STATE OF NEW YORK CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ERIE-NIAGARA SYSTEM Supplemental to Eighteenth Annual Report, 1928 ALBANY J. B, LYON COMPANY. PRINTERS 1929 i 1930 Gift of Richard H. Backus August, 1988 r' STATE OF NEW YORK -A V CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ERIE-NIAGARA SYSTEM 3t m m ru m ; ru i a i ° i p-R i D : nn Supplemental to Eighteenth Annual Report, 1928 ^^M,. MAP INE BIOLC GICAL lap::- '. • ' — -' — . — . «_ i ' '■ . .._ _ \vgg:;^';::c .1, \m^. w. ;<. 0 f. ALBANY J. B. LYON COMPANY, PRINTERS 1929 STATE OF NEW YORK CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT Alexander Macdonald Conservation Commissioner Francis X. Disney Deputy Conservation Commissioner Herbert F, Prescott Secretary Division of Fish and Game Llewellyn Legge Chief Protector John T. McCormick Deputy Chief Protector Emmeline Moore, Ph.D Investigator in Fish Culture Justin T. Mahoney Superintendent of hjland Fisheries Sumner M. Cowden Field Superintendent CONTENTS PAGE Introduction 9 Area of survey 9 Authorization of survey 10 Table showing plantings of fish in watershed 11 Statistics 10 Program of Erie-Niagara survey 11 Organization of staff 12 Continuation studies 13 Conditions of pollution in Erie-Xiagara watershed 14 Stocking lists and maps 16 Colored plates 16 Results of survey 17 Papers b}' specialists 18 Section I. Stocking policy for lakes, streams and ponds of Erie-Niagara watershed exclusive of Lake Erie 19 Table 1. Planting table for trout streams 20 Temperature in relation to distribution of trout 21 Table 2. Relation of air and water temperatures 21 Table 3. Probable relation of maximum air and water temperatures 22 Table 4. Comparison of air and water temperatures in three trout streams. ... 22 Quantitative study of the fish population in streams 23 Change in policy for rainbow trout 24 Competition between minnows and trout 24 Stream mileage suitable for stocking 27 Table 5. Distribution of trout stream mileage 27 The more successful trout streams and ponds 28 Table 6. Analysis of water in Ledge creek 29 Proposed artificial lake for Zoar valley 33 Important bass ponds and lakes 37 Table 7. Temperatures in Lime lake 38 Section XL A preliminary report on the joint survej' of Lake Erie 39 Introduction 39 Program and itinery 39 Table 1. Shearwater stations 40 Physical observations 42 Chemical and bacteriological observations 42 Biological observations 42 Table 2. Navette stations 43 Discussion of results 45 1 . Hydrography 45 Equipment 45 Temperatures 46 Transparency 46 Table 3 46 Distribution of temperature 46 Currents 46 2. Bacterial studies of Lake Erie 56 3. Chemical studies of Lake Erie 58 4. Microplankton studies of Lake Erie 60 Field methods 60 Laboratory methods 61 Genera and species of microplankton 63 Quantity of microplankton 64 5. Macroplankton of Lake Erie 67 Apparatus and methods 67 Importance of the macroplankton 67 Relation to microplankton 67 Components and amount 68 [3] 4 Contents 5. ]\Iacroplankton of Lake Erie — (Continued) page Horizontal distribution 69 Marginal zone 69 Littoral zone 69 Lacustric zone 70 Summary 72 List of species 74 Copepoda 74 Cladocera 75 Other Crustacea 76 6. Contributions to the early life history of Lake Erie fishes 76 Problem 76 Methods 76 Sunmiary of results 78 Table 4. Record of species of young fishes 79 Table 5. Station record of young fishes 81 Family Coregonidae 82 Family Percidae 90 Family Centrarchidae 93 7. Seining records and food of the intermediate stages of Lake Erie fishes . . 95 Table 6. Record of stomach contents 96 Summary and conclusions 100 Physical hydrography 100 Bacteriology and chemistry 101 Biology 102 Table 7 104 General discussion 106 Section III. Chemical investigation of the Erie-Niagara watershed 107 Types of pollution 107 Methods employed 107 Classification of data 110 Lake Erie studies 110 Niagara river 112 Other streams 114 Cattaraugus creek 117 Tables 120 Series I: Chemical analyses — shore waters of Lake Erie 120 Series TI: Chemical analyses — water of Niagara river 124 Series III: Chemical analyses — streams of Erie-Niagara watershed 127 Series IV: Chemical analyses — Cattaraugus creek 132 Section IV. Biological investigations of pollution in the Erie-Niagara watershed 134 Methods 134 Lake Erie and Niagara river 134 Sewage and industrial pollution 135 Milk pollution 136 Oil, acid and iron pollution 136 Cilue and tannery wastes 136 Tabulation of pollution studies in Erie-Niagara watershed 138 Indicators tolerant of sewage pollution in Erie-Niagara watershed 139 Section V. Studies upon the fish blood and its relation to stream pollution 140 The blood of fish as a reflection of external environment 140 Experiments upon fish blood 141 Table 1. Hemoglobin and erythrocyte values of the blood of normal fish 144 EfTects of weak acid solution upon fish 145 Table 2. Effects upon fish blood of increasing the hydrogen ion concentration of the surrounding water 146 Table 3. Normal numbers of erythrocytes to yield 100% hemoglobin 147 Table 4. ICiTect of blood removal upon rock bass 148 Table 5. I'-fTect of blood removal upon lake catfish 148 Table 6. ElTect of blood removal upon carp 148 Tabhe 7. Effect of blood removal upon common bullhead 149 Table 8. Effect of blood removal upon pickerel 149 Contents 5 PAGE Section VI. Fishes of the Erie-Niagara watershed 150 General nature of the region 151 Fish distribution 151 Ecological data in regard to problems of stocking 152 Food and game fishes 152 Commercial fisheries 153 Angling 154 Non-food, non-game fishes 155 Bait fishes 155 Problem of conserving Lake Erie resources 156 Natural production in Lake Erie 156 Migrations of Lake Erie fish 159 Factors contributing to a decline of fish numbers 160 Suggestions and recommendations 163 Chart of fish distribution of the Erie-Niagara watershed 164 Annotated list of fishes occurring in the Erie-Niagara drainage 166 Petromyzonidae Lampreys 166 Polyodontidae Paddle-fishes 166 Acipenseridae Sturgeons 166 Lepisosteidae Gar-pikes 166 Amiidae Bowfins 167 Hiodontidae Mooneyes 167 Clupeidae Herrings 167 Coregonidae Whitefishes 167 Salmonidae Trouts 167 Catostomidae Suckers 168 Cyprinidae Minnows 169 Ameiuridae Catfishes 173 Umbridae Mud minnows 174 Esocidae Pickerels 174 Anguillidae Eels 175 Cyprinodontidae Killifishes 175 Percopsidae Trout-perches 175 Aphredoderidae Pirate-perches 175 Serranidae Sea basses 175 Percidae Perches 176 Centrarchidae Sunfishes 177 Atherinidae Silversides 178 Sciaenidae Drumfishes 178 Cottidae Sculpins 178 Gasterosteidae Sticklebacks 179 Gadidae Codfishes 179 Section VII. The food of certain fishes of Lake Erie drainage basin 180 Species feeding mainly on animal plankton 180 Table 1. Species feeding on plants 181 Species feeding mainly upon immature aquatic insects and Crustacea 181 Egg-eating species 182 Species feeding mainly at the surface 182 Fish-eating species 182 Table 2. Tabulation of fish-eating species showing food in per cent 184 Summary 188 Table 3. Species feeding mainly upon immature aquatic insects and Crustacea 186 Section VIII. Vegetation of Niagara river and the eastern end of Lake Erie 189 South shore of Lake Erie 189 Vegetation in Dunkirk harbor 189 Vegetation in Buffalo harbor 191 Vegetation of the upper Niagara river 192 Vegetation of the lower Niagara river 194 List of aquatic plants in Niagara river and eastern Lake Erie 195 6 Contexts PAGE Section IX. Further experimental studies on the bass tapeworm 198 Introduction 198 The adult tapeworm 199 The eggs 199 First intermediate hosts 202 Second intermediate hosts 204 Definitive hosts 205 Distribution and economic importance of the bass tapeworm 205 I'nsolved problems 206 Infection of Lake Erie b}' the broad tapeworm of man 207 Table 1. Results of the examinations for the broad tapeworm of man 207 Section X. Carp control studies in the Erie canal 208 Carp habitats 209 Breeding habits 211 Young carp 213 Migration 214 Food habits 214 Associated fish fauna 215 Netting of carp 216 jNIarketing of carp 218 General considerations of carp control 219 Section XI. Quantitative studies of the fish food supply in selected areas 220 Relation of width of stream to quantity of food organisms 220 Table 1. Distribution of available fish food in streams above and below 18 feet in width 221 ^Multiplicity of factors 221 Table 2. Comparison of the productivity of streams studied in 1927 and 1928. 222 Relation of type of bottom to quantity of food 223 Table 3. Stream bottom types showing average amount of available fish food per one square foot in each 223 Foods consumed compared with available foods 223 Table 4. Comparison of foods consumed and available foods 224 Table 5. Comparison of foods taken in the drift net with foods consumed bv trout '.227 Table 6. Comparison of available aquatic fish foods in stream bottoms and aquatic foods consumed 227 Available fish foods of submerged plant beds 229 Table 7. Types of submerged plant beds and weight in grams of available fish food per square foot in each 230 Table 8. Available fish foods of submerged plant beds, listing orders of organisms 231 Effects of spring floods upon acquatic fish foods 232 Appendix I. Blank forms used in the field 233 -\ppendix II. Abbreviations and symbols used 234 -Appendix III. Stocking list of Erie-Niagara watershed 235 Key map of Erie-Niagara watershed ] Maps showing stocking of streams: Map l.\. Niagara Falls and Tonawanda quadrangles Map IB, Lockport, Medina and Albion quadrangles Map 2A. Buffalo and Depew (juadrangles Map 2B, Attica and Batavia (juadrangles [ Follow page 244 Map 3.\. Silver C'reek and Eden (juadrangles Map 3B. Springville, Arcade and Portage quadrangles Map 4.\. West field and Dunkirk (luadraiigles Map 4B. Cherry Creek and Cattaraugus (juadrangles Map 4C. Ellicottville and Franklinville (juadrangles Map 5. North lOast and Clymer (juadrangles J ^ :s 1 ^ < O CO Z 1 UlJ > <3 U.J § i$ A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF THE ERIE=NIAQARA SYSTEM Supplemental to the Eighteenth Annual Report, 1928 Introduction By E:k[:MELixE Moore Investigator in Fish Culture, in Charge of Survey The report of the biological survey submitted herewith incor- porates a series of papers bearing on the subject of the fisheries in the Erie-Niagara system. Three major lines of inquiry were pursued — the study of the deeper water at the eastern end of Lake Erie with special emphasis on factors limiting productivity ; the investigation of the general shore conditions, including a study of the effects of pollution resulting from the highly industrialized centers on or near the water front ; and an evaluation of the tribu- tary^ streams and their headwaters in relation to a stocking policy. The recent disastrous slump in the whitefish and herring indus- try in Lake Erie led Commissioner Alexander Macdonald to secure an adequate appropriation from the Conservation Fund in order that one subdivision of the survey might be conducted as a joint effort with the Federal Bureau of Fisheries following plans which developed at a conference called by the United States Fisheries Commissioner, Henry O'Malley, in February at Cleveland, Ohio. The Federal Bureau agreed upon a plan of cooperation which would detail the government boat ''Shearwater" to the uses of the NcAv York State Conservation Department for its Erie-Niagara survey. Subsequently the Province of Ontario detailed its repre- sentative to join the survey staff. This initial effort in analyzing the Lake Erie problem should be the forerunner of more effective coordination of all agencies inter- ested in the Great Lakes fishery. Area of Survey. — The coverage included in the Erie-Niagara survey is shown in the accompanying map. In respect of the fish- eries, the area presents aspects of widely varying interest and importance, the more significant and striking of which are briefly these : the Lake Erie shore line of approximately 70 miles stretch- ing from the Pennsylvania border to Buffalo represents a ''fishing outlook" of great economic interest and of primary concern to the commercial fishermen. In the frontage of 37 miles of the Niagara river lies another major interest in that the upper and lower stretches of the river represent adjuncts of Lakes Erie and Ontario as sources for the replenishment of the lake supply. The tributaries and headwaters of the waterslied spread over six counties — Erie 10 CoXSEKVATION 1 )i;i'Ain\M EXT county entire, Niagara, Genesee, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Chau- tauqua. Three of the largest stream systems, Cattaraugus, Tona- wanda and Buffalo creeks, have their sources in the plateau section at the eastern and southern ends of the waters and at an elevation from 1,000 to 1,900 feet above sea level. In these headwaters are the chief trout waters of the region while in their lower reaches are the common "pan fish" species. A vast assemblage of lesser streams entering Lake Erie offer contributions of importance in the economy of the lake by supi)lying suitable spawning or feeding grounds for migrating lake species. The stream length including that of all large and lesser streams together Avith their tributaries totals for the watershed about 3.300 miles. Of this number about 527 miles are worthy of stocking ; and of this mileage 370 are suitable for trout. The acreage in small lakes and ponds is 491 and that of reservoirs 276y2 acres. Barge canal waters total approximately 25 miles. Authorization of Survey. — From the Conservation Fund there was appropriated as a part of the appropriation bill from this source tlie sum of $65,000 for the "Biological Survey including Fish Protection." In pursuance of this provision, this survey, the third of the series, Avas undertaken in the Erie-Niagara watershed including also the eastern end of Lake Erie undertaken by the State as a joint effort with the Federal Bureau of Fisheries and with participation by the Province of Ontario, Canada. Reports of the two preceding surveys of watersheds, the Genesee and Oswego systems, have been distributed to the public. The Watershed as the Unit. — The New York plan of surveys is })ased on the watershed as tlie unit. There are 19 watersheds lying wholly or in part within the boundaries of the State. The plan is "a waterslied a year." By doubling some of the smaller ones, it will be possible to finish the survey of all the State waters in about eiglit more years. The watershed as the unit area has been adopted because of the nature of certain major problems im- ])inging upon that of a stocking i)olicy, such as, pollution, basic problems in fish ])opulation and distribution, the impounding of waters in liydro-electric development, municipal water supplies, the influence of canals, problems in commercial fishing and the like — in all of wliich greater continuity and comprehensiveness ai'e attained by attacking the watershed as a unit. Statistics. — According to tiic I'ccords of the Conservation I)<'|)artment, the i)lantiiigs of fish in the Erie-Niagara system total for Ihe ten-year period, 191S-1{)27, 612,777,930 young' fish. The plantings by s])ecies and the watci' into which they ai'c placed are shown in table 1. BioLO(4i('Ai. SrRVEv — Ehie-Xia(;aka Watershed 11 TABLE 1.— I'LANTLNGS OF FISH IN THE ERIE-NIAGARA WATERSHED, 1918-1927 WATER Lake trout Trout species Whitefish Cisco Pike- perch Yellow perch Small- mouthed bass Miscel- laneous Total Lake Erie 48,000 35,966,000 1,000,000 556,536,000 1,000,000 450,000 600,000 5,000 593,005,000 Lower Niagara 2,600,000 Barge Canal 1,400 8,600 1,400 Small lakes and ponds 7,090 1.405,990 2,435,000 16,200 300 (buUhead) 2,467,190 1 405 990 Trout streams 11,215,000 65,250 453,100 1,565,000 (muska- longe) 13,298,350 Total 48,000 1,413,080 36,966,000 557,536,000 14,700,000 81,450 468,100 1,565,300 612,777,930 By reference to the table it is seen that the total trout plantings for the ten-year period in this Avatershecl represent an average annual plant of approximately 140,519 fingerlings. Compared with the suggested stocking policy, this number is about 10,000 less than has been recommended as a result of the survey. Obviously the survey would disclose that some streams may profitably be more lieavih^ stocked than in tlie x>cist, others less so according to their capacity to absorb them. Unfortunately no data are at hand on the catch in these trout streams. Such information is of special interest to the angler and of importance in administration. In time it will be forthcoming but only when local sentiment rises to the occasion. Program of Erie=Niagara Survey. — Nature does not repeat herself even in watersheds. Hence, the program requirements of the different areas often demand a shift of emphasis or a broaden- ing in scope to meet the exigencies of the situation. In the first place, the Erie-Niagara watershed, as in the two preceding river systems already surveyed, presented the usual problems of stream study with the direct bearing on the development of a stocking policy. Such are the studies that assist in evaluating the streams in terms of the kinds of fish best adapted to the waters and the numbers of young fish which may be planted annually in order to utilize fully the natural food resources. Secondly, the shore front of lake and river approximating 110 miles from the Pennsylvania border to Lake Ontario introduced a variety and complexity of objectives which tie into studies of both lake and stream. This is the receiving area of contributions from the numerous inflowing streams which influence its character physically and biologically. It is also the zone of aquatic plants wdth the attendant population of insect and other animal life including the vast numbers of min- now^s and other fishes adapted to this region and which serve as a source of food supply to many species of lake fishes. Thirdly, the extension of the State's interest beyond the limits of the tributary systems and the lake frontage to the problems of 12 CONSERVATIOX DEPARTMENT tlie opi'ii lake Avliere the maintenance of tlie eoniniercial fishery is of dominant importance placed emphasis on a new aspect of sur- vey programs, that of cooperative effort of all interested agencies — State, Federal and Canadian. The gradual decline of the lake fishery during the last two decades and especially the recent, drastic slump in the herring catch pointed the way to this joint effort in promoting a unified program of scientific stud3^ Cooper- ative eff'ort has for years been urged to secure greater uniformity in fishing laws and in methods of recording statistics. Some re- sults along this line have been accomplished but in the matter of scientific inquiry of conditions in the lake related to its produc- tivity, there has been little unanimity of action. The slump in the herring catch, therefore, provided the impetus for a combined attack with the Federal Bureau, Canada and New York State par- ticipating. Thus the program of the survey resolved into activities pertinent to each of the following subdivisions of the area — the streams, the shallow shore waters and the eastern end of the open lake. Organization of Staff. — An essential feature in the organi- zation of the biological surveys is the trained personnel recruited The "Navelle' of the Conservation Department in the service of the Erie-Niagara survey mainly from the educational institutions of the State which during the past three years have cooperated witli the l)ei)artment in its survey work. The protective force located within tlie area as well as sportsmen, anglers and conservationists make important contri- })uti()ns in the Avay of experience and local statistics. In Ihe conduct of the ])resent survey the different agencies inter- ested brought into effective cooperation an unusual representation Biological Survey — Ekie-Xiagara Watershed 13 in the ])er.soiinel. The Federal Bureau of Fisheries and the Prov- ince of Ontario each detailed a biologist. The Conservation Department placed 30 scientists including several specialists in the field. The Buffalo City Health Laboratories contributed the serv- ices of two of its staff members. The Buffalo Museum of Science, also, made contributions to the personnel of the survey. The crew of the U. S. Steamer Shearwater and the Conservation Department boat Navette brought the total number engaged upon the project to 41 members. Nearly all were in the field from about the middle of June to the middle of September. The staff was organized in four major groups or units with a field director for each group and with plans coordinated to bear directly upon the practical problems of the fisheries in the area. These units comprised a lake unit, shore and stream units and a chemical unit. In addition the several specialists were occupied with various technical aspects of the problem in hand. The field staff is organized and equipped that it may function as a mobile unit with adequate transportation facilities and with apparatus and devices for the conduct of its technical problems. This requires weeks of planning and preparation in advance of the intensive drive for facts which goes on in the field mainly from June to September. Many of the problems for their complete elucidation require all the facilities of a well equipped laboratory. This year, as heretofore, the staff has been provided generously with such facilities in the City of Buffalo at the Buffalo Museum of Sciences, at the City Water Laboratory and in the City Health Laboratories. The office of the Niagara Frontier Planning Board also placed at the disposal of the staff its facilities for map w^ork. Continuation Studies. — Our plan provides for follow-up work so that on the completion of the initial survey of a watershed there may be continuous, intensive study of one or more problems which the survey discloses is important for the future welfare of the fishery in that watershed. A continuation study originating in last season's siu'Vey has been going on this year in the carp control studies in Oneida lake and in the interconnecting canal and streams. Those aspects of the problem that are being stressed this year relate to the interference of carp wdth game and other food fish in the spawning areas, their food and schooling habits, their seasonal and local migrations and the methods of seining in lakes, streams and canals. The carp problem is a troublesome one both on account of the usurpation of desirable angling waters by this prolific species and because of the general prejudice which prevails against the use of seines in these waters. Scientific study of the problem provides the basis of intelligent action. Another continuation study is directly correlated with the prac- tical problem of bass culture. It deals with experimental studies of control of the bass cestode (Proteocephalus amUoplitis)^' whose ravages in advance cases greatly impair or completely inhibit the * See page 198. 14 Conservation Department spawning' function of the bass. The disease is endemic in Lake Erie and other Avaters of the St. Lawrence drainage system. It is also showing up elsewhere in and out of the State. In small lakes and ponds, such, for example, as are publicly or privately stocked and in hatcliery ponds, the organism when established becomes particularly menacing and for this reason, emphasis is placed on continuing the study along lines of remedial measures. The life history of this organism is now fairly well established. This is shown pictorially on page 200. The picture will be complete and cures effected, when certain of the remaining problems are solved, — in the first place when the maximum period of life in each of the intermediate hosts and the definitive hosts is determined ; secondly, when it can be determined how' to break successfully the life cycle, rendering the parasite controllable at least in hatchery ponds. A third project in the follow-up group refers to ([uantitative studies of the natural fish food supply using selected streams in the watersheds covered. Both naturally stocked and hatchery stocked streams are studied so that the results should aid not only in determining the productive capacity of streams but in assisting in the elucidation of some of our post-hatchery problems. Conditions of Pollution in Erie=Niagara Watershed. — Intensive and collaborative studies have been conducted to present as adequately as possible the situation regarding conditions of pollution in the watershed. Chemist, biologist, physiologist and ichthyologist have furnished data helpful to the understanding of these conditions. The chemists have shown that the relatively shallow shore w^aters only receive the contributory influences of the inflowing streams and the effects of the municipalities and industrial con- cerns sewering into them. The graph (Fig. 2)* depicts the condi- tions of the oxygen supply at distances of 500 and 2,000 feet from the lake shore and 100 feet from shore in the Niagara river. The bad condition in the harbor does not exist outside where the great volume of water assimilates tlie Avastes and the oxygen su]:>ply is good. On the Niagara river below Butt'alo where pollution is car- ried ak)ng the river front, the oxygen sag is conspicuous. Tlie cliaracterislic u])-swing in the curve is possible because of the i-emarkable, natural endowment of this river in its volume of water and in the rapids and falls Avhich provide the most stu]iendous, natural aerating system in the world. Special studies of local area-; and profihvs of the more grossly ])ollute(l sti'eams nvv given in the full i'('])oi-t. The bi()h)gist by examining dredge sami)les where a low oxygen content is indicated adds most inii)ressively to the data supplied by the chemist. This is cs|)('cially true hccausc of the greater stability and ix'iMnancnee of condilions ;i1 the holloni. The (le|)osits of foul sludges and llicir acconipauying foul wjilci- oi-ganisins ai'c thus a fruitful if nol an agreeable aspect of llie study of existing eondi- *See pa-e 11:5. