National Park Service

Description

OVERVIEW: This project seeks to elucidate the role of fragmentation as a result of dams and impoundments in the upper Chattahoochee River basin by genetically assessing isolated populations of shoal bass. STATEMENT OF JOINT OBJECTIVES/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN: Determine effective population size and other measures of genetic diversity by genotyping individuals from each of three populations using up to 17 microsatellite DNA markers. Estimate age and mortality through analysis of scale samples taken from individuals in each population. Determine the variables influencing recruitment through catch-curve residual analysis. In the Big Creek population, additional research will include: Estimate the actual population size through mark-recapture over a three year period. Determine the potential for shoal bass emigration. Develop management recommendations. RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT: a. Complete application procedures to obtain park research permits and abide by all conditions of research permits (including submitting an Investigator’s Annual Report online as part of the requirements). NPS permits shall be applied for online at https://science1.nature.nps.gov/research/ac/ResearchIndex. b. Meet with park representatives, in the form of conference call if necessary, to review and discuss project scope of work. c. Conduct the research and manage the project. d. Provide equipment needed for the project, including: backpack electrofisher, visible implant tagging supplies, submersible ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic receiver, and directional hydrophone. e. Provide written quarterly progress briefs to NPS. f. Provide any tabular, graphic, or spatial data (including derived data) to the NPS in a mutually-agreed upon digital format with standard metadata where appropriate. g. Provide a completion report conforming to the standards of NPS Natural Resource Technical Report (NRTR) series format. h. Acknowledge NPS, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Great Plains Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Unit, Chattahoochee Coldwater Fishery Foundation, and appropriate contributing NPS staff members in any thesis or peer-reviewed manuscript resulting from this work.

Who can apply

• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education

Contact

Julie Hendricks <br/>Lead Grants Management Specialist <br/>Phone 4026611662
julie_hendricks@nps.gov