.00 28.36 Gizzard shad 3 7.50 0.88 3.12 Bigmouth buffalo 2 5.00 5.44 19.30 Spotted sucker 12 30.00 11.25 39.89 Black bullhead 1 2.50 --- —— --- Page 20 --- -18- Table 10 (Continued) envi nnn nnn nn En ERROR SERRE Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight se i a Pa ng Ee trea ee a Yellow bullhead 3 7.50 0.88 3.12 Redear sunfish 1 2.50 0.25 0.89 Bluegill sunfish 9 22.50 0.69 2.44 White crappie 3 7.50 0.31 1.10 Black crappie 2 5.00 0.50 1.78 ee oe Totals 40 100.00 - 28.20 100.00 a Water analyses values at the time of treatment were: water temperature 82° F, pH 7.0, methyl orange alkalinity 18 p.p.m., chlorides 21.28 p.p.m., turbidity 30 inches secchi disc. Cost of chemical for this treatment was $0.69 per acre foot of water or $67.75 for the entire lake. Table 11 contains before and after treatment coefficients of condition for some species netted from Tomlin Lake. These data indicate a decline in physical condition after treatment, possibly due to a lack of plankton and small forage fish following treat- ment. Table 11 Tomlin Lake Coefficients of Condition Before and After Copper Sulphate Treatment em January 29, 1959 August 13, 1959 Species Number Range Average Number Range Average Spotted gar 4 0.51 - 0.87 0.65 7 _ == Gizzard shad 15 1.84 - 2.09 1.96 - - -- Spotted sucker 1 1.73 - 2.60 2.25 - - -- Lake chubsucker 15 2.32 - 2.93 2.25 - - -- Bigmouth buffalo 2 3.84 - 3.86 3.85 - = -- River carpsucker 1 3.27 3.27 = - _—— Carp 1 3.38 3.38 - - -- Golden shiner 10 1.95 - 2.31 2.09 - - -- Channel catfish 1 1.31 1is31 - - -- Black bullhead 4 2.44 - 3.98 2.90 1 2.06 2.06 Yellow bullhead 10 2.00 - 2.66 2.15 3 1.98 - 2.44 2645 Bluegill sunfish 7 3.85 - 5.15 4,39 9 3.18 - 4.24 36/0 Redear sunfish 9 3.42 - 4.12 3.75 i 2.78 2.78 Longear sunfish Hy 4.01 4.01 = = == White crappie 15 2.35 - 4.16 3.05 3 2,38 - 2.67 2.50 Black crappie = = -— 2 2.55 - 2.60 2.54 ee A --- Page 21 --- -19- Rainbow Lake Rainbow Lake is located approximately 15 miles southeast of Athens, Henderson County, Texas. The area of the lake at the time of treatment was 65 acres with an average depth of 4.25 feet and contained 276.9 acre-feet of water. A fishery survey conducted in Octo- ber, 1959, revealed that the lake contained a rather large population of gizzard shad, black bullhead catfish and yellow bullhead catfish. These data are contained in Table 12. On March 11, 1960, the lake was treated with 1,196 pounds of copper sulphate crystals, which was a calculated concentration of 1.6 p.p.m. Water conditions at the time of treat- ment were: temperature - 53°F, methyl orange alkalinity - 15 p-p-m., pH - 6.2, turbidity - ll inches secchi disc. On March 15, four days after treatment, thousands of gizzard shad from eight to twelve inches in length were found dead and floating. Good numbers of bullhead catfish and chubsuckers were also noted. Many fish could be seen lying on the bottom. Table 12 Netting Results, Rainbow Lake, October 20, 1959, Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, 750 Feet of Gill Net _—_---e— eee Species Number Per. Cent of Number Weight Per Cent of Weight ee ee Spotted gar 9 4,36 18.25 13<11 Bowfin 7 3.40 33.19 23.86 Gizzard shad 66 32.04 24.25 17.43 Lake chubsucker 2 0.97 1.50 1.08 Black bullhead 14 6.80 14.50 10.42 Yellow bullhead 15 7.28 10.88 7.82 Largemouth bass 1 0.48 0.81 9.58 Redear sunfish 4 1. 