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 15 tions and contribute a requisite type of data to a proper under- •standing' of conditions. The full report of the biologist includes a description of the bottom conditions prevailing along the shore, in the harbors and in the Niagara river. A tabulation of pollution conditions in the streams of the watershed provides data of importance to each community in which studies have been made. The types of pol- luting substances which enter the river system are discussed in their relation to fish life and to the organisms associated with them in the capacity of food of fish either directly or remotely. The mileage of streams noticeably affected by the polluting wastes is estimated at about 54 miles, 49 of which would be suitable for fishing streams. One of the foremost difficulties confronting one in the investi- gation of polluting conditions is to establish proof of the effects of pollution on the fish themselves. These difficulties require methods which can be translated into means for detecting these effects. The physiologist in his investigations during the survey has given emphasis to new considerations in the study of pollution by using the blood of fish as a test of the effects of pollution. These studies of the blood furnish new clues of such injury. The studies this season have made important contributions to our knowledge of normal blood values in fish and the effects of weak acid solution. Pollution damage to either young or adult fish cannot be always estimated adequately by the usual means of a minnow test. The emphasis, therefore, on the blood test enables us to change our strategy by placing more reliance on methods showing why the fish die rather than on how long it takes them to die. Stocking Lists and Maps. — A key map of the watershed affords a convenient guide in locating the particular quadrangle, county or township in which the reader is interested. It also serves to orient in the watershed the quadrangle maps* (U. S. G. S. topo- graphic maps) adapted for purposes of record in the survey. On these maps all streams are shown with suitable indications of dry and permanent streams, the ])resence of springs, pollution outfalls, favorable places for fish planting and the appropriate species. Accompanying the maps are the stocking lists which set forth in tabular form the name of the streams (if not named then numbered), the mileage available for stocking and the stocking ])olicy per mile. By reference to these tables and maps the loca- tion of the best places to plant fish and the calculation of the number per mile may be determined readily. Certain species, such as, bluegill sunfish and crappie, which have not hitherto been planted in the watershed are recommended for suitable waters. These additions should improve basically the fishing for ''pan fish," giving greater diversity to this activity. The Colored Plates. — The reproductions in color (Plates Nos. 1-8) command attention in one or more directions according as they See maps following App. III. 16 Conservation Department Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 17 facilitate acquaintance with the species of local interest or serve to give emphasis to problems of basic importance in the fishery. The colored plate of the cisco, or common lake herring (Plate Xo. 1) is an aid in the difficult task of identification of other closely allied members of the herring- group whose decline during the past few years has occasioned concern in the commercial fishery. The whitefish (Plate No. 2) choice commercial fish of the lake, has declined to an inconspicuous place in the fishery. A vast array of facts must be sought bearing on the interrelations of the lake population before progress can be made constructively in rehabili- tating this fishery. The gold carp (Plate No. 3) is an alien in these waters, having been introduced from Europe. It is of questionable value econom- ically. It multiplies with great rapidity in the shallows, usurping space of less prolific but more important species in the economy of the lake. It requires serious study. The fat-head (Plate No. 4) is a minnow with fish cultural possibilities because of its non-competi- tive food habits and its great prolificity in reservoirs and ponds where reproduction continues throughout the summer season. The stonecat (Plate No. 5) is a troublesome member because of its poisonous spines. For this reason it is not marketed though its flesh is excellent. The perches, illustrated in Plates Nos. 6-8, make a notable contri- bution to the fishery of Lake Erie. The sauger and yellow pike, often called wall-eye or pike-perch, of the more shallow waters in the lake, are of interest chiefly to the angler while the blue pike, a deep water species of this group, affords large catches to the com- mercial fishermen. The annotated list* summarizes important data of each of the species illustrated as well as others which have been found in the drainage area. Results of the Survey. — Proper survey technique combines two steps, — the acquisition and analysis of the facts and their use in the development of a program of intelligent action. Many so-called practical studies have not led anywhere because they lacked a scientific basis. It is true also that many scientific inves- tigations have not led to anything practical. It is the object of the survey to relate more closely scientific study to our practical problems. The question may well be asked, — how is the biological survey working out in practice? With our stint of "a watershed a year," it is manifestly impossible to cover all problems thoroughly in a single season even with a large force in the field, — hence, the importance of follow-up studies. However, we are accomplishing our main objectives by putting into operation as we proceed with the surveys a more intelligent stocking policy. We are accumulat- ing valuable "by-products" in the way of useful data such as information of the underlying factors of productivity of the fish- * See page 106. 18 Conservation Department ing streams, lakes and ponds, the reaction of fishes to pollution, the distribution of the various species within and outside the limits of the waterslieds, the contribution to educational work of the colored plates of fishes and relevant data which will be comi)iled eventually in a volume entitled "Fishes of New York State." One most important result is tlie esta])lishment of cooperative relationships witli educational institutions in the State, a most helpful relationship in adapting science to practice. It is hopefully expected the surveys will cover eventually the 19 watersheds in the State. Each presents its own more or less ])eculiar and technical problems, some of which must be studied in the follow-up program intensively a long time. Papers by Specialists. — The data collected in the several lines of inquiry are presented in the following sections dealing with : (1) Stocking policy for the Erie-Niagara system. (2) A preliminary report on the joint survey of Lake Erie. (3) Chemical investigation of the Erie-Niagara watershed. (4) The biological investigations of pollution. (5) Studies upon the fish blood and its relation to water pollution. (6) Fishes of the Erie-Niagara watershed. (7) The food of certain fishes of the Lake Erie drainage basin. (8) Vegetation of the Niagara river and the eastern end of Lake Erie. (9) Further experimental studies on the bass tapeworm, Profrocephahis amhJopliiis (Leidy). (10) Car}) control studies in the Barge canal. (11) Quantitative studies of the fish food supply in selected areas. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed .19 I. STOCKING POLICY FOR THE STREAMS, LAKES AND PONDS OF THE ERIE=NIAGARA WATERSHED, EXCLU- SIVE OF LAKE ERIE By G. C. Embody Professor of AqiiiciiUure, Cornell Vnirersity In the present survey the same methods have been used as here- tofore described for the Genesee and Oswego watersheds. The field blank (App. I), when properly filled out, contains the informa- tion upon which the stocking policy is based. The duty of collect- ing- this information has fallen principally upon the following persons : — Messrs. A. S. Hazzard, R. P. Hunter, R. A. Lauben- gayer. Dr. Thomas Smyth and the writer. The shorter streams have generally been followed throughout their courses but in the case of longer ones which could not be so fully covered, it has been the practice to take a full set of readings at several stations in the lieadwaters, the middle and lower sections and especially at every road crossing. Dr. F. E. Wagner determined the oxygen, carbon dioxide content and the alkalinity for waters which gave any indication of unsuit- ability for the maintenance of fishes. Mr. J. R. Greeley and Dr. D. J. Leffingwell likewise supplied additional information in regard to the distribution of fishes in Avaters dif^cult of observation. Acknowledgment must be made also of courtesies extended by game protectors, fishermen and owners of property adjacent to streams and ponds, who supplied information of great value in the conduct of the work. During the summers of 1920 and 1921, T. L. Hankinson and others collected fishes in Erie County streams and in the report (Hankinson, 1924^) certain recommendations were made for stock- ing. These have been examined and compared with the information secured during the past summer. The stocking policy a.s recommended includes the names of fishes for which the waters seem best suited, the length of stream or the area of pond over which suitability was established and the calcu- lated number of 3-inch fingerling trout ])er mile which would seem necessary to fulfill the annual stocking requiremnts. The specific recommendations for each stream will be found in the Stocking List (App. III). A discussion of the factors involved in the development of a stocking policy has already been given in the reports on the Gen- esee and Oswego surveys. There are certain ])oints relative to the determination of the stocking number per mile of stream which will bear repetition since the recommendations have not always been understood by those applying for trout. ^ Hankinson, T. L., 1924. A preliminary report on a fish survey in western Xew York. Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci. XIII, No. 3, p. 57. 20 Conservation Department The number of i)ouncls of fish a unit of stream length will pro- duce depends ui)on the average width of the stream, the amount of food it contains and the number and condition of pools. The average width of one mile of stream is a rough measure of the area covered by that length of stream and within certain limits, the larger the area, the greater the production. Hence a stream, say 10 feet wide, should be able to produce approximately twice as much as one 5 feet wide, because the area is twice as great. Consequently in order to keep np the stock, twice as many fish must be planted in the larger as in the smaller stream. Likewise ■streams differ greatly in nutritive richness and the greater the amount of food the greater will be the production of fish per unit area. It is not possible to determine quickly all degrees of food richness but with a little experience it is a compara- tively easy matter to place streams into three classes : — very rich, average richness and those poor in food. The very rich stream according to our calculations would be expected to produce on the average three times as much fish flesh as one poor in food and consequently would receive three times as many fingerlings. In this connection one should consult the paper presented in this volume by Dr. Paul R. Needham.* In much the same manner the streams are placed into three categories with respect to pool conditions : — highest, average and ])Oorest. Finally values are given for all possible combinations of these three factors, as shown in Table 1. Table 1. — Planting Table for Trout Streams: Number of 3-Inch Fingerlings PER Mile WIDTH FEET 1 2 3 4 o r> 7 8 9 10 Al A2 A3 Bl B2 B3 CI C2 144 117 90 117 90 63 90 63 288 234 180 234 180 126 180 126 432 351 270 351 270 189 270 189 576 468 360 468 360 252 360 252 720 585 450 585 450 315 450 315 864 702 540 702 540 378 540 378 1,008 819 630 819 630 441 630 441 1,152 936 720 936 720 504 720 504 1,296 1,053 810 1,053 810 567 810 567 1,440 1,170 900 1,170 900 630 900 -^30 C3 36 72 108 142 180 216 252 284 324 360 The lablc I'dVi-s to iJ-inch fingerlings only. To find the number of 1, 12, 4, or (i-inch fish, iHiilti|)ly l)y one of the following factors: — - 8ize ill inch(^s 1 '2 :; 4 (> Factoi- 12 1.7 1 O.?.") ().(i This is based upon an cxpccled morlalily as follows: Si/c 1 L> ;{ 4 i; Mortality . . D.V/o (i.V,;, 40% 20% 0% See i)age 220. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 21 In the extreme left hand eohimn (Table 1) one will find various stream widths from 1 to 10; in the other columns, numbers indi- cating the number of 3-inch fingerlings recommended for the vari- ous stream widths. These latter are based upon various combina- tions of pool values designated by the capital letters A, B and C, and food values, by 1, 2 and 3. Thus (Al) indicates the very best pool conditions and the highest degree of nutritive richness. Should this combination occur in a stream whose average width is 5 feet, one would recommend an annual planting of 720, 3-inch fingerlings per mile. Temperature in Relation to the Distribution of Trout. — One of the most difficult problems a stream surveyor has to meet, is the interpretation of water temperatures in relation to the suita- bility of streams for trout. AYe know from observations on central New York streams and from careful experiments conducted in the hatchery that 75° F., is just below the highest temperature that the native brook trout may endure. This of course presupposes that waters of that temperature are free from deleterious sub- stances and that the gaseous content is satisfactory. It has been learned also that 80° F., is pretty close to the limit for brown and rainbow trout and of the two species, the rainbows seem to stand a slightly higher temperature than the browns. It therefore becomes a very important matter to know whether a stream on the hottest summer days will show temperatures exceeding these limits. If one were studying a very few streams, it might be possible to ascertain this without difficulty by visiting them on the few days that maximum air temperatures prevail. In a survey of a large area, this is not possible, because our hottest days are not numer- ous. It becomes necessary therefore to estimate maximum water temperatures from records made on moderately warm days. For this purpose Tables, 2 and 3, taken from the Oswego survey, were used, the first for regions below 1,000 feet elevation in wdiich summer air temperatures may reach 96° and 98° F., and the other for elevations upward to about 1,900 feet where the maximum air temperatures range from 88° to 90° F., since the streams of the Erie-Niagara watershed were found at various elevations from 573 up to about 1,900 feet, both tables were very useful. Table 2. — Relation of Air and Water Temperatures in Trout Streams Located in Open Country up to 1,000 Feet Elevation Max, air temp. deg. Fahr Max. water temp., brook trout Max. water temp., Brown trout Rainbow trout 80.0 65,0 82.0 66.5 84.0 68.0 86.0 70.0 88.0 71.5 90.0 73.0 92.0 74.0 69.0 70.5 72.0 73.5 75.0 76.5 78.0 94.0 75.0 79.0 22 CONSKHVATIOX DkI'ARTMEXT Table 3.— Probable Kelation of :Maximum Air and Water Temperatures IN North Branch Fish Creek, Lewis Co., Located in a Forested Country, 1,600 TO 1,900 Feet Elevation Max. air temperature Max. water temperature, brook trout 80 71 82 72 84 73 86 74 88 75 90 76 Certain corrections were made for densely shaded streams and also for the hour a reading was taken. In the former case, the water temperatures are held down on hottest days much more than on days of averao^e temperature. For example, on a daj^ showing: an air temperture of 80° F., the correspondino- water temperature might be two or three degrees higher than given in the tables and yet not exceed the critical point on the hottest days. With reference to the hour of recording water temperatures, it may be said in general, that the water temperature lags behind a rising air temperature. Hence in the morning, it may not neces- arily bear the same relation to the air temperature as in the after- noon. Just hoAV much of a correction must be made for this factor, cannot be tabulated at the present time. It is to be hoped that an opi)ortunity may come another year for securing a large series of liourly temperatures from some of the warmer streams in whicli trout are known to thrive. During the past summer one occasion presented itself for obtain- ing such data in the Wiscoy creek and two of its tributaries, all of which are noteworthy fishing streams. The records are pre- sented in Table 4, more for the purpose of future comparison than for immediate interpretation. Table 4. — Comparison of Air and Water Temperatures in Three Trout Streams, Altitude 1,594 to 1,734 Feet. Maximum Air Temperature for This Region Ranges from about 88° to 92° F. Brown Trout and Brook Trout Present NORTH branch WIS- COY, AUGUST 3, 1928 Hour 10 :45 11 :00 12 :00 1 :00 2 :()() 3 :00 4 :00 5 :00 5 :30 Air tem- pera- ture 81.5 82 79* 83 84 86 84.5 84 83 Water tem- pera- ture TROUT brook AUGUST 4, 1928 Hour 67 67 69.5 72 72.5 75 75.5 74 73 10 :35 11 :05 12 :00 1 :00 2 -.00 3 :00 4 :00 5 :00 Air tem- pera- ture Water tem- ))cra- tiire Brook Trout Absent; Brown Trout Present wiscoy .\t bliss WISCOY AT I'IKE AUGUST 3, 1928 AUGUST 4, 1928 Air Water Air Water Hour tem- tem- Hour tem- tem- pera- ture ture ture ture 10 :30 79 71 11 :00 81 72 11 :00 81 74 12 :00 83 74.5 12 :10 83 76 1 :00 84 76.5 1 :06 85 78.5 2 :00 85 77 2 :06 87 80 3 :00 85 79 3 :06 87 81 4 :00 86 79 4 :06 87 80 5 :00 83 78.5 5 -.08 86 79 5 :30 83 78 * Air temperature dropped 3° due to clouds and a 10 minute shower, short to influence water temperature. Duration of shower too BioLO(;icAL Survey — Erie-Xiagaka Watershed 23 The temperatures recorded in Table 4 were taken at the following places: North Branch Wiscoy just above railroad crossing near the village of Bliss. This must have been close to the lower limit of distribution of brook trout but brown trout ranged a much greater distance downstream. Trout brook, just above highway bridge at Pike Five Corners. Both brook and brown trout were present here. Wiscoy, main stream immediately below Bliss. Brook trout were not seen at this point but brown trout were very abundant. Wiscoy, main stream at Pike Five Corners a distance of approximately 4.5 miles below Bliss. Brown trout were found here but were more numerous at Bliss. In all three streams there was much colder water to be found above the points of observation, and it may be said that brook trout were more numerous in those sections having colder water. Nevertheless it is interesting to note that brook trout in some num- bers remained in temperatures as high as 75.5° F., and that browns extended downstream into water having a still higher temperature, the highest observed in this case being 81° F. The great difference between the upper AViscoy and the Fish creek watersheds (Table 3) is to be found in the latitude and the forest conditions. The Wiscoy flows through an open cultivated region while the East Branch of Fish creek has its origin in an area of approximately 70 square miles nearly all of which is covered by forest and is a little farther to the north where the winters are more severe. The maximum summer temperatures range two or three degrees loAver; the forest cover tends to keep the ground and the air immediately over the streams a little colder on hottest days and consequently the water temperatures are held down to a greater degree on such days than on moderately warm days. A Quantitative Study of the Fish Population in Streams. — During the latter part of June, attempts were made to study the fish population of selected trout streams. The excessive rain, how- ever, interfered with the plans to such an extent that it was ])0ssible to carry out the program in but one case, Peg Mill brook located near Groton, N. Y. The object of this study was to throw light upon a number of questions, including the following : 1. Total quantity of fish per unit area of stream. 2. Ratio of trout to minnow population. 3. Relative number of individuals belonging to each age group represented. 4. Rate of growth of wild trout. The procedure consisted in first measuring the stream, evaluat- ing food and pool conditions and then, so far as possible, draining the section to be studied by diverting the water to another channel. Finally all fish were collected, weighed, measured and ages determined. Only a very brief statement of results from the study of Peg Mill brook can be given at this time. Average width of stream, 7.3 feet ; length of drained section, 1002 feet. Area of drained section 7348 square feet or .168-]- acres. 24 Conservation Department Total weight of all fish recovered, 7.7 lbs., or at the rate of 45.43 lbs. per acre. Minnows and suckers made u]) al)0iit 70 percent of the total Aveig-ht while rainbow trout and brown trout constituted the remainin V . frook). '2iul letter is tiie initial of the nniin stream, i.e.. W. (for Wood river). .Siiiul^er — indicates that it is the first, second, etc., tril>utarv alxjcc the named stream. Tims T.NV.l. (Trout, W 1 1.) is tiie lirst trUmtarv al.ov.. Trout hrook on that side: It.W.I. ( K..ck. Wood l.i is the lirst liiimtarv ahove Hock creek on tlie opposite siile of Ilic river. Spcnudarn c'r tertiaiii trihutnries:- \\\ receive nnmhers. the (ril.iilarv n<'arest the UMnitii is niimhercl 1. 'iMiiis 'I'.W..:. in the al.ove (liai;ram has o secondarv lril)U- tanes a:id of these 1, L', 4. each lias one tertiarv trihularv. I.ntie trihutnnes Snim-A streams .ire not mimhered. Unnamed streams are nunihcred clock\vis,> around the lake, starting from the right of the outlet, see Mnd lake jn ai)ove diagram. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 27 Stream Mileage Suitable for Stocking. — The total stream mileage in the Erie-Niagara watershed (in New York State) is approximately 3,300. Of this only about 527 miles appear to be worthy of stocking. The remaining 2,773 are unworthy in one or several ways. They may become dry in summer, badly polluted, too warm for trout, too small for bass or posted. Dry streams and those too Avarm for trout and too small for bass are the more numerous. It is unfortunate that we do not have a food or game fish that will live in the permanent, small, warm, rapid brook which now harbors small bony suckers and minnows only. Of the 527 miles worthy of stocking, approximately 370 are suitable for trout ; 152 for small-mouthed bass and 5 for large- mouthed bass, pike-perch, pickerel, sunfish and bullheads. The 370 miles of trout streams will support a total annual plant of about 138,462 fingerlings distributed among the three species as follows : — Brook trout 62 .2 miles with 28,053 Brown trout 209.35 miles with 93,409 Rainbow trout 99 .00 miles with 17,000 In addition to this, there are 17 acres of ponds requiring an annual stocking of 2,900 brook trout and 108 acres for which 9,500 rainbows have been recommended. The distribution of the trout stream mileage according to the main creek systems is shown in Table 5. Table 5. — Distribution of Trout Stream Mileage Stream Brown Trout R.