FISHERIES SECTION ANNUAL REPORT Fiscal Year 2004 July 1, 2003 - June 30, 2004 Wildlife Resources Division Department of Natural Resources Social Circle, Georgia Table of Contents SUBJECT PAGE Overview of Fisheries Section activities 1 Figure 1. Map of Fisheries Section region boundaries 2 Figure 2. Stream Survey Team sampling efforts 6 Appendices: A. Facts about fishing in Georgia, fisheries related revenues earned, and 8 Fisheries Section expenditures B. Private waters management 12 C. Public waters management 15 D. Trout production and distribution 19 E. Warmwater hatchery production and distribution 24 F. Public fishing area operation 29 G. Resource studies 31 H. Maintenance and construction 33 Fisheries Section Activities Fishing is the most popular wildlife-related activity in Georgia, enjoyed by people of all ages. Around 1.29 million resident anglers fish Georgia's diverse freshwater resources that include more than 4,000 miles of trout streams, 12,000 miles of warm water streams wider than 10 feet, and 500,000 acres of impoundments. Anglers spend more than $568 million yearly on fishing in Georgia with an economic impact of more than $1.14 billion generating an estimated 10,600 jobs. Programs of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD), Fisheries Section (Section) during fiscal year 2004 (FY2004) included management of public waters, development and management of public fishing areas, technical guidance on private waters, development and maintenance of boating-access facilities, production and stocking of trout and warm water fish, aquatic education services, and survey projects and studies designed to benefit these resources. The Section's activities are funded primarily through license fees, which are appropriated annually by the Georgia State Legislature from the general fund. The Section's second major source of funding comes from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program. Federal Aid dollars, accumulated by a user tax on fishing tackle and motorboat fuels, are apportioned back to states by a formula based on land area and fishing license sales. Detailed information on the Section's activities and expenditures are itemized in Appendices A - H. The Section's programs are administered from WRD headquarters near Social Circle and from seven regional offices (Figure 1). Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area (PFA) was officially named and opened to the public on August 22, 2003. More than 225 people attended the opening day ceremony. Additionally, more than 250 anglers and 400 people sightseeing or gathering information visited the area on opening day. Since opening, Gillis PFA staff conducted a creel survey (scheduled to end in September 2004) designed to estimate the number of customers who visit the area to fish, gather information, or sightsee. PFA staff also purchased and stocked 5,000 black crappie into Hugh Gillis Lake in response to angler requests and management's desire for an additional predator. The restriction on the harvest of largemouth bass from Gillis Lake was lifted June 1, 2004. Up to that point, bass harvest was closed due to a smaller than optimal bass population. Major FY2004 improvements include the construction of a $50,000 youth education pavilion (partnership between the Rotary Club of Dublin, Senator Hugh M. Gillis, and WRD), entrance sign, information kiosk, and fish cleaning station. Re-introduction of lake sturgeon into the Coosa River basin continued in 2003 with the stocking of 12,000 lake sturgeon fingerlings into the Oostanaula and Etowah rivers. Once an abundant member of a unique fish assemblage, sturgeon were extirpated from the Coosa River system in the late 1960s. This was probably due to habitat degradation and over-harvest. Stocking goals include the re-establishment of a self-sustaining sturgeon population and providing another sport fish for Georgia anglers. Anglers reported seeing the juvenile sturgeon in the river during 2004 and specimens appeared healthy. The recovery plan calls for stocking up to 16,000 fish per year for 20 years for the reestablishment of a breeding population capable of sustaining itself. 1 S@WA(%U(WT$(S0'(SW(U`C6$AkXl!&)q0m"Srn#st&((Ao#(p&)SuQTA)(vcewCA@b0#S$V'S%cXU('@&A&V2(AU(&(%3A&1x0Cy(C2z'0{#|&T($&@fdWA&3%VgB($(2@TAh#RSBA)$0f$$'i&V13ghX)A@(@i#Cp(dqs&(rA((3A&0)SS((0A('U(XW&A(WY0@$X)@C('&&Y0A&VAYX(C00@()V#A4((5XU6'78(09&(0d'SeTAS0U)&X(V00D&T(AE&F%VXX#B0GX3(H2))&$)&I&&0P(&&BWW(a0(bT0B&`V'cWV(AS@`td&(u(A0d&v000@(wS&Y&AY(T&@Ad'(V0j@0&Y0(~}BxAdy&XV'`V(0((3S(C(3U&S3&&0VT@S@V'XXY(A(A`A&j$$0X0BS((VVT3@jB2X&#$$`VdA$&A(T0@@S3@A3 The Section, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service, had another successful year of managing trout populations in the cold water resources of north Georgia. The state's three trout hatcheries combined efforts with the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery to stock more than 1.19 million catchable trout and 517,000 fingerling trout into north Georgia streams, small lakes, reservoirs, and their tailwaters. More than 54,000 catchable trout were stocked into Georgia's four popular `Delayed Harvest' streams where seasonal catch-and-release angling regulations have resulted in excellent catch rates for winter anglers. More than 21,000 trout were stocked into Lake Burton to support a developing trophy trout fishery. The success of this program was highlighted by a new brown trout lake record of eleven pounds. More than 28,000 catchable and 156,000 fingerling trout were released into the Toccoa River downstream of Blue Ridge Reservoir dam. Water quality improvements of dam discharges by the Tennessee Valley Authority have enhanced the potential of this 15-mile long tailwater fishery as increased angler catch rates of 9 to 14-inch trout suggest. Cooperative monitoring and management efforts with the U.S. Forest Service have maintained and enhanced wild trout habitat on National Forest lands in Georgia. Brook trout samples were obtained as part of an east coast cooperative effort to distinguish and optimally manage