69D 1.00 0.72 Bluegill sunfish 10 4.85 2.13 1.53 White crappie 34 16.51 2.31 1.66 Black crappie 44 21.36 30.31 21.79 eee Totals 206 100.00 139.13 100.00 RN A A On April 26, a follow-up netting survey was made (Table 13). According to these netting data, gizzard shad, chubsucker and black bullhead populations had been reduced but yellow bullheads had not been significantly affected. Table 14 contains comparison data on condition coefficients for largemouth bass, crappie and several sunfish species, These data reflect little change in physical condition after treatment. --- Page 22 --- Table 13 Netting Results, Rainbow Lake, April 26, 1960 After Copper Sulphate Treatment, 750 Feet of Gill Net nn nnn atten Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight i Spotted gar 17 11.04 48.37 31.21 Bowfin 7 4.54 31.43 20.29 Gizzard shad 22 14.29 5.56 3.59 Lake chubsucker 0) --- --- --- Black bullheads 3 1.95 4.25 2.74 Yellow bullheads 24 15:58 18.75 12.10 Largemouth bass 5 3.24 10.25 6.61 Warmouth 4 2.60 1.37 0.88 Redear sunfish 17 11.04 5,75 3.71 Bluegill sunfish 22 14.29 5412 3.30 White crappie 41 7.14 10.19 6.58 Black crappie 22 14.29 13.94 8.99 ce Totals 154 100.00 154.98 100.00 a Table 14 Rainbow Lake Coefficients of Condition Before and After Copper Sulphate Treatment a __ October 20, 1959 April 26, 1960 Species Number Range Average Number Range Average ee Largemouth bass 1 2.46 2.46 4, 2.14 - 2.68 2.3/7 Redear suntish 3 3.45 - 4.04 3.6/9 5 3.35 - 4.00 3,63 Bluegili sunfish 3 4,24 - 4,46 4,34 5 4,00 - 4.91 4.40 White crappie 10 2.51 - 3.26 2.86 5 2.36 - 3.46 3.06 Black crappie 10 2.37 - 3.88 3.30 5 2.96 - 3.49 3.26 a Roundhouse Lake Roundhouse Lake is located one mile south of Commerce, Hunt County, Texas. It covers 10.4 acres and contains 63.49 acre-feat of water. The lake was netted in February 1959, and was found to contain large numbers of biack bullhead catfish and a few golden shiners (Table 15). --- Page 23 --- “4 inde Oo Fada Table i5 Netting Results, Roundhouse Lake, February 20, 1959 Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, 500 Feet of Gill Net ee A Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent cf Weight ate gdm eee one eeepc Bigmouth buffalo 1 2.23 4.50 16.67 Golden shiner 2 4.44 0.30 1.11 Black bullhead catfish 26 Dfodl 4.27 15.81 Channel catfish L 2.23 3.50 12.96 Largemouth bass 5 11.11 8.21 30.41 Bluegill sunfish 2 4,44 0,142 0.45 White crappie 8 17.78 6,10 22.59 Totals 45 100.00 27.00 100.00 een On November 10, 1959, the lake was treated with 274 pounds of copper sulphate, which is a calculated concentration of 1.6 p.p.m. Due to a depletion of standard solution, an alkalinity determination was not obtained at the time of treatment. However on February 11, 1960, the methyl orange alkalinity was 100 p.p.m. and the pH was 7.6. At treatment, the water temperature was 53°F. Observations made on November 12 and 13, 1960, indicated that very few fish had succumbed to the treatment. However the lake owner reported that an un- determined number of bullhead catfish and golden shiners died as much as two weeks after treatment. On July 20, 1960, a netting and seining sample was taken from the lake. (Table i6) The seining sample indicated that a very heavy population of golden shiners still existed in the Lake. Table 16 Netting Results, Roundhouse Lake, July 20, 1960 After Copper Sulphate Treatment, 500 Feet of Gill Net Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Bigmouth buffalo 0 -—- --- --- Black bullhead 1 5.26 0.56 4,38 Channel catfish 2 10.53 1.94 15.21 Largemouth bass 2 10.53 4.94 38.71 Green sinfish 1 5.26 0.13 1.02 Bluegill sunfish 2 10.53 0.31 2.43 White crappie 5 26.3 1.44 T1132 Black crappie 6 31.57 3.44 26.96 Totals 19 100.00 12.76 100.00 --- Page 24 --- ~I2— With the completion of the first annual segment of actual field experiments the follow- ing conclusions were made: 1. The before and after treatment netting results were not consistant in indicating a great reduction of undesirable species. However, a single netting effort is not complete- ly conclusive and the fact that large numbers of dead bullhead catfish, chubsuckers, carp, carpsuckers, golden shiners and shad were observed after treatment is irrefutable evidence that these species were reduced to some extent. 