\iNBOw Trout Brook Trout Miles Number Miles Number Miles Number 46.0 31.3 3.0 13.5 3.5 0.0 77.4 1.0 25.9 0.25 7.50 18,970 8,699 900 6,050 1,425 0 47,946 400 7,109 112 1,798 10 17.5 3.0 15.0 3.0 6.0 28.0 1.5 12.0 0.0 3.0 1,600 2,350 300 1,500 600 1,800 5,400 450 2,400 0 600 0.5 17.3 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 42.9 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 175 Buffalo 6,529 Smoke 0 Eighteenmile Sister 150 0 0 Cattaraugus 20,999 Canada way 0 Chautauqua Bell.... 200 0 0 The trout streams are more numerous and of better quality in those regions situated in the headwaters of the principal Erie- Niagara tributaries, namely, the Tonawanda, Buffalo and Catta- raugus creeks, the last showing by far the highest mileage and the best streams. The trout streams are to be found chiefly in altitudes varying from about 1,200 to 1,900 feet. This is due largely to the lower maximum air temperatures and to the greater number of springs found here. 28 CoxsERVATiox Department The More Successful Trout Streams and Ponds. — Niagara river, tliouo-h not at present a trout stream, is mentioned here because it has pos-sibilities. From Lake Erie to the Falls it is not suitable for trout. As it plunges over the escarpment and down through the rapids and gorge, it takes up oxygen to a point of supersaturation (10.3 p. p. m. at a temperature of 71.4° F.) and shows temperatures on hottest days somewhat below the critical point for rainbow and steelhead trout. There is a strong proba- bility that a run of one or the other species could be established between the rapids and Lake Ontario. The lake would serve as a summer and winter habitat for the adults which would be expected to run up the river to some point above Lewiston and furnish the finest kind of fishing during April and a part of May. At the present time commercial fishing, though prohibited on the New York side, is permitted on the Canadian side. As long as this unfortunate condition of affairs exists, it would hardly seem wise to stock with trout. Tonawancla Creek System: The main stream quite generally shows conditions unsuitable for any species of trout. A stretch of about 6 miles in the extreme headwaters above and below Southburg contained some brown trout. At a place three-fourths of a mile below this village certain pools showed temperatures low enough for brook trout. For example, in one the water tempera- ture was 65° F., at 2 p.m., when the air was 83° F. Nevertheless above and beloAV this section temperatures ranged considerably higher, and it is believed that a much longer stretch would be available for trout fishing, if plantings of brown trout Avere continued. Ellicott creek (tributary 1 of Tonawanda) except for a short section below Williamsville shoAved temperatures too high for any trout. Ilankinson^ reported brown trout here. Various fishermen likewise have caught them. Hence a small ])lanting has been recom- mended. Tril)utaries 8, 9 and 10 are rather small but 8 is large enough for some fishing. All flow into Ellicott creek in that section below Williamsville containing brown trout, and stocking Avith this species is suggested chiefly for the purpose of feeding the main stream. Tlie pond at tlie head of tributary 8 is spring fed and very cold. Doctor Wagner's analysis- hoAvever shoAVS a deficiency of oxygen Avliich would make it unfit for trout. Just beloAv this ])ond the stream ]ucks up oxygen very quickly and is apparently suitable. Uanson creek ((> of Tonawanda) with its tributary, Got creek. Ledge creek and the upper 4 miles of Little TonaAvanda together Avith its tributaiy 8, all contain sections suitable for broAvn ti-oul. Ledge creek presents ratliei- unusual conditions. In the past it has been heavily stocked Avith brook trout but so far as could * Loc. cit. ^See page 127. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 29 be learned very few if any have been taken. Brown trout have been reported by a number of fishermen. Temperatures talven between 2:30 and 3 p. m., on August 8 ran as follows: Station 1. Just below the mouth of Murder creek, air = 82; water = 76 Station 2. One mile above the mouth of Murder creek, air = 84; water = 68 Station 3. Just below tributary 2, air = 85; water = 65 . 5 Station 4. Just above tributary 2, air = 85 ; water == 80 The w^ater temperature may be considered suitable for brook trout beginning a little above the mouth of Murder creek and extending upstream within two miles of source. Attention is called to the drop in temperature between Stations 4 and 3. This w^as due to an inflowing cold stream, tributary 2*. It was found that much if not all of this water comes from pumps located at the gypsum mines. It was stated that while these pumps are running almost all of the time, they are occasionally stopped. Two things might then happen which would disturb the conditions we found in the main stream and in tributary 2. If the pumps were stopped on a hot summer day, the stream would change very quickly from a cold to a warm stream and tributary 2 would become very nearly dry. Hankinson records brook trout, rock bass and small-mouthed bass among others and says that in the headwaters the stream is suitable for brook trout. He also indicates that the water farther dow^n probably becomes too warm for brook trout and under present conditions recommends browns. In order to find out more about conditions in this stream Doctor Wagner analyzed the water at approximately the places indicated above with the following results, Table 6 : Table 6. Analysis of the Water in Ledge Creek ^ The Centigrade Degrees Have Been Changed to Fahr. station Temperature 02 p.p.m. C03 p.p.m. Methyl, orange alkalinity p.p.m. PH Air Water !» 74 76 72 73 65.3 63.5 65 3 71.6 8.5 9.1 10.4 6.9 0.5 3!4 171 178 177 136 8 1 2 8.1 3 8 1 4 7.8 Since we have found brook trout in water containing as little as 4 p.p.m. of oxygen, it is evident that the content in this gas given at every station above is sufficient. The water is very hard but not more so than certain other trout waters which have been * See Map IB. ^ Data furnished by Dr. F. E. Wagner. 2 Station 1 located at first bridge above Murder creek, referred to in text. All others the same as 30 Conservation Department studied. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH), ranging from 7.8 to 8.1, is well within the limits suitable for trout. The only reason that occurs to the writer as to why brook trout do not survive, is the possible sudden change in conditions, pri- marily temperature, brought about by the stoppage of pumps at the gypsum mines. It might be that even brown trout would not survive the change. However rather than to withhold all stock- ing from Ledge creek, we w^ould favor giving it a trial with brown trout and since bass and pickerel occur within the area, we would suggest that yearling fish be used. It is also suggested that if the pumps referred to above were stopped during the colder weather of spring and fall, only, the effect on trout would not be so severe. Since tributary 2 (Quarry Spring Run) is subject to changing conditions by reason of the mine pumps, stocking is not advised at the present time. Crow brook, tributary 46 of Tonawanda,^ in its extreme head- waters is suitable for a mile or more for brook trout. However, if brown trout were introduced, the fishing would be extended much farther downstream. It is largly a question as to which species the local fishermen prefer. Either brook trout or browns may be planted. More than one species however is not advised. Brown trout have also been recommended for various other headwater tributaries the most important of which is the East Fork, 77.- This stream is generally too warm for trout. IIoAvever the upper 2 miles is cooler and with a few spring holes scattered well downstream some good trout fishing might be afforded. Buffalo Creek System: Except for the uppermost 5 miles above Dutchtown, the main stream is generally too warm for trout. However it is possible that if brown trout are planted here some of them will work downstream locating pools that are cooled to some extent by springs and seei)age. Rainbows would not ordinarily be suggested for a stream like Buffalo creek with- out a lake or suitable reservoir in which they might grow to maturity. But in accordance Avith the change in policy already discussed, we have suggested about one-eighth of a normal plant- ing. Fishermen may therefore expect to find brown trout restricted chiefly to the upper 5 miles and rainbows well scattered doAvn- stream a few miles farther. Cazenovia creek is either polluted or too warm for trout through- out its length. A number of tributaries, though, furnish trout fishing. One of the most im])ortant is P]ast l^ranch, 14," known as Protection creek above Holland. Both browns and rainbows have been taken above Holland and this section is interesting from the fact that adult rainbows have been caught during the past season. In addition to lirown trout wo have nccoi'diim-lv reeom- Soc Map 2B. See Map :{B. Map 2 A, ."JB. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 31 mended somewhat more than the usual number of rainbows believ- ing that some of them may grow to sex maturit}^ A few of the Cazenovia tributaries are cold enough for brook trout but with the exception of one, they are too small to be considered as fishing streams and since Cazenovia proper is not a trout stream, we have not indicated a stocking policy for the smallest cold tributaries. The exception to this is Spring brook, 7/ which is not only cold but large enough to support some fishing. Brook trout have thus been recommended. Almost all of the other tributaries of Buffalo creek suitable for trout are small and comparatively short. There are two however, 55^ (Beaver Meadow) and 58,' which afford several miles of fish- ing. In the former, Angel Falls about 30 feet high and located just above Java Village, divides the stream into a colder section above and a warmer one below. The upper part is spring fed and temperatures run well below the critical point for brook trout. On August 9 between 10 :30 and 11 :30 temperatures ran as follows : Station 1, air 80.5, water, 59 ; Station 2, air, 80, water 63.5. In the Avarmer part just below the falls the following temperatures were recorded at 4:30 p. m. on the same day: Air, 84.5, water, 75. Brook trout should be planted above the falls and brown trout always below. Beaver Meadow creek is the outstanding brook trout stream in the Buffalo creek system, and is worthy of heavy and continuous stocking. TributarA^ 58 is considerably warmer and although cer- tain pools now contain brook trout, it is believed to be better adapted to browns. Temperatures taken from 12 :45 to 2 :30 p. m. on August 9 ran as follows: Station (1) air, 83, water, 74.5; (2) air, 84, water, 76; (3) air, 84, water, 78.5. Eighteenmile Creek System: There are about 7 miles from Boston to source in \vhich both brown and rainbow^ trout were observed. Possibly the uppermost mile might be suitable for brook trout, but it would hardly seem wise to reserve so short a section for this species. The most important tributary is the South Branch, 4. Above New Oregon, it is well adapted to brown trout. Also in accordance with the new policy for rainbows, fingerlings of this species should be spread over the upper 8 miles. Tributary 29, however, which is large enough for fishing and much colder than the main stream, should be reserved for brook trout. Among the other tributaries of Eighteenmile creek, 14 showed tempera- tures just under the critical point for brook trout. Since it is too small for fishing and does not flow into a section of the main stream suitable even for brown trout, stocking is not advised. All other cold tributaries entering the main tream above Boston should receive brown trout. They are principally feeders for the mam stream. Sister Creek System: Here we found but a few miles in the headwaters and but one tributary, 14, in which brown trout con- ditions seemed to prevail. Ilankinson records tw^o specimens of ^Map 2 A; -, ■'Map 313. 32 Conservation Department about 6l^ pouiuls each in that section just above North Collins. About a mile above this point near tributary 17 temperatures of 81 for air and 69 for water were recorded during the past summer, indicating- suita])ility for l)rown trout. Opposite North Collins and at all points below temperatures were much too high for trout. A small plant of rainbows has been suggested. Were it not for the impassable dams shutting oif all migration from Lake Erie, a run of rainbows might be established and a much larger plant would then be in order. Delaware Creek System: The main stream flows into Lake Erie west of Angola. In 1921 Ilankinson and others studied this stream in the region near Brant and reported that although it seemed ideal for brook trout, plantings had not been successful. During the past summer there was reported to us four unsuccessful attempts to establish this species. We therefore see no reason for continuing the experiment. There appears however to be a chance of establishing a run of rainbows and for that purpose a total annual plant of about 1,800 fingerlings has been recommended for the next four years. Cattaraugus Creek System: This is by far the most promising system for trout in the whole watershed. It has the highest stream mileage suitable for trout and is worth}^ of heavier stocking than any other in the Lake Erie watershed. Except for the uppermost eleven miles, in which brown and rainbow trout were found, the main stream at present is of no value as a trout stream. But numerous tributaries in the upper half of the drainage area are of such a character as to appeal strongh^ to every trout fisherman. It is possible to mention only a few of them at this time. All, how- ever, will be found in the Stocking List. Tlie upper part of North Branch of Clear creek, 6/ is dammed to foi-m a reservoir about 1 mile long and 80 to 40 feet deep. Be- cause of the low bottom temperatures, it was thought that trout might find conditions suitable therein. Dr. Wagner's analysis, however, while it indicated sufficient oxygen at the surface showed none at a depth of 15 feet and below. It is not believed that trout would survive in this reservoir. South Branch, 20,- is too warm for trout as far upstream as East Otto, wliere cold pools begin to appear. Above this village it is known as East Otto creek. From tributary IT) to source, the water is entirely suitable for l)rown trout. A total annual plant of about 1,900 fingerlings should not only cover the requirements of the upj)ermost section but also those of the cold ]iools scattered downstream. Mansfield creek (11-' of South liranch) is one of the finest trout streams in the waterslied. it is well su])|)lied with spring water from source down to about tributary :\, is cold, clear and contains both brook and ])rovvii trout, possibly the latter in gi'eater num- ^ Sec Map 3 A. ^ ^'Sco Map 4B, 4C. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagaka Watershed 33 bers. Judg'iiig' from temperatures recorded and from the observed distribution of both species of trout, the upper 5.5 miles and tribu- taries 3 (Eddyville), 4 (Spring run), 6, 7 and 10 are suitable for brook trout. The lower 2 miles together with tributaries 1, 2 and 9 (Goodell) are generally too warm for brook trout and now con- tain browns. In fact brown trout range everywhere except pos- sibly in the coldest spring tributaries. The two species are so thoroughly mixed that it is diiftcult to decide upon a proper stock- ing policy. AVe feel that the planting of both sj^ecies in their respective sections will best meet the situation and this recommen- dation is founded on the belief that so far as possible, all parts of a stream or system should be fully utilized and that we should try to preserve brook trout in all fishing waters which show favor- able conditions. In tributary IL, brook trout are abundant while browns are scarce excepting in the last pool or two. The stream is supplied chiefly from a spring which flows an 8 inch pipe full of water having a temperature of 48.2"^ F. Temperatures near the mouth of the stream 2:10 p. m., August 28 were, air, 85.5 and water 64; one-half mile upstream at 2 :30 p. m., air, Sd.d, Avater 61. These are among the lowest stream temperatures observed for the cor- responding air temperatures and indicate that this stream is much better adapted to brook trout than to browns. Analysis of the water in the spring itself showed 4.2 p. p.m. of oxygen and 9.7 p. p.m. of carbon dioxide. These are well within the limits endured by trout but nevertheless cannot be considered highly favorable. Undoubtedly the water soon picks up enough oxygen and loses enough carbon dioxide to make it entirely favor- able. It will su];)]iort a relatively large number of brook trout and should ap])eal strongly to the fisherman who prefers this species. A Proposed Artificial Lal-e for the Zoar Y alley: Because of its bearing upon the stocking policy of certain streams tributary to the main Cattaraugus creek, it is well at this time to mention the proposed construction of a dam across the creek at a place .just below tributary 2 (Watermans brook*). It is understood that this may exceed 150 feet in height raising the water level to the 1,100 foot contour thereby flooding the Zoar valley upstream to the Scoby bridge. A lake 8 to 9 miles long and in places a mile or more wide may thus be formed. Considerably more than one-half of this lake will exceed 100 feet in depth but there will be numer- ous shallow bays extending up the valleys of tributary streams. Immediately above the proposed lake at Scoby bridge there is now a 30-foot dam impassable to fish. While it is impossible to predict just what conditions may pre- vail, it is reasonably safe to assume the following : 1. That the water below a depth of about 60 feet will be cold enough for trout. * See Map 4B. 34 Conservation Department 2. The oxygen eonteiit at th(^ bottom may or may not be sufficient for trout requirements. The presumption is that a large part of it will be suitable. Certainly there is likely to be a considerable area over which combinatioas of depth, water temperature and gaseous conditions favorable to adult rainbow and lake trout will prevail. 8. There will be extensive areas of shallow^ water with gravel bottom suitable for the spawning of small-mouthed black bass and lake trout. 4. While the 30 foot dam at Scoby bridge will constitute a barrier to the upstream migration of fish, particularly rainbow trout, there are various streams which will flow into the lake from the north and .south, tlius fulfilling the requirements of spawning rainbow trout. We conclude from the above that the new lake would probably be suitable for small-mouthed bass, lake trout and rain- bow trout. The more important streams which the rainbow^s may use for spaAvning purposes are Watermans, Utley, Coon, Connoisarauley, Derby and Spooner, all of which would receive plantings of rain- })ows in addition to what has already been recommended. Of these Derby brook is at present one of the best brook trout streams wliile Connoisarauley above the falls is suitable for browns. Water- mans, Utley, Coon and ►Spooner brooks appear to be a little too warm except possibly in the headwaters, and stocking is not recom- mended until the lake is completed when rainbows may be introduced. There are a number of streams above the Zoar Valley region which fui'nisli trout fishing. Chief among them are Spring brook, 32; Buttermilk, 33; Elton, 48, with its two tributaries Delevan and McKinstry; Sardinia, .")() and Clear creeks, 56. Sj)ring brook generally shows temperatures low enough for brook trout. It is i)olluted to some extent in the lower section and there is danger of further pollution as the town of Springville grows. Koi- 111 is reason stocking is recommended for the u])])er 3 miles oidy. The numerous ponds in this region are either ]iosted or TOO warm for trout. Elton creek has already been treated in connection with the new policy for rainbow trout. One of its tributaries, Delevan creek which is the outlet of Lime lake, is much more im])ortant from the (ishernunrs stan(li)oint. it is one of the most popular brown trout sti-eanis in the Lake Erie watershed and is very heavily fished. The upj)er part is entirely suitable for brook trout but brown trout range tlii-oughout its course and stocking with this S])ecies has been so successful in the i)ast that it might well be continued. The most im})ortant tributary, IMcKinistry creek, showed lower tem- peratures and contained many brook trout. Sardinia brook, 32, is a fairly cold stream a ])art of which ap- pears suitable for brook trout. Two specimens were taken above Sardinia. At present, however, brown trout are the more abund- Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 35 tint and if this species is used in stocking, there should be Ushing all the wa}^ downstream to mouth. Tributary 1, is a small cold spring-run possibly large enough, however, to support some fish- ing and should be reserved for brook trout. Clear creek is another popular fishing stream and consequently much over-fished. In addition to tliis it has few good pools and is subject to high water. While it is productive at the present time it \vould be much more so, if pools could be established. All three species of trout were taken but brown and rainbow trout w^ere more abundant, especially so in the section between Sandusky and Arcade. Clear creek is another in which brown trout are confined chiefly to the main stream w^iile the more im- portant tributaries are colder and better adapted to brook trout. Crystal lake is not suitable for trout but its outlet just below the lake receives much cold spring water and continues cold until it joins Clear creek. Moores pond is an enlargement of the outlet a short distance below^ the lake in which several good sized brook trout were observed. Skim lake is spring fed and cold. According to Dr. Wagner's analysis, the water at the bottom showed a temperature of 4:8°F., with an oxygen content of 13.5 p. p.m., indicating suitability for brook trout. The lake also contains large-mouthed bass and sunfish. There is some question as to how Avell bass and trout will get along together in the same pond. We believe that the cold water is better suited to trout than to bass and hence have suggested an experi- mental planting of brook trout. If this lake is so stocked in 1929, fishermen should be on the lookout for them in 1930 and '31 and the future stocking policy should depend upon the success of this first plant. Ilayden brook, the outlet of Skim lake, also receives much spring water below the lake and continues cold all the way down to Clear creek. It should be reserved for brook trout. Silver Creek System: The main stream on July 10 showed temperatures from 78 to 84 with corresponding air temperatures of 82 and 84, much too high for trout. Tributary 1, Walnut creek, was examined with more than usual care because it had been stocked apparently without success. The water temperatures on July 18 varied from 84 to 86 and the reason for the lack of suc- cess in stocking is evident. The only trout water in the system wdll probably be found in the newly constructed reservoir situated in tributary 8. This will have a maximum depth of about 35 feet and will undoubtedly be large enough to hold mature rainbow trout. The streams above the res- ervoir appear to have favorable conditions for the spawning of this species. Canadaway Creek System: Brown trout have been taken in tw^o sections, near the head of the main stream and just below the falls at Laona. The former section shows temperatures low enough :jG Conskkvatiox DeI'AKTMENT for brown troul but Ihc bilter is so warm that it is not believed any great number of trout could survive. The Fredonia reservoir on tributary 7, however, contains adult rainbows and the stream itself above appears large enougli for natural spawning. ChduUuKjud Creek ^System: Except for tributary 9 and an oc- casional spring-run altogether too small for fishing, there is no place suitable for brook trout. However, brown trout have been taken in several parts of the main stream and large rainbows have been reported in early spring. The only possible barrier to the up- ward migration of rainbows from Lake Erie is a falls of about 21/2 feet situated in the lower section. It is believed that rainbows may successfully pass this falls and hence an attempt to establish a run has been suggested. Tributary 19, Clarks brook, is small but nevertheless large enough- to provide some brook trout fishing and since it is the only stream in the watershed in wdiich brook trout may be expected to survive, this si)ecies has been assigned. Should local fishermen however i)refer to reserve this as a nursery stream for browns no serious objection should be made. Twentymile Creek System: This system is much like the Chau- tauqua having Avater too Avarm for brook trout except an occas- sional spring fed tributary much too small for fishing. Brown and rainbow trout, however, occur at several points and there is a pos- sil)ility of establishing a comparatively large run from Lake Erie. The only fall is a low one about 18 inches high situated in the lower section which could readily be ])assed by rainbows during the period of high water in A])ril and ^lay. Bass Waters: St)'eanis: Large or small mouthed bass have been I'ccommended for all unpolluted streams over about 30 feet wide in which natural spawning is apparently inadequate. We have elimin- ated the lower sections of streams which may be entered by bass l)reeders from Lake Erie because, if entirely suitable, they should be fully ])opulated with young from lake breeders. If they are not so ])oi)ulated, it is reasonable to presume that they are not suitable in which case, stocking would be unsuccessful. Two noteworthy ex- ami)les are Buffalo and Cattaraugus creeks. At one time the latter as far u))stream as Gowanda, must have been an enormous natural hatchery for Lake Erie bass. This is borne out by the statements of the older inhabitants of the region. The present polluted con- dition, though it may not wholly ])revent bass from entering, must o])('i"at(' advei-sely ui)on eggs and young. Streams under 'M) feet in Avidlli, ii' they contain bass at all, usually are oxer populated Avith undersized fish, the result of natui-al s))awning. M is e\ident that nothing would be gained by stocking them. Small-mouthed bass have been reeommended for streams with some current and lia\ing freipienf gravel shoals; lai-ge-mouthed, I'oi- the more sluggish streams with mud bottom and an abundance ot" \-egetation part ieidai'ly water lilies and cattails. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 37 The principal small-mouthed bass streams are : Cayuga creek (Map lA), lower 3 miles. Tonawanda creek including Barge canal, 72 miles. Buffalo creek, from tributary 6 to 30, 25 miles. East Branch Cazenovia, 3 miles. Eighteenmile creek, 1 mile. Cattaraugus creek, Gowanda to tributary 48, 34 miles. South Branch, Cattaraugus, lower 14 miles. Large-mouthed bass have been recommended for but one stream, Ellicott creek. The lower 5 miles seem better adapted to this species than to small-mouthed bass, even though the latter may occur in places. It may be said that streams suitable for large- mouthed bass usually also have favorable conditions for bluegills, crappie, pike-perch, pickerel and bullheads and in many cases we have suggested one or more of them to be planted along with ])ass. The More Important Bass Ponds and Lakes. — There are about 627.5 acres of jionds and lakes for Avhich bass have been rec- ommended. Of these 135.2 are suitable for small-mouthed, and 492 for large-mouthed bass. There are many other ponds in the watershed in which stocking* is not advised. They fall into one or more of the following categories : posted, stocking not desired, too small or polluted. With one exception, the small-mouthed bass ponds are small and unimportant. They are as follows : Stevens reservoir 1.5 acres. Map 2B Old Attica reservoir 4 acres, Map 2B Gowanda state hospital reservoir 56 acres. Map 3A Otto Pond 2 acres, Map 4B The large-mouthed bass ponds are generally larger and more numerous. They are as follows: Dead lake 2 acres, Map IB Railroad pond 2 acres, Map 2A Reservoir (tributary 13 of INlurder creek) 35 acres, Map 2B Smith jMills pond 10 acres, Map 8A Java lake 123 acres, Map 3B North Wilson pond 4 acres, Map 3B East Concord pond 5 acres, ]\Iap -"^B Beaver lake 15 acres, Map 4C Crystal lake 40 acres, Map 4C Lime lake 256 acres, ]\Iap 4C The most important lakes from the fisherman's standpoint are Lime, Crystal and Java. Lime lake is about 1.2 miles long and varies in width from about .25 to .5 of a mile. Soundings indicated a maximum depth of about 40 feet. The water temperature varies with de]-)th and the location, the latter influenced chiefly by bottom springs which appear to constitute the sole water supply. 38 Conservation Department Table 7. — Temperatures Recorded in Lime Lake on July 26. Am Registered 80 Degrees F. DEPTH IN FEET Surface 22.5 (East side) 31.0 (South end) 31.5 (N. E. of center) 32.5 (E. of center). . . 40.0 (N. of center). . . Temperature, F 76 72 62 58.5 72 52 The bottom is princij^ally of mud and muck with only a ver^' small area covered with gravel. There are great beds of submerged plants at each end and along the sides, while water lilies are abundant in the numerous bays. Although the bottom temperatures are low enough for brook trout, the bottom water has a strong odor of hydrogen sulphide, an indication that it is deficient in oxygen. The lake now con- tains large-mouthed bass, pickerel, yellow perch, sunfish and bull- heads for which it seems best adapted. Crystal lake is only about .5 of a mile long and .15 of a mile wide. On its east shore is situated "Scouthaven", a summer camp for boy scouts. The greatest depth recorded was 27 feet. The bottom is composed ])rincipally of mud with only an occasional area of gravel. Pond lilies are abundant and large submerged meadows of pond weeds, water weeds and wild celery occur at each end. Althougli the lake has been repeatedly stocked with small- mouthed bass, the predominating form is the large-mouthed and this species together with bluegills and calico bass should be planted in the future. flava lake has a minimum depth of about 25 feet and is fed principally by springs located in the north^vest corner. The bot- tom temperatures were low ranging from 58.5 to 62. Mud bot- tom predominates everywhere except for a sliort stretch along the nortliwest shore. Su])mei'ged vegetation is dense and extensive wliilc patclies of poud lilies were found here and there in the shallows. The bottom water is cold enough for trout but there is evidence of hydrogen sulphide which is an indication that the oxygen con- tent is too low. Doctor Leffingwell seined the lake carefully and found the following species among others: yellow perch, bullhead, pike-perch, large-mouthed bass, northern pike and sunfish. It has been stocked with small-moutlied bass but none was seen and pre- sumably the i)hnit was not a success. The geueral conditions seem much better suited to a large-mouthed ba.ss and associated forms. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed '39 II. A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE JOINT SURVEY OF LAKE ERIE By Charles J. Fish Director Buffalo Museum of Science Introduction The present report contains a brief summary of some of the results of a three months' survey of eastern Lake Erie, carried on under the joint auspices of the United States Bureau of Fisher- ies, the New York State Conservation Department, the Ontario Department of Game and Fisheries, the Health Department of the City of Buffalo, and the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. The object of the investig'ation was to determine if possible the cause or causes for the decline in the fisheries of the lake. The staff consisted of the following eleven investigators : Charles J. Fish, Field Director, Buffalo ]Museum of Science, Buffalo, N. Y. Richard Parmenter, Hydrographer, formerl}' with U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. Marie Poland Fish. Biologist, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, X, Y. Charles B. Wilson, Biologist, Westfield Normal School, Westfield, Mass. Paul R. Burkholder, Botanist, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Roger C. Williams, Chemist, City Health Department, Buffalo. N. Y. Andrew N. Zillig, Bacteriologist, City Health Department, Buffalo, N. Y. Albert E. Allin, Assistant Ichthyologist, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Willis L. Tressler, Assistant, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. Elizabeth L. Saunders, Assistant, Brown University, Providence, R. I. Vernon S. L. Pate, Assistant, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. Y. Program and Itinerary. — The program was designed Avith two objects in view: first, a determination of the normal physical, chemical, and biological conditions in the lake and the natural requirements for successful production of fishes ; second, a careful investigation to determine to what extent these natural require- ments have been interfered with by man, to what extent the waters have been made impossible for fish life, what areas of the bottom have been rendered unfit for spawning, etc. By continuing the results of these two lines of study it should be possible to determine where the natural requirements have been most seriously affected and how conditions may best be improved. In the area of 1701 square miles lying east of a line from the New York-Pennsylvania boundary to Long Point, 23 stations were located and plans made to visit each of these w^eekly from June 15 to September 15, using the U. S. Fisheries steamer, Shear- ivater, an 85 foot vessel of 95 gross tons. Before the arrival of the larger vessel, during the interA-al between June 15 and July 26, a modified program was carried out in the shallow area around 40 COXSEHVATIOX DEPARTMENT tlie margin of the lake on the New York State gasoline launch, Xaretfe/^ The federal steamer "Shearwater" of the Bureau of Fisheries detailed for service in the Lake Erie survey Table I. — Shearwater Stations Location LOCATI ON Depth in Remarks Sta- tion Depth in Sta- Remarks meters Latitude Longi- tude meters Latitude Longi- tude 1 6 42°-52'-30" 78°-55' Buffalo intake pier 14 39 42°-21'-30" 79°-50' Mid lake 2 11 42°-48' 78°-56' Seneca shoal . 15 62 42°-29' 79°-58' Deep hole. 3 9 42°-44' 78''-59' Off 18-Mile creek . 17 29 42°-33'-30" 80°-03' Long Point. 4 22 42°-47' 79°-02' Mid lake. 18 10 42°-36' 80°- 10' Bluff bar. 5 9 42° so'-ao" 79°-05' I't. Abino. 19 10 42°-43' 80°-14' Rverse. 6 15 42°-5r 7«'-15' Port Colbonie 20 35 42°-40' 79°-()6' Loiiu Point luiy 7A 22 42°-42' 79°-13' Mid lake. 21 60 42°-33' 7i>°-43' Mid lake 9 14 42°-34' 79°- 10' Silver creek. 22 37 42M0' 79°-43' Mid lake. 10 16 42°-33' 79°-15' Beaver creek. 23 15 42°-4C'-30'' 79°-43' Tecumseh reef. 11 18 42°- 30' 79°-20' Dunkirk. 24 15 42M8'-30' 79°-36' PortMaitlanil. 12 22 42°-23' 79°-34' Westfield. 25 15 42°-49'-30'' 79°-25' Sunken islaixl bay. 13 16 42°-17' 79»-46' State Line. * Sec illu.sfr;iti<)ii pa^c 12 Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 41 — = =^^_^^^._^ g < ^ 1 "- ^ [ ' '' T/"'"^'"''^ ^\ o rj LHf^oN )k " w \ . ^ K M i t"§ \ — HH z ir^ V X o 1- a 0 _ 2 1 ' s( s A ■<^ a " ^ g )« o n. '(ij g J ! 1 t ( y 2 < lU < UJ < 0- . . ) ^ \ J : :' \ \ qJ o " / is o\ i\ o ^ \ %} fo ^ \ -/ cvi (M w \ l\^ o O 0 CM O 0 r- t o oV — \ \ o \ i f N \ -o \ ^- r\ \ ^ w M\ Yet 1 I J 7 ] CO / \V\ i ,( > 5 6 Y ^\ 0) (^ 1 \ "«>v 6 § / \ 5®X 0 / / \ <:^ c» V \ '^ y^ f \ 1 § 1 x C j \ ■^ g ^ 1 ^ / \ < jjj I -9. 3i|— ' 1 ^a "^ 3 H ^ J g s. 42 COXSERVATIOX DEPARTMENT The field program consisted of : Physical Observations : 1. Sounding for depth and bottom sample— to determine the character of bottom throughout the region and the dis- tribution of silt deposits. 2. Temperature — horizontal and vertical range throughout the season ; also diurnal fluctuations. 3. Currents — rate and direction of the movements in the Avater mass. 4. Transparency — degree of turbidity due to organic and inorganic matter in suspension. 5. Effect of storms on physical, chemical, and biological conditions in the eastern part of the lake. *Ch€mical and Bacteriological Observations: 1. Free ammonia, albuminoid ammonia, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, and hydrogen ion test to determine (a) Normal chemistry of the lake. (b) Extent and concentration of pollution. 2. Bacterial test to determine quantitative distribution of bacteria and of the B. coli-aerogenes group. Biological Observations : Limnological cruise — *1. Liter samples from surface and bottom centrifuged for nannoplankton. *2. Fifty liters from the surface and bottom taken with pump and filtered through No. 20 silk for quantitative distribution of phytoplankton. 3. Horizontal five-minute hauls at surface and near bottom with No. 20 silk foot net for a qualitative check on the pump collections. 4. Horizontal five-minute hauls at surface and near bottom with jMichael 8ars meter net of No. oxx and No. ooxx silk for quantitative and qualitative macroplankton and young fish collections. (Depth at which loAver net fished was deter- mined from the angle of the dredging wire and length of line out.) Fisliiiig Cruise — ^. Five-minute ])ott()m liauls witli a Helgoland trawl for demersal fish eggs, small fry, and the macroplankton com- munity adjacent to the bottom. *2. Fifteen-minute hauls with a Petersen young fish trawl (Vi inch s(|uare mesh) fishing at all levels. Observations omitted on Xavette stations. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 43 Occasional shore seining with 150 foot seine to supplement the off-shore work. In order to facilitate the work the field program was divided into two parts, the young fish collections (Petersen and Helgoland trawls) and the limnological collections being taken on alternate weeks. This allowed the laboratory staff two weeks to complete the more time-consuming work on the chemical, bacteriological, and plankton analyses. Table II. — Navette Stations Depth in meters Location Remarks Sta- tion Depth in meters Location Sta- tion Latitude Longi- tude Latitude Longi- tude Remarks lA 2C 3A Z 4A 6A 7A 8A 15C 16C 17C 18C 19C 20C 9 7 10 7 4 6 7 3 7 2 4 4 3 10 42°-51' 42°-48' 42°-46' 42°-52' 42°-46' 42M3'-30" 42M2'-30" 42°-39' 42°-51' 42°-53' 42°-53' 42°-52' 42°-51'-30" 42°-51' 78°-55' 78°-58' 78°-58'-30" 78°-55' 78°-54' 78°-59' 79°-02' 79°-05' 78°-57' 78^-57' 79°-00' 79°-02'-30" 79°-05' 79°-07' Off Michigan gap. Waverly shoals. Seneca shoal. Buffalo light. Athol Springs. 18 Mile creek. Ke Hogg's dock. Boulder shoal. Waverly sh. N. Rose's reef. Bertie bay. Thunder bay. Point Abino bay W. of Pt. Abino. 21C 22C 23C 24C 25C ISp. 26C 27C 14A 13A 12A llA lOA 9A 15 15 5 8 14 6 17 6 8 6 5 12 42"'-51'-30" 42°-50' 42°-46' 42°-44' 42°-36' 42°-52'-30" 42°-58' 42°-57' 42°-30' 42°-31' 42°-33' 42°-33'-30' 42°-34' 42°-37' 79°-16' 79°-36' 80°-12'-30" 80°-15' 80°-09' 78°-55' 78°-59'-30'' 78°-55'-30" 79°-20' 79°-16'-30"' 79°-13' 79°-ll' 79°-09' 79°-07' Port Col- borne. Port xMait- land. Port Dover. Rverse. Biuff bar. Intake pipe. Sidway'a — Grand isl'd. Strawberry island. Dunkirk Beaver creek. Havilah. Silver creek. Cattaraugus creek. Muddy creek. 44 CONSEKVATIOX DEPARTMENT •J 1 ■■ i s ,2^ \^ ^ o\ ClJ 1 ! '3 ■ '4 1^ g K z o (-- a i i ' li i z ex UJ < ' ?o \ 1 s/ «* \ 1 POOT \ \ n [J ■8 > \ \ '-^ 8 { \ — vl y g -1 1 J 1 — . V 1 Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagaka Watershed 45 Discussion of Results 1. — Hydrography By Richard Parmenter Equipment. — All hydrograpliic apparatus was worked on a 1/4 inch galvanized iron wire attached to the barrel of a hand winch and passing over the standard form of meter wheel. The meter wheel was suspended from a small davit on the port quarter of the vessel. The thermometers, water-bottles, etc., could thus be easily controlled and lowered to the depth desired with a high deojree of accuracy. Greene r>iuel(>\s \\;iler holile with Riclil) ' versing thermometer Throughout this rei)ort all temperatures are given in the Centi- :rade scale and all depths are in meters. 46 CONSERVATIOX DEPARTMENT Temperatures.''' — For the determination of snrface temperatures an ordinary laboratory thermometer reading to 1/5 of a degree Centigi-ade\vas used. For sub-surface Avork the conventional type of deep-sea thermometer manufactured by the firms of Negretti & Zambra and Kichter & Weise were used. The Negretti instru- ments were graduated to fifths of a degree Centigrade and the Richter's to tenths in the same scale. Transparency. — The Secchi disk, eight inches in diameter, was used for determining the transparency of the Avater. The trans- parency is expressed as the depth in meters at which the disk dis- appeared from view. Currents. — Two meters were used in investigating the currents of the lake. For direction the Ekman type was used. In this small shot are released from a reservoir by the turning of the mechanism and after passing along a grooved compass needle fall into a compartmented box. For velocity the newest electric- acoustic type of meter manufactured by the Gurley Company was used. The results of the Ekman were not very satisfactory as the mechanism showed a tendency to stick. Due to deficiencies in the Shearwater's equipment she could be anchored in only the very calmest Aveather and current determinations Avere consequently limited to these times. The shape of the lake bottom in the region investigated is clearly shoAvn by the bathymetrical chart, (fig. 3), Avhereon contour lines are laid doAAai at 10 meter intervals. The areas of the 10 meter levels and their percentage of the total surface area (1701 sq. mi.) are as folloAvs: Table 3. — Ten-meter Intervals Showing Percentage of Surface Area LEVEL METERS Area sq. mi. % 0 1,701 1.399 940 616 338 122 29 100.0 10 82.2 20 55.2 30 36.2 40 19.8 50 7.2 60 1.7 Distribution of Temperature. — Although Lake Erie as a wlu^le did not freeze over in the Avinter of 11)27-1928, there Avas closely ])acked field ice extending AvestAvard from l>ufTalo as far as the eye could reacli on May If) and for several days thereafter. This ice had been in this region for sonu^ tinu^ and had come doAvn there from the up|)er hike.s. It is, therefore, ])r()bal)le that on this date the temperature oi' the lake as a wliole and from top to bot- See page 55. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 47 48 CONSEKVATIOX DEPARTMENT torn was somewhere around 4 degrees C, any warming which may have taken place during the earlier spring months having been obliterated by the arrival of this ice. By :\Iay 25 all ice had disappeared and by the time of the first' cruise which was made in the New York State Conservation Department '.s launch Naveffe on June 10, 11, and 12, a pronounced warming both of surface and bottom had taken place in this area. The first Navette cruise covered the Buffalo region and extended in very shallow water along the American and Canadian shores. The extreme shallowness of these shore stations gave temperatures which could not be considered indicative of the lake surface as a whole nor permit of comparison with the later Shearwater stations. Consequently only the stations farthest out from land, lA, 2C, 3A, and 15C have been used for estimating the probable average surface temperature in the Buffalo region. The mean of these four is 13.0°. In the Buffalo region no noticeable vertical gradient existed, but farther west there was a pronounced differential. Thus at station 20 on the west side of Pt. Abino the surface temperature was 15.8° while the bottom in 10.5 m. was only 10.6°. The second cruise took place a week later and included the region along the Canadian shore from Buffalo to Port Dover. Tlic mean surface temperature of the three stations occupied on the first day was 13.6°. There was an even vertical gradient from toj:) to bottom with no evidences of a thermocline as yet. The stations in Long Point Bay near Port Dover were thoroughly mixed but at the station off Bluff' Bar a temperature of only 8.8° Avas found at the bottom in 14 m. The third Navette cruise embraced the American shore between Dunkirk and Buffalo. It took place on July 11 and 12 and the surface was found to have warmed to a mean temperature of 23.5°. This high value is due to the fact that only the marginal zone of tlie lake figured in these stations and the figure does not represent the mean surface temperature of the lake as a whole in any sense. Vertical gradients were found to have disappeared in this shallow band along the edge. With the arrival of tlie Shearwater at Buffalo late in July it became possible to take up the original ])i"ogram which consisted of occu]\vino' at weekly intervals a series of stations forming a net work over tlie ai'ea to be investigated. Their location is shown on the key chart. Due to certain limitations in the Shearwater's equipment work could only be carried on during the daylight hours and in oi-der to comiJete the cii'cuit of 23 stations thi'ee (lays were f(M|uir('(l. The fii'st iiiglil was spent in Dunkirk, the second in Port Doxcr, while the third day was i^issed in the return to Buffalo with tlic stations that lay along this route. (\)nse- (piently, stations 1 to 11 which ^^•ere taken up on \\\o fii-st day between I>uffalo and Dunkii-l; were always scpai-atcd by a uap of at Icjist 1 went y j'oui- hours I'l-oin slat ions 20 to 2.") which were occupied on the last day's iMin. As ha|)i)ened on several occas- Biological Survey — Ekie-Xiaoaka WATEKSiiEn 49 50 Conservation Department sions, bad weather interrupted the work at Dunkirk or Port Dover or both, and the interval between the first and last stations was correspondingly lengthened. The lake is so large, however, and its diurnal changes, even under the influence of a brisk wind are so small that mean temperatures can be discussed and contour lines of distribution draw^n as safely as though it had been possible to occupy all of the stations within the same twenty-four hours. Cruise 1 began on July 24 and continued, with interruptions due to bad weather, until July 31. The distribution of surface temperature was in accordance with Fig. 4. There was a pro- nounced piling up of warm water along the American shore and into the pocket at the Buffalo end of the lake. The Dunkirk region was warmest with water slightly above 23° while all the Long Point bay region was covered by water below 21°. When station 14 was occupied the relatively feeble penetration of vernal warming was evident and the first evidence of a thermocline observed. There was a drop of 10° in the ten meters between the 10 m. and 20 m. levels and at the bottom in 36 m. water of 4.7° was encountered. A stop of 18 hours was made at the next station, 15, the ''deep hole". Here the temperature Avas taken every 5 m. down to the 30 m. level and then every 10 m. to the bottom in 60 m. True winter water of just above 4° was found in the bottom 10 m. and a marked discontinuity layer occurs between 25 and 35 meters. The finding of the 4.7° water at station 14 was now explained and a glance at Fig. 5 shows a rather widespread distribution of water below 5°. Rather surprising was the fact that this cold water seemed to be running up hill a little, for 4.7° occurs at a level 10 m. higher at station 14 than at station 15. But this inclination of the water layers occurs in a manner truly remarkable on the northern side of the "deep hole" where at station 17 where water fractionally above 5° is found at 15 m. although six miles away at station 15 it is 40 m. below the surface. The most remarkable discovery at station 17 was the existence of a thermocline in which a change of 7.8'° takes place in a vertical distance of only one meter — between 14 m. and 15 m. Such a condition has never been found before in a large and exposed body of water so far as I can find out; and in order to make certain of this phenomenon the readings were repeated three times with different thermometers. The region is one of strong currents and wave action. This cold water which climbs uphill against the force of gravity extended a certain distance ''around tlie corner" into Long Point bay. But to tlie westward of the neighborhood of liluff ])ar there was citliei- no further intrusion or tlu^ sun's rays had penetrated tli(» sliaHows sufficiently to make tlie water virtu- ally uniform from toj) to bottom, there being a differential of only 0.&° at the station 18 and of 1.8° at stntioii D. It may be considered that the to)) 10 meters of the lake were now pretty thoroughly mixed, the mean surface temperature being 21.8° and the mean for 10 m. being 20.!)