genetically distinct populations of southern Appalachian brook trout. Research continued on the Lake Lanier tailwater to assess the relative contribution of wild fish in a heavily stocked, river population. The Section annually monitors the return of anadromous American shad adults to coastal rivers as stipulated in the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Shad and River Herring developed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Population size, age structure, and both commercial and sport angler harvests of American shad are assessed and reported back to the Commission. Georgia's commercial harvest of American shad in 2003 was up 33 percent over 2002 and totaled 33,823 pounds. An estimated 147,000 American shad returned to the Altamaha River to spawn during 2003, a 69 percent increase over the 87,000 fish estimated in 2002. Despite increases in 2003, shad populations are well below contemporary peak levels observed in the mid-1990s. Measured overall exploitation rate of returning adults was also extremely low and not expected to negatively impact their spawning success in the river. The Section continued its striped bass restoration efforts and population monitoring in Georgia's coastal plain rivers in hopes of re-establishing depleted stocks. Restoration stocking efforts, initiated by the Section in 1990, have been successful in increasing the number of striped bass in the lower Savannah River. Annual monitoring efforts indicate that current population numbers are approaching historic levels; however, natural recruitment has been minimal. Potential negative impacts of proposed habitat alteration projects associated with Savannah harbor expansion and channel deepening threatens the progress of recovery and continues to be a concern. The Section also initiated striped bass recovery efforts in the Altamaha River system; home to Georgia's striped bass record (63 lbs). However, striped bass numbers have declined in the river over the last several decades. Restoration stocking efforts began in the Altamaha River in November 2003 with the release of approximately 19,000 six to eight-inch, hatchery-reared striped bass. 3 The Section continues to introduce youth to fishing through the Kids Fishing Events (KFE) program. Section staff held a total of 456 Kids Fishing Events statewide with 29,787 youths attending. Twenty-four percent of the attendees were beginners and 79 percent caught at least one fish. Two hundred, forty-eight KFEs were classified as "general" events sponsored by sportsman organizations, local governments, civic organizations, businesses, private individuals, and the military. Sponsors were encouraged to promote the Section's KFE goals: to have fun, learn how to fish safely, follow rules, catch a fish, and touch a fish. Staff at 13 WRD facilities sponsored the remaining 208 events. Ponds at Burton and Buford hatcheries, set aside for fishing by families with children, also provided a quality fishing experience for 3,793 young anglers in FY2004. Aquatic Project WILD training was provided to 629 Georgia educators at 31 workshops conducted statewide. Twelve U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service personnel at the Okeefenokee National Wildlife Refuge were trained as Project WILD facilitators at a workshop held on the refuge. Two Advanced Project WILD workshops were conducted in FY2004 and attended by forty-one (41) educators and resource management professionals. Topics included invasive aquatic species, trout stream management, and diadromous fish management. Overall, Fisheries Section staff conducted 72 presentations to more than 22,208 adults on a variety of topics including the importance of aquatic resources, aquatic resource management issues, sport fishing, striped bass, pond management, erosion and sedimentation, and aquatic weed management. The Section also sponsored and staffed exhibits at the Turkey Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expos in Atlanta and Perry, the Georgia National Fair, Trout Fishing Primer, Unicoi Outdoor Adventure Day, Arrowhead Environmental Education Center Outdoor Adventure Day, Okefenokee Fair, National Wild Turkey Federation Jakes Day at Paradise Public Fishing Area, and Long County Wildlife Festival. It is estimated that a combined total of over 150,000 Georgians attended these events. The McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC) is operated through a partnership between WRD and four area resource and educational agencies. More than 30,000 students and teachers have benefited from outdoor classroom activities at the MEEC since it was formed in 1996. The MEEC served as the activities site for a Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs (HOF) curriculum that was adapted into a McDuffie County 21st Century summer program. During June, more than 200 students in grades K -8 came to the MEEC for HOF activities that included instruction on casting skills, knot tying, fish biology, and fishing techniques. MEEC also hosted two Riverkeepers' Adopt-A-Stream workshops in June 2004. The robust redhorse (Moxostoma robustum), an imperiled fish, was discovered in the Oconee River in 1991 during a survey conducted for the re-licensing of the Sinclair Hydroelectric Project. The Section has committed significant resources to recovery efforts for this species, and has been instrumental in the establishment of the Robust Redhorse Conservation Committee (RRCC). As the primary recovery vehicle, the RRCC coordinates the efforts of state, federal, and private sector personnel in a common goal of restoring the robust redhorse to a significant portion of its historic range in the Southeastern United 4 States. A total of 31,462 robust redhorse fry were produced in Spring 2004 and stocked into six rearing ponds at the Walton and Richmond Hill fish hatcheries. Phase I fingerlings harvested from these ponds in Fall 2004 will be stocked into the Ocmulgee, Ogeechee, and Oconee rivers and several ponds at the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge. The Ocmulgee River stockings