2, The carbonates and bicarbonates in waters of higher alkalinity precipitate the copper very rapidly as copper carbonate which is non-toxic to fish. Exploratory work in- dicates that the critical alkalinity for successful use of this technique is somewhere between 60 and 100 p.p.m. 3. Field tests conducted during this segment indicate that selective control of rough fish species with copper sulphate can be an effective management technique with certain limitations. Due to a change of segment beginning and ending dates no field work was conducted during segment six of this job. However, five additional lakes were chosen for test sites for Project F-3-R-9 segment in 1961. Three of the lakes were selected for selective kills with copper sulphate and two for complete fish kills. As during the previous field studies, water was brought to the labor- atory from each lake and bioassays were conducted to determine lethal concentrations for the respective lakes. Each lake was netted before and after treatment to obtain compari- son data for treatment evaluation. Hitts Lake Hitt's Lake located near Tyler in Smith County, Texas, covers 175 acres and contained 953 acre-feet of water at the time of treatment. On July 12, 1961, the lake was treated with 5100 pounds of copper sulphate for a calculated concentration of 2.00 p.p.m. On July 11, the day before treatment, 12 gill nets (1500 feet) were set in the lake and left over night. Table 17 contains data compiled from this netting sample. Twelve nets were again set after treatment on July 18. Results of this netting are contained in Table 18. Mesh sizes of all nets ranged from 1 to 3 inches. Table 17 Results of Gill Net Sets, Hitt's Lake, Before Copper Sulphate Treatment nee ee UTE aE anna n ASI SSSR SRR nnnenInnnetnnneemnesnnnnensinenen aaa aaa Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight oe Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) 16 7.59 25.00 28.49 Lake chubsucker (Erimyzon sucetta) 9 4.26 4.37 4.98 Golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas) lt 48 19 222 --- Page 25 --- a) Fm Table 17 (Continued) Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Yellow bullhead (Ictalurus natalis) 9 4.26 9.31 10.61 Warmouth (Chaenobryttus gulosus) 3 1.43 -50 257 Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) 17 8.05 38.37 43.75 Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) 154 72.99 8.00 9.12 White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) 2 94 2.00 2.28 Totals 211 100.00 87.74 100.00 Table 18 Results of Gill Net Sets, Hitt's Lake, After Copper Sulphate Treatment Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) 19 2«78 46.00 21.23 Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) 13 1.89 15.50 7.16 Redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) 15 2.19 7.06 3.50 Bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) 616 89.79 137.00 63.23 Yellowbelly sunfish (Lepomis auritus) 13 1.89 6.62 3.07 White crappie (Pomoxis annularis) feel (eo) iy > Ov bo 88 1.81 Totals 686 100.00 216.06 100.00 --- Page 26 --- -24- Bioassays conducted in the laboratory revealed a concentration of 1.8 p.p.m. copper sulphate in Hitt's Lake water would provide a good kill of undesirable species with a min- imum danger to the desirable species. However, the concentration used in the lake treat- ment was increased 0.2 p.p.m. to compensate for the reaction of copper sulphate with carbonate and bicarbonate ions to precipitate copper carbonate. It is also suspected that absorption of the copper sulphate by phytoplankton and higher aquatic plants may account for the more rapid loss of copper sulphate in some lakes. Water analyses were run at 2 to 4 foot intervals from