°. l)Ut this mixing did not Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 51 52 Conservation Department extend far below the upper 10 m. for in general the temperature dropped off sharply below this point, the exceptions occurring in tlie eastern end of the lake and along the American shore — both regions of ''pile up" due to the prevailing southwest winds. The water in the trench off Long Point was apparently true winter water still practically at minimum temperature and maxi- mum density and the occasional storms which had blown across the surface above it since the water began to warm up in the spring had not been strong enough to overcome the steadily increasing stability of equilibrium into which the warm weather was putting the water. The second cruise of the Shearwdfer was given over to fishing with the trawls, but on the third cruise, August 15, 16 and 17 the mean surface temperature had risen to 22.9° and the mean temper- ature of the 10 m. level to 21.3° showing the water to be thoroughly mixed in the upper ten meters. But the most remarkable feature of the lake at this time was the very low tem])erature found at the bottom at stations 3 to 10, caused by a great spreading out to the eastward of the water which had ]^reviously been confined to the trench off' Long Point. Ham- pered as we are when dealing with fresh water by the absence of salinity values as identifiers, the complete absence on the first cruise of any water below 20° to the eastward of the line of stations 3-4-5 is proof positive that the Avater below 15° now found at these stations could have come there only from the .west, that is from the deep hole. Something had set this cold mass in movement and against the action of gravity it Avas rising over the slopes which surround its place of origin and creeping under the lighter surface water until it encountered some obstacle to its progress. In the region of Dunkirk where it had been halted by the shore its presence was manifested in the low surface temperature as well as the bottom for in these shallows the water was thoroughly mixed from top to bottom. It had not a])parently extended far enough to the east- ward to make itself felt at stations 1 and 2 nor had it gone around the corner into Long Point bay as far as station 18, but it had affected the bottom temperatures of practically all the other stations. The question at once ]nTsented itself whether this cret ping of cold water to the eastward was a normal flow of the eutii'e lake water toward Buffalo — a flow Avhich would pi-eseiilly drain the deep hole of cold water and re])lace it with wannef water from tlie western end of tli<' lake — or whether it was an oscilhitoi'v moN-ement of the natnre of a submarine sei('h(\ A theoi'v can l)e advanced wliich accords fairly well with the c()m|)nte(l "noi-iiial hik(^ moveiiicnl " (to be discussed later") which wouhl cxphiin why cohl water had not appeared off I'oinl Abino earlier in Ihe season and \'el did appear now ; I»n1 i1 was reeogni/.ed that a sei(die nioN'enietd was far more likely to furnish th.e explan- ation, and 1enipei-a1 ures taken from sintion 1 1o stnlion !) on the Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagaka Watershed 53 4tli cruise sliowed eouclusively tliat this was the ease. For at this time all trace of the cold bottom water at these eastern sta- tions had disappeared. To return to the third cruise : At stations outside of the Buffalo region and Long Point bay the creeping in of this cold bottom water had set up strong density gradients and consequently retarded mixing. Nevertheless it was fractionally warmer at the bottom at stations 14 and 17 than it had been two weeks earlier. At station 17 the existence of the surprising thermocline was again noted. This time the discontinuity layer lay between 17 and 18 meters instead of between 11 and 15 meters as earlier. The top 15 meters of water were quite thoroughly mixed. The temperature at 15 m. was 20.5° ; at 17 m. it Avas 12.9° ; and at 18 m. only 6.4°. The finding of this phenomenon again removed any doubt as to the accuracy of the previous readings. It is interesting to note that while the surface density gradient had been reversed over what its direction was on the first cruise, the forces which were holding the water layers inclined at so sharp an angle to the horizontal on the south side of Long Point had changed apparently neither in magnitude nor in direction. Water of low temperature was still found at station 17 many meters higher than was water of the same temperature at the adjacent station 15. Cruise 4 Avhicli took ]:)lace on Augnst 22, 23, and 24 was a fishing trip and temperatures were taken only at stations 1 to 9 in order to check up on the movement of the bottom water. The fifth cruise began on August 28 and lasted, with inter- ruptions due to strong winds, until September 3. The mean sur- face temperature was 21.6° at the 19 stations which were occupied and tlie individual divergences from this mean so small that no chart has been prepared. The surface had cooled slightly since the third cruise and was now about the temperature of a month earlier. Nor was the maxi- mum temperature, 22.8° at station 11, as high as the maximum of cruise 3. Evidently the peak of the summer warming was reached some time between the 15th of August and the 1st of September and with the increasing declination of the sun and the greater in- tensity and frequency of strong winds which now^ began, surface cooling went on faster and faster. Already water in mistable equi- librium had appeared. On the morning of September 1 which was raw and cold an inverted temperature gradient was observed at station 13 extending from top to bottom and at station 14 between the top and 20 meters. Convectional overturning must have been going on rapidly at these stations. The upper 20 meters was now thoroughly mixed and at station 15 the same reading 21.3° was obtained at 0, 10, and 20 metres. Just below 20 meters, liowever, a pronounced thermocline was evident in all stations having depths exceeding this figure and while time would not permit of more detailed investigation at sta- tion 17, evidences of the former concentrated discontinuity layer — somewhat attenuated — were found even though the water at 18 meters was several degrees warmer than it was two weeks before. 54 Conservation Department Also, as the Ave.stward extension of the 50 meters level ^vas found to be only about 8 miles beyond station 15, it seems prol)able that the normal net movement toward the lake outlet at Buffalo was concentrated solely in these upper strata, else the cold water here would by now have been replaced by water from the shallower parts of the lake to the west and could have been easily identified by its much higher temperature. Yet the water in the deep hole was neither chemically nor physi- cally stagnant as such a condition of apparent insulation from surrounding waters might lead one to expect. Chemical analyses showed an abundance of oxygen in the lower levels in spite of incessant consumption by the animal members of the community, although this oxygen could not have been brought there by trans- ference from the aerated regions near the surface. There is apparently light enough here for the plants of these waters to carry on photo-synthesis. Nor is there physical stagnation here, for current meters operated on the first and fourth cruises re- vealed the presence of considerable velocities even in the lower- most levels. More temperature data in the region lying to the west of the deep hole is urgently needed if the movements of the cold water are to be understood. The sixth and last cruise began about a week later on September 12 and, as it covered only the region between Buffalo and Dun- kirk with the addition of station 22, a very detailed discussion of temperature distribution cannot be undertaken. The surtace water now had a mean temperature of 20.9° Avith approximately 20.6° at the ten meter level. Mixing had been so complete down to 20 meters that all bottom water to the east of the Port Colbornt- ' — Silver creek line was over 20°. The only indications w^e had of the condition of the bottom water in other regions was furnished by the value 9.4° in 33 meters at station 22. The water from the deep hole was apparently not in movement — to the eastward at any rate. A Taylor self-recording thermometer was set up aboard the Shearwater at her dock at the foot of Porter Avenue in order to gain some idea of the magnitude of the diurnal changes taking place in the surface waters. The instrument was set in such a position that the capillary bulb extended about six inches below the surface and on the seaward side of the vessel. The water at this point was in continuous gentle movement due to a small cur- rent and while exposed fully to wind action was ])rotected from liigh waves by the presence of the inner breakwall a few hundred yards away. Readings were taken continuously from noon of September 7 to noon of September 11, and the values never rose above 70°F. (21°C.) nor fell below 67°F. (19.5°C.) and this ex- treme difference occurred all on the day Sejitember 7-8, the diurnal changes on the other days being less than 1°F. Currents. — Cui'i'eiit measui-ements were taken at Station 15 — the deep hole on \\h' first aiul fourth Shearwafc)' cruises. A maxi- mum surface current of 0.92 ft/sec. (about 0.63 mi/lir.) Avas en- countered at 8 p. m. on July 30, tlie maximum ])ottom I'cadiug of Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 00 this set of measurements, which lasted 12 hours, being 0.44 ft/sec, occuring" at 4 a.m. on the ^Jlst. Tlie velocities encountered during the fourth cruise were not as large and hence the high currents reported by the fishermen who claim that their nets and gear are damaged thereby must still remain a matter of hearsay, although it is probable that they do not exist. In the complete report, to be published elsewhere, it is shown that the currents of Lake Erie cannot be due to the "normal flow'' of the water from the western to the eastern end ; and that these currents must be brought about by winds, barometric pressure, the distribution of density, or combinations of these factors. In this fuller discussion, a theory to account for the movement of the cold water noted in the pages above is advanced and fully dis- cussed. The suggestion is offered that data supplied by the weather bureaus of the lake cities may ultimately permit the location of this cold w^ater to be forcasted day by day. Since several of the commercial species of fish follow this cold water closely, the economic value of such forecasting is evident. Transparency. — The transparency of Lake Erie as a whole is low. The maximum reading of the Secchi disk w^as only 10.5 meters with a minimum reading of 2 m. The average was between 5 and 6 meters. The plotted distribution of the data showed no particular geo- graphical effect, the near shore stations being about as high in value as the off shore. The roughness of the sea decreased the transparency and the angle of the sun had some effect for the highest values occurred on sunny quiet days within a few hours of noon. The abundance of living organisms probably played the most important part in varying the transparency, and mean value (5-6m.) which we found in the eastern part of the lake is about what might be expected in a ''green" sea. Harvey* gives the transparency average for the Deutschland Expedition's tests in ''green" sea w^ater as 9 m. CONVERSION TABLE FROM FAHRENHEIT TO CENTIGRADE °F. °C. °F. °C. °F. °C. °F. °C. 33.8 1.00 46.4 8.00 59.0 15.00 71.6 22.00 34.7 1.50 47.3 8.50 59.9 15.50 72.5 22 . 50 35.6 2.00 48.2 9.00 50.8 16.00 73.4 23.00 36.5 2.50 49.1 9.50 61.7 16.50 74.3 23.50 37.4 3.00 50.0 10.00 62.6 17.00 75.2 24.00 38.3 3.50 50.9 10.50 63.5 17.50 76.1 24.50 39.2 4.00 51.8 11.00 64.4 18.00 77.0 25.00 40.1 4.50 52.7 11.50 35.3 18.50 77.9 25.50 41.0 5.00 53.6 12.00 66.2 19.00 78.8 26.00 41.9 5.50 54.5 12.50 67.1 19.50 42.8 6.00 55.4 13.00 68.0 20.00 43.7 6.50 55.3 13.50 68.9 20.50 44.6 7.00 57.2 14.00 69.8 21.00 45.5 7.50 58.1 14.50 70.7 21.50 * Harvey, H. p. 157, 1928. W. Biological Chemistry and Phvsics of Sea Water, table 43. 56 COXSERVATIOX DepAKT M EXT 2. — BaclvridJ Studies of Jjike Erie By Axdkkw ^i. Zii.lk; This report represents the sanitary condition of the water at the points collected in the eastern part of Lake Erie dnrino- the months of Jnly and Augnst, including methods and results ob- tained, with niterpretations. Standard Methods for Water Analysis, as approved by the American Public Health and the American Water Works Association, were employed. Ha4 sami)les examined was :U, the lowest 1, and tlie liig-hest count iMO bacteria Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 57 per cubic centimeter of water tested. B. Coli or aerogenes were not found in one-tenth or one cubic centimeter amounts of any of the samples tested. Members of B. Coli-aerogenes group were present in 20 of 470 of ten cubic centimeter amounts. The bacteriological condition of Lake Erie is never constant but subject to fluctuations due not only to seasonal changes, but following heavy storms at any time during the year, particularly Avhen preceded by heavy rains, the records showing that such dis- turbances have occurred as late as the month of December. How- ever, in the light of available evidence, the lake is remarkably free from pollution and from the bacteriological standpoint, in the Preparing cultures on Shearwater area investigated, is not a factor in the destruction of either young or adult fish. Regarding adult fish, there is no evidence to suspect l)acterial infection of an epidemiological nature in Lake Erie. Such a 58 Conservation Department condition, if extensive enough to affect their abundance, would be observed in the inspection of thousands of pounds caught yearly by the commercial interests for marketing purposes. Storms may pro- duce mechanical injury to a small percentage of fish in shallow water, one of the principal effects being sand in the gills, which pre- vents the function of breathing, or injury to the issue after remov- ing protective substances, subjecting the fish to bacterial and fun- gus infection. 3. — Chemical Studies of Lake Erie By Roger C. Williams The chemical investigation of Lake Erie was undertaken chiefly for the purpose of ascertaining the amount and extent of pollution from sewage and industrial wastes. Something of the normal chemical conditions in the lake Avas also determined as being of biological significance. In order to carr}- out the chemical program the following analyses were made : Determination of free ammonia, albuminoid ammonia, and nitrates, free carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, carbonate, dissolved oxygen, hydrogen ion concentration and temperature. Three chemical trips were made on the IT. S. F. S., Shearwater, in July, August and September for the purpose of visiting the stations chosen as representative of that eastern portion of the lake included in the survey. For the exact location of these sta- tions see fig. 1. Methods. — For the nitrogen analyses a one-liter sample of water was collected from the middle depth of each station in July, and from both the surface and bottom in August and September. The collection was accomplished by lowering a one-liter glass stoppered bottle in a special frame to the desired depth. It was then filled by working a double tripping device which opened and closed the bottle in situ. The samples were kept in these bottles on ice until analysis could be made in the laboratory. Water samples for all other analyses were taken in a Greene- Bigelow water sampler, using proper precautions so as not to change the chemical properties of the water. The titrations for carbon dioxide, oxygen, and the pH determinations were made immediately in the field laboratory on board the Shearwater. Wherever analyses were made temperature readings were also taken at the same depths. For this purpose reversing thermom- eters of the Negretti-Zambra and Richter types were used. In executing the chemical determinations standard methods were employed as recommended by the American Public Health Associ- ation, '^Standard Methods of Water Analysis" for 1925. The answer to the i)roblem of ]iollution in the lake proper may be discussed briefly in the light of the chemical analj^ses. It must The City of Buffalo, through the co-operation of Dr Francis E. Fronczak, Health Commissioner, and Dr Charles A. Bentz, Director, Division of Communicabie Diseases Laboratories, contributed the services of the City Chemist and a Bacterio- logist to assist in Lake Erie survey work. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 59 be borne in mind that this discussion applies only to the lake con- ditions as determined at points one-half mile or more from shore. The pollution problem in shallow water close to shore is handled elsewhere in the State report.^ When sewage and other organic wastes are added to a body of water decomposition soon sets to work. By the normal processes of ''oxidation" large quantities of oxygen may be removed from the water and used in breaking down the complex organic com- pounds into simpler form. It may readily be realized that where this goes on to any considerable extent the normal amount of oxygen dissolved in water may be depleted in a marked degree. Hence oxygen depletion is often taken as an indication of pollution. Oxygen depletion as a criterion of pollution must, however, be used with consideration of other factors. Replenishment of the supply of dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere and from the photosynthetic process of green organisms in sunlight may serve to maintain a relatively high percentage of saturation even in the presence of pollution. This condition of plenty of free oxygen will be found wherever large growths of algae furnish oxygen in excess of the demands of oxidation reactions. Because of the interaction of various factors judgment must be used in weighing the value of the analyses for the interpretation of pollution condition. The minimum degree of oxygen saturation found in the lake during the period of the survey was about 50% and the greatest 95%. A certain amount of oxygen depletion is normal for such a body of water, because of the animal forms which use oxygen in their respiration and to a greater extent because of the decom- position of the bodies of dead organisms whose natural environ- ment is the lake. An average oxygen content in Lake Erie of approximately only 25% below the saturation point is due to the normal respiration of the lake and is not indicative of pollution. The relative abundance of certain nitrogenous compounds is used as an index to the amount of organic pollution. All of the analyses showed that the several kinds of nitrogen determined were present in quantities — signifying no objectionable pollution. The amount of free ammonia present never reached more than .038 parts per million of nitrogen and on the average it occurred as only about .016 parts per million. These figures are compara- tively low. The analyses for albuminoid ammonia showed a minimum figure of .06 and a maximum of .12 with an average of .08 parts per million for the entire eastern end of the lake. And these figures are comparatively low. The nitrate analyses indicate the presence of moderate amounts of nitrogen in its completely oxidized state. The largest quantity was determined in July at .20 parts per million; the smallest occurred in August as .08 parts. Nitrates averaged .14 parts per million. See report of Dr. F, E. Wagner, et al. 60 Conservation Department These analyses taken all tog-ether show that the lake contains only a normal amonnt of nitrogenous substances which are very essential to the successful production of micro-organisms and fish in the lake. As regards industrial i)ollution, whether acid or alkali, the reac- tion of the water to phenolphthalein and methyl-orange and the pH showed no indication of any such pollution. The limits of variability found may all be interpreted as normal phenomena. It is well known that wastes are being emptied into the lake from various sources. Why, then, does the lake not show indications of this pollution? In answer it may be stated that the process of dilution is operative in vast measure in a body of water the size of Lake Erie. Any concentrated source of pollution is made very dilute by mixing with an enormous quantity of water. In the open water normal oxidation processes change the suspended organic stuffs into soluble form. In the Buffalo region these wastes are being poured down the Niagara river in tremendous quantities. In conclusion, let it be stated that the analyses made and the conclusions drawn from the assembled data do not apply to con- ditions that may exist in shallow water near shore. As regards the open lake water the analyses warrant the conclusion that the lake proper is normal and free from objectionable pollution. 4. — MicropJanl-ton Sfiulies of Lal'e Erie By Paul R. Burkiiolder Studies of the microplankton life of Lake Erie were undertaken as part of the general biological survey during the summer of 1928. The objects of this particular phase of the work were the folloAving : 1. To study the kinds and quantity of micro-organisms existent in tlie lake, and 2. To determine something of their significance in the economy of the lake, more particularh^ as regards their bearing on the problem of fish production. In order to secure representative samples it was necessary to establish a number of stations at various points on the eastern ])ortion of the lake included in this survey. Those stations were chosen which were deemed eitlier biologically significant, i.e., near .sources of ])ollution, outwash from streams, etc., or were signifi- cant on account of the depth of the water or their geographical location. Field Methods. — Quantitative samples of microplankton were secured by the following method: Water was drawn from the vari- ous stations and depths by using a double action haiul pum]:) and rubber* hose. This method of securing water samples is deemed adequate for the microj)lankton. though not for the rajiid swim- ming macroplankton forms which manage to evade the puiu]) suc- tion stream. The hose, attached to a cable running from a hand winch, was let (h)wn to the |)roi)ei- depth as (h'terniined by reading the meter wheel. After the hose had been tlioroughly j)umped out so as to remove the organisms that might be foreign to the Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 61 joarticular station or depth, a 50-liter sample of water was pumped into a galvanized iron can made for this purpose. From the pet- cock at the bottom of the can, the water sample was allowed to run through No. 20 silk strainer with bucket. The organisms retained in the bucket were then washed into a 4: oz. bottle and enough formaldehjTle added to preserve. Pump arrangement for net plankton To obtain a sample of the organisms that were so small as to go tlirough the meshes of the No. 20 silk strainer a one-liter sample of water Avas collected immediateh' after the 50-liter sample had been taken. To this 1-liter sample w^as then added sufficient formaldehyde to preserve until it could be centrifuged in the laboratory. In addition to the above quantitative collections, at each station qualitative collections were made by towing a No. 20 silk bolting cloth net, one foot in diameter, for 5 minutes at the surface and one also at the bottom. The depth at which the bottom net was strain- ing was determined from the angle and length of line out. These townet collections were preserved with formaldehyde and used in the laboratory for identification and as a supplement to the quan- titative catches. Laboratory Method. — The organisms strained from the 50-liter water samples were brought into the laboratory in the 4 oz. bottles. The excess water was siphoned off with a bent glass tube over the 62 Conservation Department end of which a No. 20 piece of silk bolting cloth had been firmly attached with a rubber band. Then the suspension was made up with distilled water and formaldehyde as a preservative to stancl- %-'■ Liter uater sampler for naimoplaiikloii ard volume, 10 cc. in all cases. These 10 cc. samples were put into homopathic vials and used for the counts. The one-liter samples of water were run at uniform speed through a Foerst No. 14 centrifuge. The organisms were thus obtained in a small volume of Avater to which was added suffici- ent distilled water and formaUh^hyde to make the volume of sus- pension 10 cc. in all cases. Enumeration of the organisms in both ''net" and "centrifuge" plankton was accomplished as follows: The 10 cc. sample was thoroughly shaken and with a ''Stempel" pipette 1 cc. was trans- ferred to a Sedgwick-Rafter cell. The standard method of 10 Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 63 random counts was used and the number of organisms or colonies per liter of lake water computed. Several interesting things were noted in making a comparison of the "centrifuge" and "net" plankton results. It was dis- covered that the so-called "nannoplankton" forms were compara- tively scarce. Assembled data showed that for the most abund- ant organisms occurring in both net and centrifuge catches there was a difference in the computed results as to number per liter. (3n an average the figures obtained from the centrifuge method ran 3.9 times higher than the net catch figures. This may mean that the net used was inefficient in straining. Also, it is pointed out that the probable error involved in the random count method of dealing with so small a sample as 1 liter is very great. Therefore, let it be stated that too much faith should not be l)laced in the actual numbers obtained for the various kinds of organisms. The value rather lies in recognizing that the data were gathered by a standard method througout the investigation and as such w^arrant certain comparisons and the deductions of certain conclusions that are to follow. The Genera and Species of Microplankton.'^ — Isokontae. Of the green algae, Sphaerocystis l^chroeteri was the most abundant species in the lake. It occurred throughout the summer in compara- tively large quantites and increased in number in September. In early summer the colonies were compact and with large cells; as the season advanced micro colonies became very abundant. Oocystis was another very prevalent genus w^hich diminished somewhat in midsummer and again increased in September. 0. elliptica and 0. crassa were the most common species. IStaiirastrum longiradia- lum was the most common desmid found. Pediastrum was repre- sented by three species: P. simplex^ P. duplex and P. Boryanum, the last named being the most abundant, though at no time very conspicuous. Other genera of green alg^ were never abundant and were obtained only occasionally at the various stations. Ileterokant^. Botryococcus Braunii occurred in the surface tows and less frequently at the bottom. It was never common in the counts except at Station 09 on September 12, w^hen the number reached 500 per liter. Chrysoi:)hyceae. Two species of Dino'bryon occurred in the plankton, D. sfipitafum and D. diver gens. On September 1 the number was at its maximum of 244 of the combined species per liter, just six times the number for August 15. Malloynonas and Synura were extremely rare in occurrence. Bacillariales. Diatoms formed a very considerable part of the life in the lake. The most conspicuous genera were Asterionella, Fragilaria, Melosira, Stei^hanodiscus and Tahellaria. Tahellaria seemed to be the most prominent throughout the summer, increas- ing to a maximum number of 882 per liter at station 05 on Septem- * For a comprehensive list of plankton algae of Lake Erie see "The Plankton Algae of Lake Erie " by J. Snow, Bull, of U. S. Fish Commission, Vol. 22, 1902. 