between the Lloyd Shoals and Juliette dams represent a continuation of restoration efforts under a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) signed in January 2002 by Georgia Power Company, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Georgia DNR. Other significant species recovery activities included: negotiations with Juliette Dam licensee on the construction of fish passage devices, completion of a bank stabilization project at the Wise Creek Recreation Area, development of a comprehensive robust redhorse habitat management plan, completion of a draft Oconee River robust redhorse management plan, joint efforts with the Warm Springs Fish Technology Center to spawn pond-reared robust redhorse, and a continuation of a status survey on the Ocmulgee River to evaluate the success of stocking efforts initiated under the CCAA, development of plans for a robust redhorse display at the new Georgia Aquarium, drafting an article on robust redhorse for "Return of the Natives" a community guide focused on the restoration of fish and other aquatic species, and inclusion of robust redhorse as a key species in the `Weekend for Wildlife' aquarium display. The presence of non-native, flathead catfish in the Satilla River was confirmed in the summer of 1996. Public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of protecting the premier redbreast fishery that exists in this river. Consequently, the Section annually monitors the expansion of this catfish population and removes flatheads from the Satilla River in order to protect native fish populations. Fisheries staff expended 92 hours of electrofishing effort in FY2004 collecting 2,982 pounds of flathead catfish from approximately 90 miles of the Satilla River. This was a 28 percent decrease in electrofishing effort and a 44 percent decrease in total poundage removed from the previous year. High water levels experienced throughout much of the summer was the major factor influencing decreases in effort and catch. However, the overall capture rate of flathead catfish in the Satilla River has continued to increase despite annual removal efforts. Conversely, there has been no documented negative impact on native fish populations due to increased numbers of flatheads in the Satilla River. The Stream Survey Team assesses fish communities in wadeable streams across the state. Indices used to assess stream fish communities include the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), the modified index of well-being (Iwb), and a visual habitat assessment. The IBI is a robust measure of 12-13 fish community attributes used by Georgia biologists, in conjunction with the other indices, to determine possible point and non-point sources of pollution to the stream. In FY2004, the Stream Survey Team sampled 109 streams in the Ridge and Valley, Southeastern Plains, Blue Ridge, and Piedmont ecoregions of the state (Figure 2). Also in FY2004, scoring was completed for 153 streams that had been sampled in 2001 and 2002 in the Ridge and Valley portions of the Coosa and Tennessee river basins. From those streams, a list of 99 streams with impaired fish communities was provided to Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) with probable cause(s) of degradation. EPD is tasked with establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for the 5 Figure 2. Stream survey team FY2004 sampling locations and locations of sites reported to Georgia Environmental Protection Division where impairment of natural stream communities were detected from previous year's samples. 6 causative pollutant(s) in these impaired streams. The overall goal is to improve fish diversity, abundance, and health by meeting federal Clean Water Act criteria and returning impaired streams to their designated water use classification (fishing, swimming, drinking water, etc.). The Section continued to provide public service in other areas during FY2004. Sampling continued on Georgia's major reservoirs and streams to detect potential problems and monitor fish populations. Studies designed to identify management needs, assess fish populations, and evaluate ongoing programs continued. As a result of these activities, regulation changes to re-open the lower Savannah River to limited harvest of striped bass have been recommended, shoal bass fingerlings were stocked in the upper Chattahoochee River to restore an endemic population below Morgan Falls dam, introductions of native aquatic plants were evaluated in lakes Oconee and West Point, improvements to white bass spawning habitat in Lakes Lanier and Nottely and trout stream habitats in Johns and Smith creeks were completed, and enhancement of in-stream springs were conducted to improve thermal refuge capacity for striped bass in the lower Flint River. A total of 913 fish attractors were installed or maintained in lakes Allatoona, Blackshear, Burton, Carters, Chatuge, Hugh Gillis, Rabun, Antioch East, Antioch West, Heath, Sinclair, and Steve Bell. Maps showing the locations of fish attractors were also developed for Lakes Allatoona and Carters. Over 2.1 million fingerling fish, produced at the Section's six warm water hatcheries, were distributed for stocking in 1,196 privately owned, newly constructed, or renovated ponds to establish fish populations. Over 1.04 million hybrid bass fingerlings were produced and stocked into 11 lakes and reservoirs. Also, more than 1.45 million Atlantic and Gulf Coast strain striped bass fingerlings were raised in Georgia hatcheries and stocked into 12 reservoirs. An additional 18,846 six to eight-inch striped bass were also produced and stocked into the lower Altamaha River as part of a management plan aimed at reestablishing a self-sustaining population in that river basin. 7 Appendix A: Tables showing important facts about fishing in Georgia, information on revenue earned, and expenditures for FY2004. 