the surface down to 16 feet. Table 19 contains these data. Table 19 Water Analysis, Hitt's Lake, July 12, 1961 a ern nT EnnINnnnEnIEE REESE REREAD ERIE eneeenaenmn naan Depth Temperature Dissolved Methyl Orange Dissolved Carbon in Feet °F Oxygen ppm Alkalinity ppm Dioxide ppm pH se 0 83 4.4 22 3.0 7.2 1 83 2 83 3 83 4.4 22 3.0 Tad 4 83 5 83 6 83 3.0 22 3.0 6.6 7 81 8 78 2.0 29 15.0 6.2 9 76 10 74 0.4 28 17.0 6.2 11 73 12 72 0.2 35 22.0 6.4 13 70 14 70 trace 74 48.0 6.4 15 68 16 67 trace 107 6.4 17 67 Turbidity = 42 inches secchi. a Observations made one day after treatment revealed large numbers of yellow bullheads and lake chubsuckers were dead and in distress. Moderate numbers of spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus), golden shiners and bluegill sunfish were also found dead and in distress. These observations, plus the comparison of the before and after treatment netting data, indicates that the populations of undesirable species were appreciably reduced. Since 616 bluegill sunfish were netted after treatment, the reduction of this species was likely beneficial. --- Page 27 --- -05- This lake is the second treated during these experiments in which gar were present and it is interesting to note that some of the spotted gar were killed by the copper sul- phate. Spring Lake Spring Lake is located just above Hitt's Lake on the same stream. It covers an area of 19.28 acres and contained 146 acre-feet of water. On July 13, 1961, the lake was treated with 700 pounds of copper sulphate crystals for a calculated concentration of 1.7 p.-p.m., the optimum concentration indicated by bioassay. No correction factor was applied as in the treatment of Hitt's Lake. Before and after treatment netting samples were taken on July 11 and July 18, 1961. Tables 20 and 21 contain these netting data. Water analyses were again made at 2 to 4 foot intervals from the surface to 14 feet. Table 22 shows the results of these analyses. Table 20 Results of Gill Net Sets, Spring Lake, Before Copper Sulphate Treatment Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Lake chubsucker 11 9.91 7.25 16.38 Golden shiner 2 1.81 0.50 113 Yellow bullhead 21 18.91 15.25 34.46 Largemouth bass 1 0.90 2.00 4.52 Warmouth 4 3.60 0.50 1.13 Redear sunfish 4 3.60 2.19 4,94 Bluegill sunfish 64 57.66 15/5 35.60 White crappie 4 3.61 0.81 1.84 Totals 111 100.00 44,25 100.00 Table 21 Results of Gill Net Sets, Spring Lake, After Copper Sulphate Treatment Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Golden shiner ak 0.32 0.50 0.61 Yellow bullhead 7 2.23 dai3 8.69 Warmouth 7 2.23 1.06 1.29 Redear sunfish 12 3.84 4.13 5.04 Bluegill sunfish 275 87.86 66.00 80.48 White crappie 11 3.52 3.19 3.89 Totals 313 100.00 82.01 100.00 --- Page 28 --- ~I6= Table 22 Water Analysis, Spring Lake, July 13, 1961 i Depth Temperature Dissolved Methyl Orange Dissolved Carbon in Feet °F Oxygen ppm Alkalinity ppm Dioxide ppm pH 0 84 9.0 8.0 4.0 6.2 1 84 2 84 3 84 4, 84 8.0 14.0 4.0 6.0 5 84 6 83 2.0 20.0 5.0 6.0 7 78 8 75 2.0 25.0 12.0 6.0 9 72 10 71 2.0 30.0 13.0 6.0 11 70 12 68 3.0 45.0 22.0 6.2 13 67 14 66 4.0 40.0 72.0 6.0 15 65 16 64 ee A comparison of Tables 20 and 21 indicates that bullhead catfish and golden shiners were still present after the treatment. However, observations made after treatment re- vealed that good numbers of these species had been killed. No chubsuckers were netted after treatment. It is felt that this lake could have been treated with a heavier con- centration of copper sulphate with little or no damage to the desirable species. Sautter's Lake Soutter's Lake is located 15 miles southeast of Athens in Henderson County, Texas. The water covers 20 acres and contained 160 acre-feet at the time of treatment. On June 13, 1961, the lake was treated with 