64 Conservation Department ber 12. Asterionelhi and Frayildria g-radually increased through the season until on September 12 at station 05 the former reached 1575 per liter and the latter 1610 per liter. Stepluuiodiscus and Melosira were about equal in numbers, both occurring to a lesser degree than did the other three important genera of diatoms. Gyrosigma, SurireUa and Cijmafopletira were infrecpiently found in small number. The centrifuge recovered considerable quanti- ties of Synedra throughout the summer as well as minor amounts of Navicida, Nifzschia and Cocconek. The relatively small num- ber of nannoplankton species in the lake Avas very noticeable tliroughout the summer. Dinophyceae. Ceratium hirundineUa Avas important during the entire season and shoAved a gradual increase in September. Peri- dinium Avas very rare in occurrence. Eugleninae. A fcAV specimens of EiKjlena Avere taken in the middle of August, but this genus Avas not found in the plankton at ?i\\y other time. JMyxophyceae. Nine genera represented this group of algae. Of these Anahaena AA^as abundant in early summer falling doAvn considerably in August but increasing again in September. In late August and September Aphanoihece made itself knoAvn in fair quantity Avhere it had occurred only as scattered traces in July. Aphanizomenon was found in abundance at several stations in early July but during August and September it had all but disap- peared. Small quantities of Nostoc appeared in September. Dur- ing August Microcystis flourished in a moderate Avay, occurring abundantly in the foot net toAvs at stations 05 and 23 aiid not at all at stations 01, 02, 7A, 09. Coelospliaerium, Lynybya and Aphano- capsa Avere irregular and sparse in occurrence. Protozoa. Vorticella Avas the chief member of this group, occur- ring in large quantities attached to Anahaena colonies. In Sep- tember there Avas a decline. Diffiugia and Amoeba occasionallj^ appeared in small amounts. An unidentified Helizoan occurred in both the net and centrifuge collections more abundantly during August than at any other time. Rotifera. Polyarthra Avas most frequently found. It Avas grad- uall}^ on the increase at the end of the season. During July Anuraea cochlearis Avas rather fre(|uent but in September none was found. Conochilus unicornis Avas very common at several shallow water stations in early July. It Avas never again found commonly. Ploesonia, Trochosphaera, Asplanchna, Anapus and Asplanclinopus were taken in shalloAv Avater early in JuIa' but not later in any of the deeper stations. The Quantity of Microplankton. — In order to adequately present the data from the s1an(l|)()int of disti-ibution, both verti- cally and hoi-izontally, and to show the effects of seasonal A^aria- tion Avould re(iuire more s])ace than can be allotted to this discus- sion. Hence a brief presentation of the (piantitative data Avill be given here, leaving certain additional features for the nun-e com- plete treatise to be published elsewliere. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 65 SURFACE 03 05 OOCYSTIS SPHAEROCYSTIS STAURASTRUM ANABAENA ASTERIONELLA TRAGI LARiA MELOSIRA STEPHANODISCUS TABELLARIA CERATIUM DINOBRYON POLYARTHRA ALGAE DIATOMS PROTOZOA ROTIFERS 05 Ob Fig. 6,— Relative abundance and seasonal variation (at the surface and bottom) for dominant genera and large groups of microplankton. The number of organisms is plotted against time. The trips are of the dates: 01, July 30-Aug. 1; 03, Aug. 15-17; 05, Aug. 28-Sept. 3; 06, Sept. 12-14; 28. && Conservation Department In order to show graphically the relative abundance of the con- stituent genera and groups fig. 6 was constructed for the net plankton. An average for each dominant genus or group for the lake as a whole was computed from all the stations and the num- ber of organisms or colonies per liter was plotted for each of the four trips. The graphical method of expressing results is that used by Loh- mann and also by Birge and Juday.^ Time is plotted along the abscissa and the quantity of organisms as ordinates. The trips and dates are as follows : 01, July 30-August 1 ; 03, August 13- 17; 05, August 28-September 1 ; 06, September 12-14. The width of the black band for any genus or group at any time represents the diameter of a sphere whose volume is the number of organ- 3/ V isms per liter. K=: w — ^jg- where R is the radius of of the sphere whose volume is V. V in this case is the number of organisms per liter. The width of the black band in the chart is equal to 2R, i. e., the diameter of the sphere. The scale employed in making the graphs is R=l=:.25 cm. To solve the graph for the average number of organisms present in the lake at any given time the fol- lowing formula may be applied: V=4.19(5D)^ Avhere V^number of organisms per liter; D= width of the band in centimeters. It must be borne in mind that the width of the bands is a func- tion of the cube root of the actual number per liter and hence the increase in width becomes proportionately less with the increase in number of organisms represented. Upon examining the chart, several things appear outstanding. With the exception of the rotifers, there is an increase in the number of organisms in autumn. This is especially true of the diatoms, which in September are rapidly approaching their autumnal maximum. A concept of the relative abundance of the constituent genera at any time during the summer may be formed by looking at the chart of the crop. It might be pointed out that any given organism is not always present in constant numbers nor is it necessarily true that one or several organisms maintain a dominant position in the environment at all times. This is due to fluctuations in the physical and chemical factors of the lake environment and to the action of predatory rotifers and crusta- ceans. These latter are in large measure dependent upon the smallest micro-organisms for food and in turn are themselves eaten by fish. In view of these various factors operative in the formation of plankton as basic fish food, it is very evident that further study is necessary in interpreting the none too simple problem of lake production. It is hoped, however that these studies may con- tribute a little more knowledge as to the kinds of microplankton in Lake Erie and something of their significance in the economy of the lake. 1 Wisconsin Cool. & Nat. Hist. Siirvov Bull. No. 04. ScicMitific Series No. 13. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Wati^shed 67 5. — The Macroplankfon of Lake Erie By Charles B. Wilson Apparatus and Methods. — In the present survey the macro- plankton was collected by two meter nets, one drawn along the surface and the other just above the bottom, and by a Helgoland trawl drawn along the bottom. Foot-nets were used for the microplankton, and their contents were examined also for Crus- tacea to make sure that none of the smaller species escaped. The only thing they really added to the contents of the large nets was a greater abundance of developmental stages, nauplii and meta- nauplii. Importance of the Macroplankton. — The number of fish any lake will produce depends almost entirely upon the amount of suit- able food which the water of the lake is capable of furnishing. Artificial feeding, especially in a body of water the size of Lake Erie, is absolutely impossible. The food must be a natural pro- duction of the lake itself, and must exist in sufficient abundance not only to carry the fish through the earlier and more critical period of their existence, just after they are hatched from the egg, but also to keep them well fed as long as they live. It must be, therefore, of such a nature that it can reproduce itself and thus furnish a new supply as fast as the old is used up. The plankton Crustacea fully meet these requirements by reproducing in great numbers throughout the entire year, but especially at the time when the newly hatched fish fry most need them. These fry almost without exception feed practically exclusively upon the Crustacea, and the latter also serve as food for those other organisms, which make up the diet of larger fishes, such as insect larvae, smelts, minnows and the like. Some fish, like the ciscoes, smelts, minnows and darters, continue to feed more or less largely upon these small Crustacea as long as they live. Hence the plankton Crustacea occupy a critical and most important position in the economy of fish propagation. Its Relation to the Microplankton. — Obviously if the Crus- tacea are to multiply in sufficient numbers to feed the fish they themselves must have an abundance of nourishing food. This they obtain from the microscopic plants in the plankton, especially the diatoms, and their mouth parts as well as their habits of life are admirably suited for just this kind of food. By eating and digesting these tiny plants the Crustacea convert vegetable sub- stances into animal tissues which are not only more palatable to the great majority of fishes, but also are vastly more nourishing. Fortunately the diatoms and other microscopic plants in their turn are able to manufacture their own food synthetically out of the soluble inorganic substances and gases in solution in the lake water. We thus find a complete cycle of interdependence from the dissolved substances in the water up to the large adult fishes, and failure on the part of any single factor of this cycle will result 68 Conservation Department ill (lisMstor to fish propagation. Eacli must be present in the required amount and each must be continuously renewed if the whok^ is to operate constantly and smoothly toward the desired result. Its Components and Amount. — The bulk of the lake macro- l)]aiikt()n is matle up of 6 copepods, 6 cladocerans, 1 amphipod, 1 mj^sidacean, and a few insect larvae. The copepods include 2 species of Cyclops, 2 of Diaptomus and 1 each of Epischura and Limnocalanus. The cladocerans include 3 species of Daphnia and 1 each of Bosmina, Leptodora and Sida. The other species, which are recorded farther on, do not occur in sufficient numbers to form an appreciable percentage of the total bulk. Among the Crustacea in this lake the cladocera are of more value as fish food than the copepods because they are both larger in size and occur in much greater numbers. Some investigators determine the amount of plankton entirely by weighing, others depend largely upon volumetric determina- tions, while a third group make actual enumerations of the indi- viduals of each separate species. In the present survey a combina- tion of the last two methods has been employed. The total bulk of each catch was measured in cubic centimeters and the per- centage of each species was computed by an actual count of the number of individuals present in a measured sample of the catch. These methods have conclusively proved two facts with reference to the total amount of plankton. First the Crustacea are not uni- formly distributed throughout the Avater of the lake; on the con- trary the amounts obtained at different localities showed the great- est inequality. Of the two hauls, made at adjacent stations at a very brief interval of time and under almost identical conditions, it repeatedly happened that one jaelded a total bulk too small to be measured, while the other produced from 500 to 2,000 cubic centimeters. Indeed, the chief characteristic of the amount of l)lankton obtained in the various hauls was its excei)tional dis- parity. In view of this fact it does not seem rational to make any computation of the amount of plankton per cubic liter of water or per square meter of the surface of the lake. But the second fact is just as conclusive, namely, that the lake as a whole contains an amount of plankton ami)ly sufficient to feed many times the number of fish it contains. Wlien the investigation first started each haul of the meter net lasted 15 minutes, but it was (|iiickl3' manifest that the total bulk of plankton thus obtained was far greater than could be adequately handled, and the haul was reduced to 5 minutes. Even after this reduction the amount of plankton in a single haul often reached 1,000 cubic centimeters. This means that the amount of fish food in the water of the lake is so great that it could be stocked with a very large number of fish fry without danger of depletion. The vai'ious hatcheries around the shores of the lake can all be pushed to the limit of their production, and the resultant fry can be put into the lake with the certaintv that thcv will find an a])undan('e of good food. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 69 Its Horizontal Distribution. — The present survey began the middle of June and lasted until the middle of September, and hence the distribution here given is for the summer season only. In the horizontal distribution of the plankton Crustacea 3 zones may be distinguished with considerable accuracy. Of course, it is understood that along the margins where two of these zones come together there is more or less overlapping of species, and migra- tion back and forth from one zone into the other. But in general the limits seem fairly well drawn and each zone has its own characteristic species as well as those common to other zones. The marginal zone: This includes the shallow Avater along the shores of the lake up to a meter in depth and also in the mouths of the tributary creeks. This zone can be most conveniently examined by wading from the shore and by washing out the sand and mud in a few inches of water. In this zone also may be properly in- cluded the small ponds adjacent to the lake and others at a greater or less distance from the lake but draining into the tributary creeks of the latter. In proof of this may be mentioned the fact that practically every species of crustacean found in these ponds, in- cluding even 3 Harpactids, have been identified in the stomach contents of fishes seined near the mouths of the creeks or along the shores of the lake. At the depth of a meter the plankton begins to change rapidly into that of the second zone, and here many species are common to both zones. Among these a quite unexpected discovery was the presence of Leptodora in considerable abund- ance ; this curious cladoceran can even be washed out of flocculent mud in two or three inches of water among the water plants. ^ Of Crustacea peculiar to this zone and not found in deeper portions of the lake were 2 copepods and 8 cladocerans. Owing to unavoidable circumstances this zone received but little attention during the present season, but the results obtained were very suggestive. The number of genera and species of Crustacea far surpasses that of both the other zones combined. And this fact assumes considerable economic importance when we remember that the newly hatched fry of many lake fish congregate in shallow water close to the shore and in the mouths of the various creeks. These first few weeks of the fish's life are a critical period of its existence during which it needs plenty of good food. That each of these Crustacea contribute toward that end is abundantly proved by finding them in the stomachs of young fish. Every species of copepod and cladoceran is one more possible addition to the daily menu of some fish, and although it may not be as large and toothsome as some of the others, it may yet contribute materially to the fish's nourishment. On the basis of such consideration this zone may well lay claim to a more careful and extended examina- tion another season. The littoral zone: This includes the shallow water from 1 to 10 meters in depth and of necessity shows more or less overlapping in two directions, toward the shore and toward the deeper por- tions of the lake. The examination of this zone can be best con- ducted from the lake itself, and with a smaller boat that can enter quite shallow water. During the present survey this zone was 70 Conservation Department covered by the Navette belonging to New York State, and trips were made along both the American and Canadian shores, one trip with the meter nets and another with the Helgoland trawl. Several curious facts with reference to the distribution of the various crustacean species came to light when the results of the Navette hauls were tabulated. There were 14 stations along the American shore from Buffalo to Dunkirk, and 14 along the Canadian shore from Long Point to the Niagara River, the last two in the river itself. In the meter net hauls 2 copepods and 2 cladocerans constituted practically the entire bulk of the plankton, with 3 other copepods and 4 cladocerans appearing usually in very small percentages. The copepods were very much in excess of the cladocerans along the Canadian side, except at the two river stations, while the cladocerans were equally predominant on the American side. One of the cladocerans, Dapknia pulex, averaged 61 percent of the total bulk of plankton at the 14 American sta- tions, but was wholly lacking at 6 of the Canadian stations. At the two stations in the Niagara river, however, it was present in such numbers as to constitute practically 100 percent of the catch. It is the second in size of the lake cladocerans and the first in abundance of the entire plankton. In chemical composi- tion also it is one of the very best of fish foods, and this rare combination of superiority in size, quantity and quality gives it exceptional value. The other of the two prevailing cladocera, Daphnia retrocurva, was present in varying amounts at all but two of the American stations, but not a single specimen was found along the Canadian shore. A third cladoceran, the curious form known as Leptodora kindtii, was also much more abundant on the American side of the lake. It is the largest cladoceran known and is usually regarded as a surface form, but in this littoral zone it proved to be much more abundant at the bottom during the daytime. In fact at two of the stations near Dunkirk it was present in such numbers in the hauls made with the Helgoland trawl as to constitute practically 100 percent of the total bulk. The predominance of the copepods at the Canadian stations, as stated above, is due more to the diminution in numbers and fre- quent absence of the cladocerans than to any marked increase in the copepods themselves. The two prevailing copepods, Diapto- miis siciJis and Episehura, were present at every station on both sides of the lake. The percentages of Diaptoraus averaged larger on the Canadian side, but those of Episehura Avere about even. But a third copepod, Limnocalanus, showed a marked increase on the Canadian side, and as it is the largest copepod in the lake it compensates for the lack of the Daphnias. In the plankton col- lected with the Helgoland trawl there were two copepods and one cladoceran which were not found in the meter net hauls. Three copepods and three cladocerans are largely confined to this zone, one of the copepods, Binptomua sicilis, being very abundant, while the other two and all three cladocerans are quite rare. The Inrustric zone: This includes the deeper portions of the lake, which at this eastern end vary from 10 to 62 meters in Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 71 depth. Positively this zone is characterized by a single species, the cladoceran Latona setifera which was captured in the Helgo- land trawl and is not found anywhere in the shallower water. Negatively it is characterized by the entire absence of most of the species peculiar to the other zones. The numerical propor- tions of the various species are also very different from those which prevail in the other zones. During the present survey this zone was covered bv the Shearwater, belonging to the U. S. Bureau Surface meter and foot plankton nets of Fisheries, which made 6 trips in August and September, 4 with the meter nets and 2 with the Helgoland trawl. As previously stated the bulk of the plankton in the littoral zone is made up of 2 copepods and 2 cladocerans, but in the present zone at least 5 copepods and 5 cladocerans have a considerable^ share in the total bulk. As would be naturally expected there is also here a much greater difference in the hauls made at the surface and those near the bottom. This is chiefly due to an active migra- 72 Conservation Department tion by many of the Crustacea from the surface toward the bottom, or in the opposite direction. As a result the species which has a large percentage at the surface has a conversely low one near the bottom, and vice versa. Again, since this zone is located in what may be termed the middle of the lake there is but little contrast between the Ameri- can and Canadian sides. Among the copepods, how^ever, Limno- calanus still shows considerable preference for the Canadian side, while Daphnia is somewhat more abundant on the American side. On the bottom in this zone is the mysidacean, My sis relict a, which is much larger than any of the plankton Crustacea and is freely eaten by some of the larger fishes. Here also are found the amphipods and the insect larvae, neither of which were found at Typical lacustric zone plankton community in the deepest part of the lake. Station 04.15, 62 meters. Linmocalaniis macriirus, abundant; Daphnia long, galeata, rare; Daphnia piilex, common; Sida crystal- Una, rare; Mrsis relicta, abundant; Pontoporeia hoyi, common. more than one or tw^o stations, but both of which constitute excel- lent fish food where they do occur. The most noticeable thing about the plankton in this lacustric zone was its excej^tional abund- ance; a 5 minute haul of the meter net rarely yielded less than 250 cubic centimeters of plankton, it often reached 1000 and twice went to 2000. The few small catches were all at the surface and were offset in every instance by a large catch made simultaneously near the bottom. In fact, the chief production of the plankton Crustacea ap])ears to start early in the season over the deeper water in the central portion of the lake. It then graduallj^ ex])ands until it covers the whole of the lacustric and much of the littoral zones, reaching the peak of i)roduction at the height of tlie sum- mer tem]ieratui'e. Summary. — 1. ^riie ])i-(\s('nt sur\('\' gives an excellent idea of the kind and amount of macroplankloii in Lake Erie and its Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 73 horizontal distribution, with important suggestions as to its ver- tical and seasonal distribution. The last two factors, however, require additional investigation before they can reach an equality with the first three. 2. The amount of animal plankton in the lake is amply sufficient, not only for the fish it now contains, but also for all the fry with which it can be stocked from the hatcheries situated around its shores. And this fish food is as exceptional in quality and size as it is in quantity. 3. The marginal zone, since it is the place to which many of the newdy hatched fish fry resort, is w^orthy of more careful examin- ation than could be given to it during the present survey. It can be most conveniently reached by automobile trips around the lake shores. 4. We should also know the rate of reproduction of the 4 or 5 more important species, the average length of their life, and their seasonal distribution. This is especially true of the two largest copepods, Epischura and Limnocalanus, with reference to which no data are available. 5. Insect larvae probably form an important food factor in the marginal zone, and should be included with the plankton Crustacea in any further study of that zone. 6. Whatever depth may be considered as forming the boundary line between shallow and deep lakes, Lake Erie wdth its maximum depth of 62 meters would fall in the latter class. But the deep area is so small compared with that of the entire lake, and there is so much shallow water that the plankton is decidedly inter- mediate in character, especially in its cladoceran species. 7. Not merely the animal but also the vegetable plankton is very unevenly distributed throughout the lake both horizontally and vertically. And this is as true of the separate species which combine to make up the plankton as it is of the total bulk of the latter. 8. In the horizontal distribution three zones may be accurately distinguished, which may be designated as marginal, littoral and lacustric. In each zone the macroplankton differs from that of the other two zones in the kind and number of its constituent species, as well as in their numerical proportions. 9. During the present survey there were identified 19 copepods, 29 cladocera, 1 amphipod, and 1 mysidacean, a total of 50 species. Of these, 5 copepods and 7 cladocera were found in all three zones, 1 copepod and 1 cladoceran were present in two zones, 2 copepods were parasitic upon fish and hence cannot be assigned to any zone, while the remaining 34 species were confined to a single zone. 10. Through the cooperation of other members of the working staff, especially Dr. Sibley, it has been possible to designate in the following list of species the kinds of fish for wdiich each Crustacea serves as food. This makes the value of the macroplankton for fish food specific rather than general, and adds greatly to the usefulness of the present report. 