8 Table A-1. Important statistics on sport fishing in Georgia. Item Total freshwater resident anglers 16 years and older Total resident anglers 6 to 15 years old Total annual fishing trips by resident anglers (16 years and older) Total annual days spent freshwater fishing (16 years and older) Annual average days spent freshwater fishing (16 years and older) Total annual expenditures by all resident and non-resident anglers in Georgia (16 years and older) Economic impact of sport fishing on Georgia's economy Estimated number of jobs generated Estimated state sales tax generated from the sale of sport fishing related items Number 892,000 a 398,000 a 10,697,000 a 12,555,000 a 14 a $568,712,000 b $1,140,197,000 b 10,649 b $19,453,000 b a 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation - Georgia published by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau in November 2002. b Sportfishing in America: Values of Our Traditional Pastime published by the American Sportfishing Association. Calculations are based on data from the "2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation." 9 Table A-2. Revenue (to the nearest dollar) generated by the Fisheries Section from license sales in calendar year 2004.a Type of License License Sales Calendar Year 2004 (January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004) Number Lifetime (new issues) Combination Hunting-Fishing Sportsman=s Resident Fishing Resident Trout One-Day Fishing Non-Resident Season Fishing Non-Resident 7-day Fishing Non-Resident Season Trout 1,971 59,389 42,287 469,222 98,548 65,880 15,460 32,635 9,207 Revenue 323,995 b 486,990 b 1,242,181 b 3,941,465 433,611 191,052 361,764 208,864 114,167 Totals 794,599 $ 7,304,089 a In addition to license sales shown, the Wildlife Resources Division sold 41,986 resident Wildlife Management Area (WMA) stamps for $772,542 and 1,580 non-resident WMA stamps for $113,365. A WMA stamp is required to fish on any Public Fishing Area or hunt on any WMA. It is not practical to calculate the portion of this revenue generated by anglers. b This figure represents only half of the revenue generated by this license. The other half is considered generated by hunters. 10 Table A-3. Fisheries Section expenditures (thousands of dollars) by region and program with total staff-days in FY2004.a PROGRAM COST TOTAL TOTAL HQb I II III IV V VI VII COST STAFF-DAYS Private Waters Management 14.2 34.8 9.3 57.4 46.7 49.8 65.4 28.9 306.5 1,395 Public Waters Management General Technical Guidance Habitat Management Surveys and Inventories Fish Population Mangement Aquatic Plant Control Aquatic Education Resource Studies c 688.3 55.7 19.6 9.9 319.6 2.0 1.1 93.1 187.3 332.9 87.6 89.2 14.6 120.3 21.2 659.2 279.5 66.1 13.5 251.9 45.8 2.4 510.4 68.6 85.2 39.2 265.2 52.2 659.6 349.4 42.9 110.5 81.9 22.5 43.5 8.9 438.0 74.5 70.1 26.2 171.2 40.4 55.6 463.4 195.7 22.9 223.4 21.4 289.8 93.7 28.3 134.1 33.7 4,041.6 1,204.7 424.3 213.9 1,567.6 42.4 23.6 366.5 198.6 14,118 4,104 1,606 801 5,955 145 94 1,409 4 Hatchery Production & Stocking Coldwater Hatcheries Warmwater Hatcheries 97.9 44.5 53.4 312.1 200.5 111.6 760.1 718.2 41.9 233.2 233.2 8.4 359.8 137.3 208.8 2,117.6 963.2 8.4 359.8 137.3 208.8 1,154.4 7,755 3,349 4,406 Public Fishing Areas 62.7 344.7 138.6 183.6 627.1 1,356.7 6,371 Facility Construction and Maintenance Capital Outlay & New Construction Operations & Maintenance 451.0 440.3 10.7 46.7 22.2 24.5 16.6 3.4 13.2 88.5 59.5 29.0 826.3 804.8 21.5 96.7 17.9 78.8 64.2 25.5 38.7 28.1 1,618.1 13.4 1,387.0 14.7 231.1 2,171 1,639 532 11 Totals 1,314.1 1,071.2 1,445.2 1,028.1 1,724.6 944.3 1,357.4 555.6 9,440.5 d 31,810 a Figures may differ somewhat from the final June 2004 Fiscal Accounting and Control System (FACS) printout since errors in the FACS printout were corrected for this report. b Headquarters office expenses and staff-days were prorated to all programs as administrative support with the exception of Public Waters Management, Aquatic Plant Control, Aquatic Education, Resource Studies, and Capital Outlay and New Construction. These five programs include both specific and prorated Headquarters cost. c This category includes contracted studies in addition to Resource Studies conducted by Section personnel. d Total includes $4,138,362 in funding from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program. Appendix B: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Private Waters Management Program in FY2004. 12 Table B-1. Number of field investigations on private waters in each region in FY2004. 13 Region Balance Aquatic Plant Control Fish Kill Prestocking General Region Check Management Totals Regional Percentages I 36 36 5% II 3 1 2 1 4 11 1% III 147 73 10 IV 87 29 18 16 246 30% 46 180 22% V 124 5 4 7 40 180 22% VI 35 28 24 1 20 108 13% VII 26 29 4 59 7% Statewide Totals 458 136 87 9 130 820 100% % of Totals 56% 16% 11% 1% 16% 100% Table B-2. Private Waters Program FY2004 fish distribution by Regional location of pond. Fish are provided to pond owners to establish fishable populations in newly constructed or renovated ponds. Region Bass-bream ponds stocked Number Acres Percent stocked at fertilized rate Number Acres Species and number stocked Bluegill Redear Largemouth sunfish bass Channel catfish Catfish only ponds stocked Number Acres I 40 96 40,776 10,194 II 20 32 10.0% 37.5% 22,200 5,550 III 119 319 2.5% 2.0% 121,880 30,470 IV 97 534 3.1% 4.1% 213,780 53,445 V 139 693 1.4% 0.6% 276,140 69,035 VI 339 1,578 1.2% 0.3% 620,380 148,545 VII 82 166 65,660 16,615 Statewide totals 836 3,417 1.7% 1.6% 1,360,816 333,854 5,098 2,775 16,262 27,273 29,578 80,898 6,415 168,299 9,238 8,250 29,681 20,450 52,593 103,603 19,300 243,115 17 34 14 50 62 123 20 76 78 216 131 377 38 187 360 1,063 14 Appendix C: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Public Waters Management Program in FY2004. 