777 pounds of copper sulphate crystals which resulted in a concentration of 1.8 p.p.m. The lake was netted with eight gill nets before and after treatment. Results of these netting collections are contained in Tables 23 and 24. Water analyses were run in conjunction with these netting activities. Results of these analyses are contained in Tables 25 and 26. Table 23 Results of Gill Net Sets, Soutter's Lake Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, June 12, 1961 Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Golden shiner 1 1.04 0.25 1,12 Black bullhead 18 18.55 3.69 16.55 --- Page 29 --- -27- Table 23 (Continued) a ee Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight pi Yellow bullhead 22 22.68 7.94 35.62 Largemouth bass 4 4,13 4,62 20.73 Bluegill sunfish 46 47.42 4.13 18.53 Black crappie 6 6.18 1.66 7.45 a SSSSSeSeSeeSSSeSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSShFeeFeFeeeeeSeSSSSSSS Total 97 100.00 22.29 100.00 —._ ———— EEN Table 24 Results of Gill Net Sets, Soutter's Lake After Copper Sulphate Treatment, June 20, 1961 _ OT --"_-_-——————— eee Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight i Warmouth 3 1.78 0.62 4.08 Green sunfish 1 0.59 0.25 1.64 Bluegill sunfish 159 94.08 13.50 88.88 Black crappie 6 3.55 0.82 5.40 eee ee Total 169 100.00 15.19 100.00 See Table 25 Water Analysis, Soutter's Lake, June 13, 1961 a ee ee ee Depth Temperature Dissolved Methyl Orange Dissolved Carbon in Feet °F Oxygen ppm Alkalinity ppm Dioxide ppm pH 2 84 3 84 4 84 5.6 29 3.0 7.2 5 84 6 84 5.2 29 Zed 72 7 84 8 81 5.6 29 3.0 7.2 9 80 --- Page 30 --- -28- Table 25 (Continued) TT OO 0 mm0mooe—=s——” Depth Temperature Dissolved Methyl Orange Dissolved Carbon in Feet °F Oxygen ppm Alkalinity ppm Dioxide ppm pH a 10 78 4,0 25 4.5 6.8 11 76 12 72 2.0 33 17.50 6.8 12.5 70.5 a Table 26 Water Analysis, Soutter's Lake, After Copper Sulphate Treatment, June 20, 1961 a Depth Temperature Dissolved Methyl Orange Dissolved Carbon in Feet °F Oxygen ppm Alkalinity ppm Dioxide ppm pH 0 76 4.0 14 90 6.6 2 75 4.0 25 90 6.4 4 75 3.2 28 90 6.4 6 75 3.6 32 90 6.6 8 75 3.2 35 100 6.6 10 74 2.8 25 90 6.4 12 73 2.8 35 130 6.4 14 68 ee Comparison of netting data on Soutter's Lake indicates that a good kill of bullhead catfish was obtained. On June 19, six days after the treatment a total of 6,376 dead bull- head catfish were counted on the shoreline. Total Kill Treatments Douphrate's Lake Douphrate's Lake is located six miles east of Gilmer in Upshur County, Texas. This lake was selected as a site to attempt a complete eradication of the fish population by a heavy dosage of copper sulphate. It covered 11.28 acres and contained 64.94 acre-feet of water at the time of treatment. On August 15, 1961, the lake was treated with 876 pounds of copper sulphate to obtain a calculated concentration of 5 parts per million in the water. The lake was netted on December 7, 1959, and the results of this netting were used to compare with the after treat- ment netting conducted on September 29, 1961. Tables 27 and 28 contain these netting data respectively, Table 29 shows the results of water analyses made on the day of the treat- ment. Although comparison of Tables 27 and 28 shows a marked reduction of the number of fish present, it is felt that the concentration of copper sulphate used was not great enough to obtain the desired results. Although a "complete kill" is seldom actually ob- tained, a successful "complete kill" should leave few survivors. --- Page 31 --- ~95— Table 27 Results of Gill Net Sets, Douphrate's Lake Before Copper Sulphate Treatment, December 7, 1959 Species Number Percent of Number Weight Percent of Weight Spotted gar 24 12.6 62.0 35.6 Lake chubsucker 116 60.8 92.0 52.8 Golden shiner D 2.6 1.1 0.6 Yellow bullhead 2 1…