15 Table C-1. Aquatic plant management activities conducted statewide during FY2004. Body of water County Target pest(s) Control method Acres No. of Cost of Management objectives; treated treatments treatment treatment effectiveness Blackshear Crisp, Dooly, Sumter, Worth Lyngbya Cutrine Plus, 60 lbs/acre Improve access; good success 5.0 1 $370 with control Crisp, Dooly, American lotus, Ludwigia, Rodeo,0.08 gal/acre @ 1%, 2,4-D Impede invasion, improve Blackshear Sumter, Worth Parrotfeather, Watermilfoil 0.04 gal/acre @ 0.05% 5.0 1 $373 access; good success with control Blackshear Crisp, Dooly, Sumter, Worth Parrotfeather, Spatterdock, Water hyacinth Renovate 3, 1.5 gal/acre Impede invasion, improve 5.0 1 $370 access; good success with control Blackshear Crisp, Dooly, Sumter, Worth Lemon bacopa 2,4-D, 2 gal/acre; Renovate 3; 0.75 Impede invasion, improve gal/acre; Aqua-King, 1 qt/acre 8.0 2 $593 access; poor success with little control Reed Bingham State Park 1 Cook Hydrilla Sonar Q, 5.2 lbs/acre 102.0 1 $7,560 Impede invasion; improve access; good control 16 Reed Bingham State Park 1 Cook Hydrilla Sonar PR, 5.2 lbs/acre 94.0 1 $6,967 Impede invasion; improve access; good control Reed Bingham State Park 1 Cook Claxton Pond Evans Alligatorweed, Ludwigia, Spatterdock, Water 2,4-D 1.5 gal/acre hyacinth 20.0 1 $1,482 Impede invasion; improve access; good control Giant salvinia Impede invasion, stop expansion; Rodeo, 1.1 gal/acre; Reward, 1.5 23.0 3 $1,705 Rodeo-fair control, Reward- gal/acre excellent control Agrirama Pond 1 Tift Lidwigia, Watermilfoil Renovate 3, 2.05 gal/acre 17.0 1 $1,260 Impede invasion; improve access; good control Lake Worth 1 Dougherty Hydrilla Reward, 2 gal/acre; Komeen, 4 25.0 1 $1,853 Impede invasion; improve gal/acre access; good control Private pond Bryan Giant salvinia, Water hyacinth Reward, 2 gal/acre 0.25 2 $200 Eradication; complete eradication Grand Total 304.3 15 $22,733 1 Chemicals were purchased and paid ($33,855) by Georgia Power Co., DNR Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division, and SePRO Corp. and not included in the cost of treatment column. Table C-2. Fish kills investigated by the Fisheries Section in FY2004. Category of cause Industrial Municipal a Natural / Disease Undetermined Total Number of incidents 6 3 7 1 17 Fish killed Number Value 34,901 $19,615.29 820 10,838 $135.32 b $160.14 8 $0.00 46,567 $19,910.75 a Includes fish kills caused by sewage discharges from county or city waste treatment facilities. b Estimates of the number of fish killed by disease or natural causes are not normally calculated using accepted fish kill counting guidelines. Estimates for the value of fish are, therefore, rarely calculated. 17 Table C-3. Environmental reviews and assessments conducted by the Fisheries Section in FY2004. Agency and type of review Number a Georgia Department of Natural Resources Requests to build ponds on trout streams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Stream buffer issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Surface mining permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Statewide Water Management plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Georgia State Clearinghouse Project reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 U.S. Government Agency Permits, Projects and Plans Army Corps of Engineers - Plans and projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - License Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Tennessee Valley Authority - Environmental assessments. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 U.S. Forest Service - Plans and projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 U.S. Park Service Management plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Plans and projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Local & Regional Government Projects Developments having regional impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 a Each project, plan or permit is counted only once, even though the Section may have provided comments on more than one occasion. Only those projects on which the Section prepared comments are included in these numbers. Numerous other documents were reviewed on which comments were not prepared. 18 Appendix D: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Trout Production Program in FY2004. 19 Table D-1. Trout production (lbs), conversion ratios, and costs at state hatcheries in FY2004. Hatchery Species RAINBOW BROWN Total Cost a Total Per lb Catchables Buford Net weight gain Conversion ratio 172,040 1.09 20,952 1.06 192,992 1.09 $340,563 $1.76 Burton Net weight gain Conversion ratio 106,501 1.34 6,681 0.96 113,182 1.32 $251,117 $2.22 Summerville Net weight gain Conversion ratio 17,656 1.22 17,656 1.22 $80,173 $4.54 20 Total Net weight gain Conversion ratio b 296,197 1.19 27,633 1.03 323,830 1.17 $671,853 $2.07 Cost per pound to stock trout from state hatcheries: Total production and distribution costs per pound: $0.43 $2.51 Fingerlings c Summerville Production of 1,503,936 fingerling rainbow trout (3.5 inch mean length) weighing 24,751 pounds. $95,312 $3.85 Grand Total Catchable and Fingerling Costs $767,165 $2.64 a Costs do not include administrative costs of the Headquarters staff or costs of capital outlay improvements. b Conversion ratios used in totals are weighted means. c Summerville Hatchery began fingerling production in FY98 and is expected to be the State's primary source of fingerling trout in the future. Small numbers of fingerlings are also produced at Buford and Burton hatcheries, but production costs were not estimated separately. The cost of fingerlings & fry received from federal hatcheries is unknown and not included. Table D-2. Species, number, and weight (lbs) of trout stocked into Georgia's public waters from state and federal hatcheries during FY2004. Facility _______R_A__IN_B__O_W________ Number Weight ________B_R_O__W_N_________ Number Weight ________T_O__T_A_L__________ Number Weight STATE HATCHERY Buford catchables fingerlings Burton catchables fingerlings Summerville catchables fingerlings 415,254 143,663 287,184 169,051 62,208 105,173 154,685 7,482 107,828 4,503 23,304 1,930 66,879 21,837 49,530 77,667 26,659 1,011 20,507 600 482,133 165,500 336,714 246,718 62,208 105,173 181,344 8,493 128,335 5,103 23,304 1,930 21 FEDERAL HATCHERY Chattahoochee Forest catchables fingerlings 296,807 109,886 13,610 4,357 310,417 114,243 TOTAL catchables fingerlings 1,061,453 417,887 395,703 13,915 130,019 99,504 51,523 1,611 1,191,472 517,391 447,226 15,526 Table D-3. Species, number, and weight (lbs) of catchable trout by habitat stocked from all hatcheries in FY2004. Locations stocked RAINBOW Number Weight BROWN Number Weight TOTAL Number Weight STREAMS BY COUNTY Bartow 11,450 4,169 Catoosa 2,400 934 Chattooga 4,412 1,647 Cherokee 1,600 585 Dawson 29,485 10,711 Fannin 95,032 38,546 Floyd 30,143 11,352 Gilmer 23,615 8,085 Gordon 1,800 692 Habersham 24,124 8,310 Haralson 7,200 2,636 Lumpkin 91,652 32,281 Murray 32,304 10,629 Paulding 3,000 1,116 Pickens 7,950 2,585 Polk 1,800 643 Rabun 122,765 47,119 Stephens 44,687 15,025 Towns 41,143 15,751 Union 76,319 28,256 Walker 17,239 6,415 --W---h--it-e------------ --------9--8-,-9--9-4- --------3--7-,-0--6-6- --T--o--ta--l------------ ------7--6--9-,-1--1-4- ------2--8--4-,-5--5-3- 1,800 602 5,350 1,500 3,450 3,653 100 1,719 670 1,291 1,496 105 850 284 29,801 11,824 5,178 2,215 1,775 620 6,993 2,366 700 312 --------1--3-,-6--0-3- ----------5-,-6--8-2- --------7--4-,-7--5-3- --------2--9-,-1--8-6- 13,250 4,771 2,400 934 4,412 1,647 1,600 585 29,485 10,711 100,382 40,265 31,643 12,022 27,065 9,376 1,800 692 27,777 9,806 7,200 2,636 91,752 32,386 32,304 10,629 3,000 1,116 8,800 2,869 1,800 643 152,566 58,943 49,865 17,240 42,918 16,371 83,312 30,622 17,939 6,727 ------1--1--2-,-5--9-7- --------4--2-,-7--4-8- ------8--4--3-,-8--6-7- ------3--1--3-,-7--3-9- TAILWATERS Blue Ridge Hartwell Lanier --M---o-r-g--a--n--F--a-l-l-s-- --T--o--ta--l------------ 28,330 10,459 28,200 109,900 10,624 40,380 --------6--1-,-7--1-9- --------2--5-,-0--5-6- ------2--2--8-,-1--4-9- --------8--6-,-5--1-9- 33,030 11,818 ----------2-,-3--8-2- ----------1-,-7--0-6- --------3--5-,-4--1-2- --------1--3-,-5--2-4- 28,330 10,459 28,200 142,930 10,624 52,198 --------6--4-,-1--0-1- --------2--6-,-7--6-2- ------2--6--3-,-5--6-1- ------1--0--0-,-0--4-3- RESERVOIRS AND SMALL LAKES Black Rock 2,300 821 Dockery 11,990 4,218 Lake Burton 4,000 2,133 Nancytown 13,000 4,606 Rock Creek 11,000 4,656 Vogel 3,000 1,071 Winfield Scott 18,900 7,126 -------------------- ---------------- ---------------- Total 64,190 24,631 -------------------- ---------------- ---------------- GRAND TOTAL 1,061,453 395,703 17,391 8,010 363 147 2,100 656 ---------------- ---------------- 19,854 8,813 ---------------- ---------------- 130,019 51,523 2,300 821 11,990 4,218 21,391 10,143 13,000 4,606 11,000 4,656 3,363 1,218 21,000 7,782 ---------------- ---------------- 84,044 33,444 ---------------- ---------------- 1,191,472 447,226 22 Table D-4. Species, number, and weight (lbs) of fingerling trout by habitat stocked from all hatcheries in FY2004. Locations stocked RAINBOW Number Weight BROWN Number Weight TOTAL Number Weight STREAMS BY COUNTY Gilmer 50,000 460 50,000 460 Habersham 17,000 59 4,044 40 21,044 99 Lumpkin 19,000 65 19,000 65 Rabun 47,000 1,908 15,049 149 62,049 2,057 Stephens 10,000 34 10,000 34 Towns 3,000 10 3,000 10 White 51,765 372 494 41 52,259 413 Total 197,765 2,908 19,587 230 217,352 3,138 TAILWATERS Blue Ridge Morgan Falls Total 98,636 75,000 173,636 4,710 2,992 7,702 58,080 21,837 79,917 370 1,011 1,381 156,716 96,837 253,553 5,080 4,003 9,083 RESERVOIRS AND SMALL LAKES Lake Burton 46,486 Total 46,486 3,305 3,305 GRAND TOTAL 417,887 13,915 99,504 1,611 46,486 3,305 517,391 15,526 23 Appendix E: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Warmwater Hatchery Production Program in FY2004. 24 Table E-1. Total numbers and cost per fish of warmwater species produced at state hatcheries in FY2004. Species Acres Number Number per acre Cost pera fish ($) Bluegill Fingerling Channel catfish Fry Fingerling Intermediate Harvestable Hybrid white-striped bass Fry Fingerling Lake sturgeon Fry Fingerling Largemouth bass d Fingerling Adv. Fingerling Harvestable Redear sunfish Fingerling Robust redhorse Fry Shoal bass Fingerling Striped bass Fry Fingerling Intermediate Walleye Fry Fingerling 27.52 7.10 9.66 18.68 10.60 b 24.90 c c 11.25 3.10 1.89 7.06 b 6.00 b 11.56 2.40 b 1.28 4,532,042 1,860,000 896,215 408,165 44,544 7,350,000 1,087,577 40,438 13,880 809,421 35,210 458 868,352 12,627 222,966 6,500,000 927,143 19,246 272,562 106,286 164,682 261,972 92,776 21,850 4,202 b 43,678 c c 71,949 11,358 242 122,996 b 37,161 b 80,203 8,019 b 83,036 0.032 0.027 0.105 0.416 2.050 0.007 0.078 c c 0.092 0.938 44.187 0.065 0.001 0.297 0.007 0.037 1.024 0.025 0.343 Totals (all sizes) 145.05 26,007,132 e 79,425 f 0.087 f a Cost of each production phase includes cost of previous phase. b Not applicable, these fry were hatched in jars and placed in aquaria. c Sturgeon were raised in trout raceways at Summerville Fish Hatchery. A total of $63,292 was expended on the experimental culture of this species. d Numbers produced include 96,588 largemouth bass F1 hybrids (Florida x northern) raised at McDuffie and Walton fish hatcheries. e Differences between the production totals in this table and the distribution totals in Table E-4 result from handling, holding, and transport mortalities, the use of surplus fish as forage to maintain spawning stocks, and the stocking of fish produced on federal hatcheries. f Weighted means. Striped bass fry, hybrid white-striped bass fry, lake sturgeon (all sizes), walleye fry, and robust redhorse fry are not included. 25 26 Table E-2. Number of each warmwater fish species produced at state hatcheries in FY2004. Species Bowens Mill Bluegill Fingerling 963,532 Channel catfish Fry Fingerling Intermediate Harvestable 233,226 1,265 Hybrid white-striped bass Fry Fingerling 102,515 Lake sturgeon a Fry Fingerling Largemouth bass b Fingerling 182,869 Adv. Fingerling 35,210 Intermediate Harvestable Redear sunfish Fingerling 136,650 Robust redhorse Fry Shoal bass Fingerling Striped bass c Fry Fingerling Intermediate Walleye Fry Fingerling Burton Cordele McDuffie 1,231,307 2,400 1,550,000 85,948 180,241 18,781 310,000 353,756 34,715 12,812 279,655 5,479 181,470 197,000 189 227,480 12,627 271,828 7,696 Richmond Hill Steve Cocke Summerville 1,156,701 816,400 107,512 37,166 7,350,000 606,587 115,773 143,750 8,400 98,820 150,925 196,625 40,438 13,880 236,163 122,400 6,500,000 175,839 19,246 41,496 293,966 272,562 54,457 Total (all sizes) 1,655,267 15,575 2,296,095 2,651,714 16,340,139 1,837,630 a Experimental production of sturgeon for species restoration stockings. Fish were raised in concrete trout raceways. b Numbers produced include 96,588 F1 hybrid (Florida x northern) largemouth bass raised at McDuffie and Walton hatcheries. c Numbers produced include 293,966 Gulf Coast strain striped bass fingerlings raised at Steve Cocke Hatchery. 381,337 Walton Total 364,102 4,532,042 9,893 3,286 1,860,000 896,215 408,165 44,544 7,350,000 1,087,577 40,438 13,880 76,523 269 612,421 35,210 197,000 458 145,659 868,352 12,627 222,966 185,510 6,500,000 927,143 19,246 44,133 829,375 272,562 106,286 26,007,132 Table E-3. Cost per fish (dollars) for warmwater fish species produced at state hatcheries in FY2004. 27 Species Bowens Mill Burton Richmond Cordele McDuffie Hill Steve Cocke Summerville Walton Total Bluegill Fingerling 0.037 Channel catfish Fry Fingerling Intermediate Harvestable 0.104 6.103 Hybrid white-striped bass Fry Fingerling 0.240 Lake sturgeon a Fry Fingerling Largemouth bass b Fingerling 0.256 Adv. Fingerling 0.938 Harvestable Redear sunfish Fingerling 0.093 Robust redhorse Fry Shoal bass Fingerling Striped bass Fry Fingerling Intermediate Walleye Fry Fingerling 0.482 0.322 1.865 0.028 0.134 0.484 1.839 0.077 0.204 0.010 0.024 0.072 0.406 1.959 0.020 16.84 0.029 0.001 0.070 0.026 0.136 0.499 0.007 0.059 0.090 0.044 0.007 0.027 1.025 0.062 0.155 0.274 1.171 0.027 0.030 0.131 0.703 0.017 0.457 3.302 0.025 0.301 0.045 0.942 4.297 0.035 63.439 0.073 0.029 0.129 0.032 0.027 0.105 0.416 2.050 0.007 0.078 0.457 3.302 0.092 0.938 44.187 0.065 0.001 0.297 0.007 0.037 1.024 0.025 0.343 a A total of $64,292 was expended as part of an experimental effort to develop and refine culture methods for Lake Sturgeon production at the Summerville Hatchery as part of an effort to restore this species to it native range in the Coosa River basin. b Numbers produced include 96,588 F1 hybrid (Florida x northern) largemouth bass raised at McDuffie and Walton hatcheries. Table E-4. Warmwater fish distributed from state hatcheries in FY2004. Totals include fish provided by federal hatcheries, surplus brood brood stock, and fish available as by-products of other programs. 28 Species Bluegill Fingerling Channel catfish Fingerling Intermediate Harvestable Grass carp Intermediate Lake sturgeon Fingerling Harvestable Largemouth bass Fingerling Adv. Fingerling Harvestable Redear sunfish Fingerling Shoal bass Fingerling Striped bass - Atlantic strain Fry Fingerling Intermediate Striped bass - Gulf strain Fingerling Adv. Fingerling White-striped bass hybrid Fingerling Walleye Fry Fingerling Harvestable Total (all sizes) Kid's fishing events 66,287 6,030 289,952 31,674 45 13,867 407,855 Other fisheries agencies 5,500 7,507 Private waters 1,360,816 243,115 Public fishing areas 1,425,866 153,385 51,400 3,795 693 116,625 550 2,969,000 168,299 333,854 50 76,933 131,004 72,750 3,302,936 2,106,084 1,712,122 Publicly owned small lakes 113,843 156,105 20,935 500 Reservoirs 112,000 7,000 19,725 186 39,982 55,982 5,479 28,000 635,177 400 351,676 770,469 46,206 1,041,503 21,250 100,097 2,823,163 Rivers & streams 11,811 55 212,204 18,846 12 242,928 Totala 3,078,812 571,135 362,287 35,969 738 19,318 55 360,631 5,479 236 492,636 212,754 2,969,000 635,177 18,846 770,469 46,206 1,172,907 94,000 100,097 12 10,946,764 a Totals do not include fry or fingerlings distributed to other Georgia hatcheries for later production phases. Appendix F: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Public Fishing Area Program in FY2004. 29 Table F-1. Public Fishing Area operational costs for FY2004. Region Area Ownership I Rocky Mountain a III McDuffie IV Big Lazer IV Marben Farms VI Dodge County VI Evans County VI Hugh M. Gillis b VI Paradise Private State State State State State State State Number of lakes Acres open to public fishing 2 559.0 4 60.0 1 195.0 22 294.3 1 104.0 3 97.0 3 111.0 68 535.0 Total operating cost ($) 344,651 135,508 43,413 140,146 94,945 109,727 199,228 223,182 Total 104 1,955.3 1,290,799 a Operational costs of public fishing area, campground, and swimming beach is annually funded through a contract with Oglethorpe Power Corporation. b Recently constructed public fishing area formerly known as Laurens County opened to the public in August 2003 and was dedicated to State Senator Hugh M. Gillis. 30 Appendix G: Tables showing information on the Fisheries Section Resource Studies in FY2004. 31 Table G-1. Expenditures on resource studies and contracts by Region during FY2004. Region Study Title / Work Contracted Northeast (II) West Central (IV) Hydroacoustics data analysis for monitoring blueback herring populations in Lakes Burton, Rabun and Tugalo Charllie Elliott Wildlife Center detainee work crew fees for services Headquarters Headquarters Auburn University, S.E. Cooperation Fish Disease Project provides for diagnostic services, workshops and consultant services UGA, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit - provides for research and education of fishery students Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Dr. Carl Quertermus - State University of West Georgia Statistical Services Contract - provides for statistical analysis of tournament fishing data Responsive Management-Survey on Participation in Freshwater & Saltwater Sport Fishing in Georgia Georgia Public TV Contract - Approximately 22 Georgia Outdoor News programs a year to better educate and inform the general public on conservation and preservation of wildlife in Georgia Auburn University-Southeastern Cooperative Fish Disease Study (F-16) Auburn University-Southeastern Cooperative Fish Genetics (F-42) Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters Headquarters University of Georgia Research Foundation - Reintroduction of Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River University of Georgia Research Foundation - Center for Remote Mapping Science - electronic mapping and database services University of Georgia Research Foundation - Effects of Trout Stocking on Native Non-Game Fishes in Georgia Administrative project review and support services Cost 2,400 8,924 8,280 13,333 2,000 12,500 25,000 12,000 16,000 67,761 5,000 24,840 549 Total $198,587 32 Appendix H: Table showing the Fisheries Section maintenance and construction projects in FY2004. 33 Table H-1. Facility maintenance and construction projects statewide during FY2004. 34 Project Project Description Boat Ramp Construction (statewide) Boat Ramp Repair and Maintenance (statewide) Evans County Public Fishing Area Planning and coordination activities were conducted on a number of potential sites around the state. Land acquisition for the site on the Oconee River below the Sinclair Dam in Baldwin County has yet to be completed. The third, double lane ramp, planned for the Lake Sinclair ramp in Putnam County has been postponed until further warranted. A new boat ramp was constructed on Spring Creek at Brinson Bridge Landing in Decatur County and includes a boat ramp, paved parking lot, two handicap parking spaces, and a paved entrance road. A second new boat ramp was completed on White Oak Creek on the Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area in Meriwether County. This ramp also provides access to the nearby Flint River and includes a gravel parking lot and entrance road with one paved handicap parking space. Construction permits and clearances were obtained for the Etowah River site off GA Hwy. 1 loop in Floyd County. Plans for a new and improved boat ramp on the Ogeechee River at GA Hwy. 4/ U.S. Hwy. 1 in Jefferson County has been included in the bridge replacement plans being prepared by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Fisheries Section is consulting with GADOT designers on this project. Inspections were completed statewide on all Department-owned or operated boat ramps no less than once during the year with many being inspected on numerous occasions. Inspections included trash collection and removal and grass mowing. Parking areas were paved at Deen's Landing on the Altamaha River and the Marine Corps Ditch boat ramp on the Flint River. Paved parking areas at Shuck Pen Eddy and GA Hwy 72 ramps on Lake Russell were cleared of invasive vegetation, re-sealed and restriped. A new service pier was also installed at the GA Hwy 72 site. Revetment materials were installed adjacent to boat ramps at Carters Bight Landing on the Altamaha River (Appling County) and at the GA Hwy 78 site on the Ogeechee River (Jefferson County) to address erosion problems. Additional revetment materials were installed at the Redbird Creek ramp at Fort McAllister State Park campground in a cooperative effort with the GA Coastal Resources Division. Repairs and improvements were made on boating access facilities at four Fisheries Section Public Fishing Areas. McDuffie Public Fishing Area had boat ramps renovated on ponds 3E and 3W, service piers installed on ponds 8E, 3E, 1W, 3W, and 4W, and handicap parking spaces added on lots at ponds 8E, 4E, and 3W. A fish cleaning station was also purchased for installation at the McDuffie Public Fishing Area. The boat ramp on Six-Acre Lake on Evans County Public Fishing Area was renovated. This included adjoining the ramp to an existing handicap parking space and starting construction on a new restroom facility. Seven service piers were purchased with one each installed on Lakes Patrick, Horseshoe 4, and Horseshoe 5 at Paradise Public Fishing Area in Berrien County. A new fish cleaning station was purchased and installed at the boating access area on Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area in Laurens County. Two additional fish cleaning stations were purchased for future installations. Small repairs to parking lots, signage, service piers, and ramps were also done on other Wildlife Resources Division boating access sites statewide. Topographic survey work of main dam, Sands Lake, east end of dam (potential borrow area) 2 acresfor proposed office site, 8 acres for kid's fishing pond, and spot grades on lake bottom from water edge and at spillway. Total Cost 252,928 675,363 8,600 Table H-1 (continued). Facility maintenance and construction projects statewide during FY2004. 35 Project Project Description Hugh M. Gillis Public Fishing Area Engineering fees for on-site monitoring services. This project is complete. Summerville Fish Hatchery Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area Walton Fish Hatchery McDuffie Public Fishing Area Waycross Office Cordele Fish Hatchery Steve Cocke Fish Hatchery Richmond Hill Fish Hatchery Supplies and materials to install an electric gate at hatchery managers' residence. Additional funds to cover new construction cost ($49,504). Funds to cover a surveillance, diffusion and fertilization systems ($35,861.07). Aerial photography, ortho-photography, and mapping services ($3,800). Maintenance and updating of Hatchery Manager's Residence. New flooring, kitchen countertops, cabinets and re-painting of interior walls. Additional funds to cover engineering services for construction monitoring on east-side dams, 3E, 4E & 8E ($40,802.84). Survey cost ($1,350). Additional funds to cover construction cost of east-side dams ($203,805). Repairs to water-damaged building. Repairs to include: remove and replace flooring, baseboards, doors, trim molding, provide foundation repair, general carpentry, replace wallpaper, borders, carpet, and paneling. A 14 X 14 block restroom on concrete slab, shingle roof, four sky lights, and 2 metal doors at the educational facility. Replace siding on office building and two pump houses ($9,645). Replace air conditioning system ($3,693.92). Re-shingle main hatchery building roof Headquarters Administrative costs Prorated expenses of headquarters staff to manage capital outlay projects. Total Expenditures Total Cost 3,066 10,000 89,165 10,021 245,958 20,000 4,237 13,339 8,400 45,886 $1,386,963