74 Conservation Department List of Species COPEIPODA Achtheres amhloplitis. — Parasitic on the gills of the small- mouthed black bass ; only one infected fish found during the entire season. Canthocamptus illinoiensis. — In small pond draining into Cat- taraugus creek; found in stomach of carp sucker seined on the lake shore. Canthocamptus staphylinoides. — In small pond draining into Cayuga creek; found in stomach of small carp seined on the lake shore. Canthocamptus staphylimis. — In small pond draining into Can- adaway creek; found in stomach of carp seined near mouth of Canadaway creek. Cyclops hicuspidatus. — In all 3 lake zones, most abundant in littoral zone ; eaten by the cisco, the carp sucker and the Cayuga shiner. Cyclops rohustus. — A bottom form of the littoral zone; eaten by the carp and the carp sucker. Cyclops vulgaris. — In mud Avashing, Tonawanda creek and in old Erie canal; eaten by red-horse sucker, white-nosed sucker, carp sucker, white sucker, carp, bullhead, straw-colored minnow, the trout perch, the white bass and the yellow perch. Diaptomus ashlaiicli. — In all 3 lake zones, most abundant in lacustric zone ; eaten by the silversides and the Cayuga shiners. Diaptomus oregonensis. — In small pond draining into Cayuga creek ; eaten by carp sucker and yellow perch. Diaptomus sicilis.— In all 3 lake zones, most abundant in lit- toral zone; eaten by green-backed shiner, spot-tailed shiner, trout perch and yellow perch. Epischura lacustris. — In all 3 lake zones, most abundant in lit- toral zone; eaten by green-backed shiner and yellow perch. Ergasilus centrarchidarum. — Parastic on the gills of pike- perch and the small-mouthed black bass ; very few fish infested. Eucyclops agilis. — Widely distributed, but confined to marginal zone; eaten by bullhead, straw-colored minnow, Cayuga shiner, red-horse sucker, carp and stone-roller. Limnocalanus macruriis. — In littoral and lacustric zones, more common in the latter ; eaten by cisco. Macrocyclops annuJicornis. — Found only in the marginal zone ; eaten by bullheads and yellow perch. Macrocyclops signatus. — Found only in marginal zone ; eaten by yellow perch. Mcsocyclops ohsoletus. — In all 3 lake zones, most abundant in lacustric zone ; eaten by cisco and mud minnow. Paracyclops phaleratus. — Found only in marginal zone ; eaten by carp. Platy Cyclops fn)ih)-i'//0 -M iC iC SSKSsSg !s§§ 1 : W H Q Q o W i CO 13 a c3 O K i S 2 o o 3 C "5 1 o: o 2 1 o 3 X 1 5 1 1 a 01 c T3 C 2 o .s i c s ■J 1 00 Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 97 § 1 o 1 T5 C ! T3 G a o o -a 3 o S i O 1 a on 2 1 Is Ph 8 1 5 a. •I 8 §• o 1 g : : § I 88 : :§§§ : : iS2§ : r ^'^^g§ : S : :§ • C • • g :^ : : : : : : 8 i i ;§^ I : •o •OiOiOiOO oo ;88 : i § :§?? : |2SJ?'^2 28 .^§ >'|88 :§ (N :°§§ i : i^ i :g2 ': ': 05C5t-OOOOit>t>l>00 00 LO 03 t^ lO CO >0 CO £> Tja5'OCDC005-*<©t-'-HCDt^ o ■:}< 00 t> CO O lO CD t^ l> CO OS TfH Tj< Tt< -* rt< lO •* ( i 1 s ^c ^- 5' S i J I a ■a c :5 5 s e •—-0 c ^' §^ d f J 1 i CO ^ ? i ii i 'S s i 1 1 ■6 a 1 i o '6 3. a O c 1 a; t O !5 c t c c 1 :> 1 Q 98 Conservation Department CO s II e as it §1 1 1 < ^^SL B33a qst j[ B^oasaj %\np^ "S^Jj; ovprnuAQ •ds si'^aBg §2^ '■■^^^^^U^B^ ■ '2 snmoaojtqQ BJQ:)dooux •de eniBquiBQ sss ■■ BpO0BJ:)8O ' to r?5 :S :^ ; i ; Bjaji^oH aBaoiCqdoJojqQ 9B80BUBllI0Bg uiui I x ^§j§;;5^^^?^j? iiil W H <; Q Q -< O o T i 13 o 1 o * o 1 h Small-mouthed bass (M. dolomieu), Silver creek, 7-11-28. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 99 ■ • • o"^ • • '• igs ; ; i : ! i : : :° : ;--§§ ocsoooooaooj : : : : : : : • :§ : : : : :^ :::::: : :^ :::::: : O s:^ ,1 1^ 100 Conservation Department Summary and Conclusions In considering the results of the summer's work the various branches of the subject will be summarized individually first and later considered in terms of the objects of the survey. As stated in the introduction, the problem can not be interpreted in terms of chemistry, bacteriology, microplankton, macroplankton, or any one of the subjects treated in the present report. They are all so inter-related that any one must be discussed in the light of the others and only from the combined results of all may we look for the answers to the problems on the economy of the lake which formed the object of the present investigation. Although many data of purely scientific value were obtained, in order to avoid confusion these have been but briefly touched upon, the bulk of the discussion being devoted to those findings appli- cable to the immediate problems. Special subjects will be treated in later publications. Physical Hydrography. — In cross section Lake Erie is on either side bounded by sandy beaches or limestone cliffs sloping gradually into coarse sand and finally beyond the influence of land outwash into the basic smooth shale, honey-combed shale, or faulted rock bottom, covered with almost no sediment of any sort except for short distances off the mouths of the larger rivers. It is this ''clean bottom" that such economically important species as the whitefish select for spawning grounds and which has been reported to contain in places heavy silt deposits. The central basin contains a thick deposit of clay mud considered by some to be of glacial origin, by others to be outwash from the land. In the area included in the present survey this deposit is quite free from industrial waste or sewage silt and is populated "by a rich bottom fauna which offers an excellent source of food for fishes seeking a deep-water habitat. Regarding the water mass, it has been said that Lake Erie in storms is churned from top to bottom, the nets of the fishermen torn, and in all probability great numbers of young fish and fish food destroyed. Were this true one would expect to find in sum- mer almost uniform temperatures from surface to bottom, but this was not the case, at least during the period of the present investi- gation. Descending from the surface the temperature was found to decline gradually until in late August a level beyond the influence of summer heating was encountered at about 20 meters. Over a considerable area this cold layer of bottom water of 4 to 5 degrees Centigrade covered the floor of the basin. At times it oscillated back and forth. One week it was found to have advanced thirty miles toward Buffalo, and by the next cruise it had retreated again even l)eyond its former position. The cause of this movement has not been fully determined as yet, although there appears to be a close correlation between the wind and the movement of the water mass, the advance of the cold mass taking place in the readjustment process of the lake after the termination of the wind. ^ Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 101 Fish seeking the cold water in summer apparently follow the bottom layer as it penetrates new areas. Fishermen at Port Dover complained that this summer they had found the fish widely dispersed and were forced to set their nets over a much greater area than usual. This would indicate that during the seasons when the lake warms more gradually than usual the cold bottom water is limited to a relatively small area. The summer heating of the present season was rapid, and the surface layer rapidly reaching a high temperature resulted in a stratification of the water mass, thus preventing vertical mixing. This fact was further indicated in the case of storms. Summer storms were found to penetrate to the bottom only in shallow depths. In greater depths during the past season they did not reach below the thermocline. During the bad wind storms of late August and early September the bottom water remained unchanged. Even at the shallower stations the bottom temperatures were unaffected and the plankton of the lower levels remained stratified in its usual manner, although the slightest churning, as for instance in the Emerald channel where the lake empties into the Niagara river, is sufficient to distribute it throughout the water mass. Everywhere else it was found even during the worst storms con- centrated during the day near the bottom. Thus we may conclude that except in shallow water storms probably do not destroy eggs and helpless fry. During the Avinter months a coating of ice keeps the water mass intact and protects the incubating eggs of the whitefish and herring and during the summer the warm light sur- face water acts in a similar capacity. In years when the ice is particularly late in forming and the winds are unusually severe it is possible that large numbers of the eggs of fall spawning fishes in shallow water may be destroyed. It is not improbable that further investigations may show that the fluctuations in year classes may be found to be at least partially explainable on this basis, although the very poor production years more likely result from a combination of factors. However, the decline in the fish supply of Lake Erie cannot be attributed to storms, for the weather of the present day is no more severe than that of former times when the lake abounded with fish. Subsurface currents of considerable force were found, not always corresponding to those at the surface. Following storms or barometric irregularities the lake level readjusts itself and in doing this subsurface currents are formed. In eighteen hours in the deep hole the current in the intermediate levels showed a wide fluctuation in rate and direction. It may be that the damage to the fishing gear in deep water is caused by these movements. However violent in force there is not the churning action found in surface water, and, although no doubt an important factor in transporting eggs and young fry from one place to another, they probably exert little or no destructive action. Bacteriology and Chemistry. — As a result of the analyses made by the Buffalo City Chemist and Bacteriologist from samples taken 102 Conservation Department at the surface, mid-depth, and bottom throughout the area it is possible to safely say that the lake as a whole is remarkably free from pollution. In harbors and along the shore in places the water is often badly polluted, but these are purely local problems and effect in no way the lake as a whole. The churning action in the shallow water about the margin of Lake Erie, which is choppy most of the time, aerates the water and in the presence of sun- light dilutes and quickly eliminates waste products. At Dunkirk the area within the breakwater was badly polluted,* the bacterial count being almost beyond computation, and the water absolutely devoid of oxygen. However, a quarter of a mile off the mouth of the harbor the water contained an abundance of oxygen and was without a trace of pollution of any sort. The oft repeated state- ment that industrial waste from the Detroit river and the cities at the western end of the lake is invading the eastern area and destroying the fishing is without foundation. Nowhere in the open lake was abjectionable pollution of any kind found in the water or silt deposits located on the bottom. The lake survey did not extend into the Niagara river, for once the water passes from the lake it never returns, and thus did not form a part of the problem. The New York State Conservation Department included this area in its survey of the streams and along shore waters and its findings are given in another part of the report. Biology. — The various objects of the biological investigations I have already mentioned, and although space will not permit me to describe all of the results I shall mention a few of the most significant ones. Starting with the production of food materials, as a shallow lake, Erie should offer the greatest possibilities for rich animal and plant life, and our results indicate that those possibilities have apparently in no respect been diminished. The chemistry was found to be normal chemistry of lake water, and the plank- ton occurred in almost unbelievable abundance. I can best des- cribe it, perhaps, by making a comparison with the ocean. One of the richest areas of plankton life in the western Atlantic is the Gulf Stream, and yet hauls made during the same week in July with the same size and type of net in Lake Erie and in the Gulf Stream off New York City yielded the following results : in five minutes ten times the amount of plankton was obtained in the lake as in a two-hour haul in the ocean. When one considers the abundance of life which the ocean plankton supports it can be seen that certainly food is not a problem in the lake. The fish supply has diminished, but their food has not, and at the present time Lake Erie could support several times the number of fish now existing tliere. A striking characteristic of both the microplarikton and macro- plankton was the inequality in horizontal distribution quantita- tively and qualitatively. Production of both plants and animals * See report of F. E. Wagner, page 121. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 103 104 Conservation Department increased during the summer, the highest zooplankton production centering in the deeper part of the lake and expanding laterally until as indicated in fig. 25 almost the entire offshore area was included within the 300 cc. curve (300 cc. taken in a five-minute meter net haul). Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the expansion from the deeper area at two times during the season. The highest ])ro- duction of zooplankton, as shown in the following table, was found on the third cruise in the middle of August when the sur- face temperature was highest. Later it declined in volume as the microplankton increased, the latter becoming increasingly abun- dant with the approach of the autumnal maximum at the end of the season. Table 7.— Seasonal Variation in Total Volume of Macroplankton CRUISE Number of stations Total volume cc. Adjusted volume cc. Average volume per station cc. Factor Average tempera- ture surface °C Average tempera- ture 10 meter °C I 21 21 18 11 8,316 13,075 8,984 3,894 7,128 11,207 8,984 6,372 396 622 499 354 1.0 1.57 1.26 0.89 21.8 22.9 21.6 20.9 20.9 Ill 21.3 V 21.2 VI 20.6 It has been said that perhaps as the fishes declined their enemies increased and now are destroying most of the eggs and young of commercial species. Enemies of fish have always been present in the lake and are abundant today, but no evidence has been found to indicate that they have increased in number or are more important than in the past. Like the storms this factor has always been present and probably is no more alarming as a destructive agent than it was in the days when the lake abounded with fish. We must look elsewhere for the real cause of the decline. Before it was possible to identify the various fry appearing in the nets the early life histories of each species had to be worked out, and this proved an important part of the summer's work. The young upon hatching in no way resemble the adult, or in fact the later stages of the same species. But one character remains reasonably constant, the number of vertebrae of the back bone, and it is upon counts of the body segments that the work had to be based. Of the seventy-five odd species reported from the lake, the young of very few had been described. This year sixty-seven species were taken, identified, and the developmental stages of twenty-five figured and described by Mrs. Fish.* Next year it is planned to continue these studies. In the course of the work the young of two species of sculpins not previously reported from Lake Erie appeared in collections from the bottom of the deep hole. They inhabit the bottom in deep Avater, and it is not sur- prising that they have heretofore escaped notice. *See page 70. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara AYatershed 105 ' — 1 o ] -J M < U- u- ^ .^"^ o £^^y^ ~ ■^riC Tn\ 3p7 T t ^5^ ^ N r — (\ r \ ^^ HH z c vv \'l V Di o o,°J|y \ ftj a 0 1 \( \ \ V «, a I J ^ z 3 1 X? \ xL__^ ^ w\ 2 UJ < o4 • ■i ■ ( < < OJ :i^ f \v"s ^ 1 1 J \ \v\ h— 1 • ;j rj '0 ^N Ys\ \^ 4 ? 7 \ y (*/ \ K) Vs. n '^L 1 z\ tt \ 1 ; t 1 \ \ J < ^ n 2 /* \ \ H ^V %r H aivi? >iaOA .%\3jl_1 \ ^\\ i h 7 V . 1 'A V h 0 (0 \ ^ f i\ I / \ / / /Rt\. Vci ^ /7©»^ U 1 // "^ (S \ fl 1 // a; / /( \ \ vl\ 1 \ // f* 1 // =S S/(\S o 0 ^ 1 / 0 V 0 *• 7 y 1 '^ \ '^ \M s \ S®g\^\v S -^ /y \ \ g 5 NX^^__ ^^ / V r 1 V ■? * — ^-s '2 e^ h i i l' / 1 1 106 Conservation Department As the survey of the lake proper did not ])egin until July 26 it was not possible to determine the production centers of those economically important species which incubate during the winter months and hatch when the ice breaks up in the spring. By July the herring and w^hitefish had dispersed from the spawning grounds and had become sufficiently large to escape the gear designed for earlier stages. However, those species which spawn in spring and early summer were taken, and next year it is hoped that by starring in I\Iay this part of the problem can be completed. General Discussion. — Considering the general results of the survey, it can safely be stated that Lake Erie is capable of sup- porting a few^ large fauna of open lake fishes. There are no dangerous silt deposits affecting the spawning beds, the open lake water is not polluted, and there is food in abundance. Only those species which enter the stream mouths to spawn are to date in danger of depletion, from chemical or scAvage pollution. The depletion appears to have resulted from over-fishing and unwise fishing. At least these seem to be the only important factors that have not been tentatively eliminated in the course of the investi- gations. By protecting the spawning grounds during the breed- ing season, by increasing the number of hatcheries, by reducing the number of under-sized fish destroyed in the nets, and, if necessary, by limiting the catch, one may hope for improvement. However, before action by those legislative bodies having jurisdic- tion over the lakes can be wisely taken to protect the spawning grounds, these production centers must be located, evaluated, and the breeding seasons carefully determined. Before perfect stock- ing methods can be devised the natural requirements for success- ful production and development must be ascertained. If the \ greatest mortality is found to take place during the early weeks ; after hatching, it will be desirable to carry those species over the ! critical period before liberating them. Through extensive collect- j ing and plotting of the distribution of different stages the source j and migrations of the young fish may be traced and those areas j most wortliy of protection located. The improvement of the fish- ! ing methods forms a i^art of the program of the Federal Bureau i of Fisheries. , Although tlie present investigations indicate tliat Lake Erie is i capable of siipporting a very much larger fish fauna than now \ exists, what in its present depleted condition it is capable of \ producing has not yet been determined. In the light of the present findings the greatly reduced parent fish stock is ajiparently the ' only serious limiting factor at tliis time and every possible effort should be made to ])rotect the fish during the spawning season ] and to find means of decreasing the mortality among incubating ] eggs and develoi)iiig young. The work of the survey to date has | been largely one of elimination, eliminating theories advanced to explain the decline in the fishery. There remains the task of estab- lishing a basis for improvement. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 107 III. CHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE ERIE=NIAGARA WATERSHED By Frederick E. Wagner Lately fellow, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Had the selection of watersheds to be studied been made with that object in view, it would hardly have been possible to select three which differ more decidedly and radically than those covered in the present and in the preceding two years. In the present instance we were confronted not as in the case of the Genesee survey with a single river system, not as in the Oswego survey with a distinctly unique series of lakes, great and small, whose outlets are finally combined into a common stream, but with a series of streams varying from a few miles up to nearly one hundred miles in length, each making its independent way to a huge body of fresh water and there losing its identity. Ton- awanda creek is a notable exception to this classification, since its flow is reversed during the last few miles of its course by the Barge canal, which, usurping the creek's bed from the Niagara river to Pendleton flows thence to Lockport and supplements Tonowanda's insufficient volume by additional water drawn from Niagara. Many of the streams have offered individual problems in the past, while the depletion of Lake Erie fishing has caused much discussion and conjecture regarding the possible contributory influences of the tributary streams, municipalities and indu>strial concerns which sewer into it. And so in the formulation of the chemical policy to be pursued it was decided that particular emphasis would be given to those streams of past concern, and to that part of Erie which might be affected by the influences mentioned. Types of Pollution. — Without regard to the particular water influenced and arranged approximately in order of their promi- nence, the list of polluting substances includes municipal sewage, wastes from iron and steel works, textile, glue, tanning and chem- ical industries, canneries, milk plants, laundries, garbage and other wastes of lesser importance. Methods Employed. — Limited space makes it inadvisable to discuss at length the effects of various types of pollution, which information the interested reader may find by referring to the corresponding reports of the past two years. In practically all instances gaseous relationships were determined in the field with a portable outfit, a part of which is shown in the illustration. In addition, the facilities of the Buffalo Bureau of Water Laboratory which was generously placed at our disposal made it possible to 108 Conservation Department Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 109 conduct such additional determinations as biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen ratios, and non-carbonate hardness when desirable. Analytical methods followed were essentially as outlined in ''Standard Methods of Water Analysis", 6th edition, 1925, Amer- ican Public Health Association. Ten day biochemical oxygen demand was determined by incubation at 20° C. with dilution where necessary. All values for percentage saturation of dis- solved oxygen have been adjusted in accordance with the baromet- ric pressures of the regions. The heavy horizontal lines across the graphs represent 100 per cent of saturation. Dr. Peter R. Kosting, assistant chemist, United States Fixed Nitrogen Research Laboratory, was associated with the writer tliroughout the summer's work. A portable outfit for field work in pollution studies All data are listed in the accompanying tables, while a few series have been selected for graphical representation. Alkalinit}^ values are expressed as parts per million of calcium carbonate in all cases. The phenolphthalein end point having been accepted as the dividing line between free and fully bound or fixed carbon dioxide, the latter content, or as otherwise expressed content of normal carbonate is given by twice the phenolphthalein alkalinity. Total alkalinity as determined with methyl orange, minus twice the phenolphthalein alkalinity gives the bicarbonate (half bound carbon dioxide) expressed again as calcium carbonate. Such values may be converted into terms of bicarbonate by multiplying with the factor 1.62. 110 Conservation Department Classification of Data. — Their interlinkage and interdepend- ence have made it impractical to draw a sharp line of separation or classification of the waters for purpose of discussion, though in the tabulation such division has been more rigorously adhered to. Thus all of Lake Erie data have been incorporated into Series I, all of Niagara river data into Series II, while all other streams with the exception of Cattaraugus creek have been placed in Series III. A separate series (IV) has been devoted to Cattaraugus because of its past importance, and because of the more intensive and collaborative studies made thereon. Lake Erie Studies. — In contemplating how the investigation of the lake waters could most intelligently and fruitfully be con- ducted it seemed probable that the effects of shore washings, sewers and tributary streams would be limited to a comparatively narrow stretch of shore waters, and here only would pollution be a factor, since in so far as fish life is concerned contributions to the main lake body as from passing boats would be infinitesimal and negligible. Such a zone is indicated when streams have been roiled and swollen by rains which have not greatly disturbed the smoothness of the lake. But such relatively shallow waters are of paramount importance during the spawning period and early life history of the fish. Hence the question which arises is how far out into the lake do shore factors exert their influence. A preliminary cruise was made as far as the New York-Pennsyl- vania State line toward the end of June, samples being taken at pertinent stations, near the surface and bottom at each point and at varying distances from shore. On this and on subsequent cruises the Conservation Department cabin cruiser, Navette, was used as a base, a small boat with outboard motor facilitating the actual collection of samples. As a result of the preliminary findings it was decided to repeat the determinations at monthly intervals, and to take samples at each station approximately 500 and 2000 feet from shore. Because of the small likelihood of any sudden changes in the nature of the lake bottom, Mr. N. L. Cutler accompanied only the first and last cruises, dredg- ing sam])les at each station for biological examination and collaboration. An additional desideratum was the sampling of the water at intervals between the surface and bottom at Erie's approximately greatest depth, about six miles southeast of Long point, and this was taken care of on the last cruise. The data will be found in Series I of the tables. Dissolved oxygen from a percentage of saturation consideration exhibited but a slight diminution toward the bottom. An interesting thermocline was found between the fifty and seventy-five feet levels, where also the free carbon diox- ide of the lower regions gave place to the fixed carbon dioxide of the upper strata, pll values changing from 7.8 to 8.2. These features are graphically represented in Fig. 1. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara AVatershed 111 Fig. 1 ANALYSES OF LAKE BR 12 WATER Temperature F*ree Carbon Dioxide ?r 80 90 pissolved oxygen 112 Conservation Department The shore studies showed that there are points where entering pollution exerts appreciable effects upon localized areas about the points of entry, but that it is soon assimilated by the great volume of lake waterl In places such as Dunkirk harbor the exuberant weed beds doubtless aid greatly in the assimilation, and directly outside the harbor no effect of pollution could be detected. Between the New York-Pennsylvania State line and the city of Lackawanna the two most noteworthy entries are Cattaraugus and Rush creeks. The former discharges a load of unassimilated organic matter into the lake, but it is the effect upon the stream itself rather than the lake which is the occasion for greatest concern. Rush creek discharges into the lake wastes from the iron and steel works just above. On two occasions the stream was found to have an acidity of about .03 normal, or roughly about three times as strongly acid as the reagent which we use in determining a water's alkalinity. This stream carries a load of iron which it holds in solution by virtue of its acidity, but when neutralized by the alkalinity of the lake water the solution becomes a suspension, reddish brown in color because of the oxide of iron which separates out. And so on occasions the adjoining shore waters present a study in color shades, the reddish brown at the edge fading to a lighter hue streaked with clearer lake water as the eye travels outward, until finally the last trace disappears. Such a condition should not be permitted to exist, the more since it might easily be corrected. The most easterly point which may be listed as lake proper was inside the breakwater opposite ]\Iichigan slip, and on all three cruises was found to be little affected by pollution. Luxurious weed beds late in the summer brought the dissolved oxygen con- tent above the normal saturation point. To show how remarkably free the lake proper is from fluctua- tions due to shore conditions, the profiles in Fig. 2 depict the averages of dissolved oxygen determinations made at the 500 and 2000 feet stations throughout the season. The graphs have been extended to include the data on Niagara river, so that all told the picture covers upwards of one hundred and ten miles of shore distance. Because of the character of river flow as opposed to lake, the nearest to shore samples in the case of the former were taken at a distance of 100 instead of 500 feet. Niagara River. — The water which sweeps down the main chan- nel of the river to the foot of Squaw island is, under normal conditions, little different chemically from that in the lake itself. Inside the ship channel however the effect of sewage is severe, and just above the international railroad bridge the oxygen con- tent was found at one time to average 3 parts per million, while the ten day biochemical demand showed a value of more than twice this figure. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 113 25 o Dissolved Oxygen - Per Cent of Saturation 50 75 ^ ^100 1£5 New York - Penn. ^ \\ State Line Barcelona Dunkirk Cattaraugus Creek ^ Eighteen Mile Creek ^^ Tonawanda Niagara Palls Lewiston Youngstown 88 » o «♦ o i^ n "-* sr 1 o 2 9 o» cr o 3 3 CA cS tz] o ii Lake Ontario*^ 114 Conservation Department Below the Federal lock and sheltered from the river's current even greater depletion was observed. A short distance below, a great sewer bursts into the river through the old canal wall, and less tlian a mile farther a virulent and odorous textile effluent adds its quota. Results of determinations at these points are listed in Series II, and the serrated portion of the graph (Fig. 2) illus- trates their intensity. But the assimilative capacity of Niagara with its normal flow of more than 200,000 cubic feet per second is enormous, and the mighty current rushes with its cargo to the falls and rapids below, there to be subjected to unparalleled oppor- tunity for aeration and assimilation. Eddy currents soon dissipate the virulence of pollution at any point, though the near shore curve shows a steady decline to the foot of Grand island : the water in the channel however is not appreciably affected. And finally the water reaches the comparatively quiet level past Lew^iston and Youngstown to Lake Ontario, with oxygen content far beyond its normal saturation capacity. Other Streams. — It has been emphasized in the past reports that data can give a picture of conditions only at the time of observation, and that one may judge through experience what results are liable to be misleading, and formulate conclusions accordingly. As an instance, Cayuga creek was analyzed above and below pollution entrance from Lancaster on two separate occasions more than two months apart. As listed in Series III, where pollution at the earlier date had been indicated by a reduc- tion of dissolved oxygen to 85 per cent of saturation and presence of 2.4 parts per million of free carbon dioxide, the later examin- ation revealed an oxygen reduction to 23 per cent and carbon dioxide content of 12.1. Farther downstream the comparable oxygen figures w^ere 98 and 7. Cayuga creek is thus practically ruined for fish life below Lancaster andDepew. Ellicott creek is polluted by creamery wastes at Bowmansville, and the effects though not very serious are detectable for a couple of miles. Pollution to Lime lake outlet by milk wastes is considerable, and a promising trout stream thereby endangered. The evidence would indicate that Elton creek is not seriously affected by dairy wastes at Delevan. Potential possibilities must not be disregarded. Spring brook receives cannery wastes just above the pond into which a part of Springville sewers. The pollution, while probably not fatal to at least the hardier forms of fish, ])roduces a most undesirable condition in tlie pond, detached patches of blue-green algae flecking its surface. Effect of the milk shipping station at East Otto upon South Branch C'attaraugus was found to be inappreciable at time of investigation. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 115 , Dissolved Oxygen - Per Cent of Saturation 25 50 75 100 125 Dutchtown Java Village Buffalo « Hart or 116 COXSERVATION DEPARTMENT en cji c* O o (0 Disc^lved Oxygen - Per cent of Saturation 50 75 ^100 125 Stony Brook i^arysburg Attica Rapids Barge Canal June Tonawanda Niagara River Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 117 Tributary 7 of South Branch is seriously abused by the town of Cattaraugus, but is probably of little value in itself and recovers before reaching the main stream. Rush creek has already been discussed under Lake Studies. Its neighbor, Smoke creek, also enters the lake in poor shape, with depleted oxygen and high content of free carbon dioxide. The town of Silver Creek badly pollutes the stream of the same name, but being so near it is practically equivalent to sewering directly into the lake. Canadaway creek was found to be in a vile state below entrance of Fredonia sewage, a condition which it is expected will be cor- rected by the disposal plant soon to be in operation. Eighteenmile creek appeared to be inappreciably affected by pollution from Hamburg, through its tiny tributary 5. Buffalo creek receives no pollution of a serious nature until it reaches the city of Buffalo, and here for about 6 miles it is con- verted into a septic basin, absolutely devoid of dissolved oxygen, highly charged with carbon dioxide, and forming an effective barrier to fish. The dissolved oxygen profile is given in Fig. 3. Tonaw^anda creek as has already been indicated is dredged throughout the last dozen miles of its course before entry into Niagara river, and because of this reversed flow such determin- ations as alkalinity correspond with those of the river. The dis- solved oxygen throughout this area is considerably reduced because of opportunity for decomposition of foreign matter in the com- paratively quiet water. The very bad condition of the stream as it leaves Batavia is surprising in view of the supposed operation of a complete disposal plant. There is abundant evidence of heavy pollution. Fig. 4 is a x^icture of conditions found. Cattaraugus Creek. — Pollution to Cattaraugus creek by glue and tannery wastes at Gowanda has long been a cause of concern. This situation was investigated in collaboration with Mr. Cutler studying the biological aspects, and Mr. Greelej^ the fish species, to whose reports the reader is referred. The chemical data are listed in Series IV, while Fig. 5 shows a part of the same graphic- ally. Some idea of the load of decomposable material which is thrust upon the stream may be obtained by reference to the values for ten day biochemical oxygen demand. The content of dissolved oxygen though greatly reduced was probably at no place insuf- ficient for fish life. Nitrogen ratios show a mighty increase in both free and albuminoid ammonia, nitrite and organic nitrogen, w^hile the high alkalinity of the w^astes gives the water just below its entrance a high content of normal carbonate. The stream is obviously unable to assimilate the pollution which is somewhat resistant to decomposition, and so a large part is discharged into the lake, with the additional wastes from the cannery at Irving. Throughout the entire distance, deposits of sludge were found in the quiet places of diminished flow. Arcade is the only town of 118 Conservation Department rjotewortliy size in the upper stretches of the stream, and its effects thoiifrh ap])reciable were not serious. It will be apparent from what has gone before that several streams which were j)robably at one time hereditary spawning grounds for lake fish have been entirely destroyed or at least greatly impaired for such purpose. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 119 25 o Dissolved 50 Oxygen - Per 75 Cent of Saturation 100 125 Arcade Elton Creek Spring Brook South Branch Cattaraugus^^ Gowanda Irving o o X K O Kl 3 O » o o > H Erie 120 Conservation Department cJ-3 c c Undetermined. 0.9 Undetermined. Undetermined. 1.1 Undetermined. 0.6 Undetermined. X a 00005-^0101MIN^ «' X 00 00 X 00 00 00 00 X 00 00 X X 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 Free carbon dioxide p.p.m. o gs 3 ^gs 3333 3333333333 333333 Alkalinity Calculated as P.P.M. 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J. ^. 5^^ti^ffi ^ ^,^' O^ ^ c3 °o O O 126 Conservation Department "3 c >. ^ & H Q ^ J u s < 5c « S5 > W 5 a * Qj go t-2 ■ C5 05 d 00 d 00 00 00 00 OO' 00 OOOO'WOO 00 00 f-i IN M C^' rH IN rH r-t rl .I ^ -I e<3 eofOMOO cocofofo inm t>i tNiooodoo'od oodd dd t^^5^ooo oooo«o oto lOiOiCOOOO OOOO OO e g6 gs O 03 O c9 O ss ga '?.o ll 8 :8 8, .S' £ . C . C 3 O. ^o o o t> o o 03 y) o Biological St^rvey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 12^ — d h o X t^t^t^x 00 1^ t> X so ^ ;^ -" ^ o> t o — c^ c^i c^ ::; 23 *" B a H Q 2 f- S w J < 2 H < z «< J^ n a t3 . « J i^ S < t-t^ioxic^ict^xt^ 00000 t^oao cot^— iMO Z Z" :> a « 3 3 3 iocqxo iXl>XO X X X t>i -I X d o fo t* 01X03 0-* OiCOiCOO ooi-i too r>.cDcDt^o6 5 H K Bj sa o HOC lOOOO'CiOiOOOiO oooioro XfCOOCO XiOOt^OOO'O'OiO XO 1-5 CO 1-5 02 1-5 CO oc >>,a 5rs sj g g o 7i at- a-^ « 3-^ . S o (U «^.2-2^^ 7. -Til ^. aj~ a: ?^ 3 *j a; — :3-- rt 4) « « 5=3 0) u *> a;_k(j o o au«. )^CCO>-i-< 128 Conservation Department o -a c s li c a o oo'oo'oo (MOSOOOC^ 00 1^ t- oo' oo' OCT odt^x'x CO ^ 00 • • • c "5 1 o s d 0. g, =, 0050 z^ ^' (m' ^ ::: oox dc o §"§ = c- g d d c Alkalinity Calculated as p. P.M. Calcium Carbonate II glg g8 5|§§ 2 ^ 2— ill lOOOCC CJ 00 §^ ^ X.-I CO— 1-HCC — o ^1' ' a ^ a P lis 22? gSo^Sgg 22 2^^2 ^ ^ ^ ot^oc dodo- (NTjtect^oo odi>ioodod xod diodiN; 00 tp cJ o B K O |°5 1 ooo OTt^iCO^O cC O X iC o o ^ oooooo iMiMC<3(M>3-^ ^ O § & S >> 3 Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 129 •do •-HO OOC^iNCCifC?0-i,-(,-io-i-i-HC5 0;Ot^ tN. od cc od 00 X od 00 06 (»' 00 00 oj t- '^-' (»' N^ t>. 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CO i> i> 00 1 3 3 3 J2 '■Ti ff-e 3 3 -^^^ ^^n •.H ^i •-< >. ^F^-^ • w • c M 1^1^ ■ 'C s • ^ • c ^ cS 03 K • a> source source = = ••S|, . , , , . 3 3 hi (p-g 'T3 ■ a o i ^1, e1^ 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 --I ^ d (N »rj 06 d "^ ■*' •£ I C3 C3 cOt>C-0T3'dc^O Ot^COO-^iO-^CO gPn iz; 000 I- c3g CO rt d|- T3 1^ g| H ai3 ... on t5 c3 fl « O) K 01 . . .0 •© ^ CO »*< t- O 05 O rt iC IN «ja 3 pq 130 Conservation Department H.£ (N(NCCiMfCC^ X 00 00 00 X 00 OC GO X CC O t^ I> t^ 00 XXt^ t^t^t^ t^t^l^ xt^t^t^t>. ■* -H -M O O M ^ r-xiNo ~ O X t^ 'H E o U H « & . « J " S < OOiNOXiCOOXiO ^^ > w xt^t^co^iooj^oi^ •^ 2 2 2 2 '^ ^^ ^ 2 ^ s 22^ '^S? sgg S:^^?ig (N»OO^XOiOiO^O X Tf Ol^ t^COOJ t^^o 50-HC<5«5 05 t^xxxt^xxoioiXr^: t^ c;c5>c t^>0!M r-r-x xxecMi^ « w tj t» a h a -< < a « BJ cs o a o r CL, a 5 SQS OOC^XO'OiMC^iCOOOiMOO'O CiNCO >0010 OOX lOiOXC^iO 00000(NXiOiOO00 OOO MCOCDO M- MM' M o. 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S 3 2 C3 -Sis 73 =373 g " ^^^t>ti i»J (y (« o ^ ^f^H ta c is o §, "^ § * £ .S'B trj O -0 3 P-tOi 3 o so ^ :s n a >- c3 cS"^ (1) 03 =^ =« == "S n OOccHH • o Hc2P^ ^ 13^.5 3 O tc _ «} 3 a^„- ^-«fe2cC=0- >i g O >>>>>>§' =3 _g ;;? S3 o3 o3 C3 "S-S^S 3 3 ri n^ c3 c c c 03 c3 3 03 o3 £; ■ iJ • o -^ ' > 3 2 t- «: 03 £? P^ ^o3cS 3^^g ties .3 « 53 iSOo^O " c aj a)' c 6 ^ •:'^'> ■ c3 c3 5 a;-* 3 c ^ 3 =3 i? 5 ft"^ i? 5 -3 3 S ^ Ji; ^ to ;= C3 >J 3 -k-- > c3 c3 \^ o .s aj « aj ij S-OT3-C oj HHHOO « « « « • • CO (« tc to *» aJ g g g gt^m IS pt ;S IS 03 03 o3 c3 ^ rt 3 3 3 3 3 3 -a-OTJTJ 3 3 3 3 3 3 03 03 3 3 3 3 3 C3 03 C3 03 03 •f.'f.f.-f.f.'f.f.f. f. fa aiQ^a^aiaja^a^a^ a>a)c « «5 M M 00 C a) a> a).3 +i *i +j c CO CO m 3 /i\ J^^ / 3 c a „^ ■3 3 •= <^. <',P^r', - with them for food. Fish are fed upon by a great many animals, including other fish, amphibians, rei)tiles, birds, mammals, crayfish and even in- sects (in the case of young fish). In general, the most serious of these predacious enemies seem to be other fish. The examination of stomachs* showed that a rather large number of species are fed upon b}^ members of their own class. A great many fishes wdll eat spawn. Many species of minnows, certain darters and the yellow perch are only a few of those that are known to do so. In Lake Erie, the very common salamander known as the mud puppy {Neciurus mdcuhifus) is accused probably justly, of eating small lisli and spawn. Frogs, especially the bull-frog, will eat small fish. Watersnakes and snapping turtles are moderately common fish eating reptiles of the region. One snapping turtle found at Silver creek had taken a minnow {Noiropis atherinoides) as well as a crayfish. Among the fish-eating birds, kingfishers, great blue herons, green herons, herring gulls and common terns Avere seen in limited numbers, during the summer. A flock of about 200 of the latter species was seen in the upper Niagara river, August 2, and many of the birds were diving after fish. Four were shot and found to contain minnows {Noiropis atherinoides, N. hudsonius). Fish-eating mammals are practically negligible as enemies of fish life in the region concerned, although a few mink are probably present. In limited numbers natural enemies do little or no harm, and as they ordinarily take those fish Avhich are most easil}^ caught they may serve as useful checks upon the too rapid increase of small, abundant species. There is some danger, how- ever, that interference by man, as in fishing out certain species and not others may favor the latter to such a point that they may become seriously destructive to the former. For instance, by concentrating on whitefish and herring, and taking ling onh^ acci- dentally^, it is possible that the increase of this latter species might be favored at the expense of the other two, whose spawn and young might thereby suffer heavier losses to this natural enemy. [We do not know that this is the case in this instance.] The problem of food competition is an intricate one, and quite apparently, an important problem. The study of aquiculture has not reached as advanced a stage of knowledge as has that of agri- culture. To illustrate, if a farmer had as many cows in a pasture as the grass would support, he Avould not be likely to try and sup- port an equal number of horses there, in addition. Yet, although the food resources of an area of water might be just enough to take care of the number of fish there at tlie time, Ave might be unaware of the fact aiul ])ut in a great number of additional ones. Under natural conditions it is reasonable to su])pose that there would be a natural balance between the amount of available food and the number of fish in an expanse of Avater, for although food is not the only factor in limiting a species, it is a nuijor one. Under • See page 184. BioLOGiCAi. Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 163 present conditions, certain selected species are fished, thus remov- ing large numbers of them from competition and making a larger per cent of the food available to the species that are not fished. This places these in a position favoring their increase to such a point that they will consume, in all probability, so large a per cent of the available food as to constitute a check to further in- crease of species requiring the same type of food. Although the last statement is of a theoretical nature, there is much evidence to support it. Take for example, trout streams that are so heavilj^ fished as to greatly reduce the numbers of trout. ]\IinnoAvs, and perhaps others, will become very numerous, so numerous as to make it difficult for trout to increase fast in the face of this food competition. It is quite true that Lake Erie is rich in food, especially in plankton, and the fish there appear to grow fast. Many are indeed fat. But, young of certain of these same species are concentrated in relatively small areas where there is shelter, and must stand heavy competition from other young fish and also from adult fish of those species which inhabit similar situations and feed upon similar food. Suggestions and Recommendations. — As a result of a brief study, covering only three months, extensive recommendation can- not be proposed. The following suggestions are made : (1) If it is proved by analysis of full statistics of catches that a desirable species is decreasing, with or without artificial propaga- tion, give this species protection during the spawning season. (2) Such areas as are proved to be spawning grounds of fish or rearing areas for young fish should be kept free from pollution. (3) All conservation measures as to fishing seasons, size limits, method of capture and the like should be based on careful study and should be adopted for the entire area by joint action. 164 CONSEKVATIOX DEPARTMENT Chart of Fish Distribution of the Erie-Niagara Watershed X = recorded from actual specimen; R = recorded on reliable authority; St = stocked but apparently not established J a ;3 Subdivisions of the Drainage 0} X R R X R X R X R R X X X R X X R X X R X R X X X X R X X R X X X R R X X X X X X R X X 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X a c 5 5 6 X St X X X X X X X X X X X X i CO o 1 Q St R X X X X X X X X X X X X X ^ 6 X X X X 6 > 1 X R X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 >, -o X X X X x X i X X X X X X 1 R X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 1 X X X X X X x X X X X X X 6 X :; X X X X X X o 'a c 1 St X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 1 X X X X 6 m X X R X X X X X X X X X X X X X I X 5 s i X X X X X X X X X 6 >, c: o 6 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14a 14b 15 16 17a 17b 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54a 54b L'lke lamprey I'uddlefish Short-nosed gar Dogfish Mooneye Golden shad Sawbelly Herring (Leucichthys a. artedi) Herring (Leucichthys a. albus).. Whitefish . . . Steelhead trout X X. ■ .■ .■ ■] ■ • i'.'. iW i'.'. I.. I., c. ! X • • Brook trout Cominoii sucker Hog sucker Chub sucker Common red-fin sucker White-nosed red-fin sucker Short-headed red-fin sucker Kine-scaled red-fin sucker Big-mouth red-fin sucker Goldfish Horny-head . . Slotted chub Biif-eyeti chub Biuek-noeed dace Honied dace I'earl minnow ... . U.Ml-sided dace i'ug-no8eil minnow . . Notropis hctcrodon Bhuk-nosed minnow .N'otrojiis V. volucelhis .Notropis d.Btramineus (iilbiTt's minnow X X X X X .3 Spot-tailed minnow Satin-fiii minnow LakeshiniT Ko.sy-faced minnow . 3 I Common whiner (Notropis c. chryHcxM-'phaliw) f'ommon shiner (Notropis c. frontalis) ^\\\NX\T>N_^ i^ ^jfmjji 'm x Sf 1 - -I, f I cm \m \^'^5.::;-^ © /• V H -'h A / mi ^^'- X. m ij y/ -~- o '£ Jl CO L-- ^ I'/ \ "wHf iffi 5£ Jo 'a, <2 -5 o * ■^ o -< to il "A I— I ^•^ J ^.5 s??^ Q H QQ ••. K. ^A V liHJ ^^^:^ g 5 Ph ^ mi .#i Vi t <-v /#■' I ^■f^ v^>f X x\- "^; ^ g bo o '^ H - I— I i^ \^i< \ '^ \ Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 165 Chart of Fish Distribution of the Erie-Niagara Watershed — (Continued) X = recorded from actual specimen; R =^ recorded on reliable authority; St = stocked but apparently not established S a a i_ 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 eo 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107a 107b 108 109 110 111 112 Subdivisions of the Drainage I o X X R X X X R X X R X R R X X R X X X X X R X X X X X X X R R X X R R X X R R R X X X X X X X X X X X X .2 X X X X R X X X X x X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 3 o X X X X X o § c X' 1 i E. : :: . i X 1 X X X '■ 1 X X X X X X X X X X X ■■ X X X X X X X X X 6 1 1 o X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 -o' -3 X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 a a X X X X 1 X R X X X X X X X X X X X X X R X X X X X X X X X X t a 1 ■-fj i X X X X X X X X X ■■ X X X X X X X o J X X X o ■g i % s X X R X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 6 1 c X X X X 6 1 m X X X X X R X X X X X R R X X 6 X X o 1 X X X X X R X X X X X R X R R X X X o o X ;_ X X X 6 o X X o 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 1 Red-fin shiner Golden shiner Hybagnathus hankinsoni Red-bellied dace X Blunt-nosed minnow X Fat-head minnow Stone-roller minnow X Lake catfish Black bullhead Common bullhead Yellow bullhead X Mud-cat Stonecat X Mud minnow X Northern pike X Eel .:::::'::: ;■ Barred killifish Trout-perch Perch X Yellow pike. Blue pike Black-sided darter Log perch X Copeland's darter River darter Johnnv darter Rainbow darter Iowa darter Fan-tailed darter Warmouth bass Bluegill sunfish Long-eared sunfish Common sunfish Rock bass X X White crappie Brook silversides Sheepshead Triglopsis thompsoni Sculpin (Cottus b. bairdii) Sculpin (Cottus b. kumlieni) . . . Sculpin (Cottus cognatus) Rice's sculpin •• Brook sticklebaek Two-spined stickleback Ling 166 Conservation Department Annotated List of Fishes Occurring in the Erie=Niagara Drainage Petrom YZOXiDAE La mpreys 1. Ivhthyomtizon concolor (Kirtland). — Silver lamprey, lamprey eel. Un- common. Occurs in Lake Erie as a parasite of fish where it is the more common of tlie two parasitic species. Reported to ascend streams in early spring to spawn. 2. Ichthyomyzon vnicolor (DeKay). — Reighard lamprey. Rare. Found bv Prof. T. L. Hankinson in Little Buffalo creek, June 12. We collected larvae in the mud there June 17, but no adults were seen. These evidently die after spawning, as is the case in other lampreys. This small species is not parasitic and is limited to streams. :\. I'etromif.zoii mariims JAnnaeus.''' — Lake lamprey. laiii])rey eel. Rare. Recorded from Lake Erie by Dymond. This species is parasitic on lake fish. Its life history and economics are fully discussed by Gage.i 4. Entosphcnus appendix (DeKay). — Brook lamprey. Rare. One larva, 1^.2 inches long was taken by Dr. G. C. Embody in Lime lake outlet, July 25. Dr. E. H. Eaton, of Hobart College, has found this lamprey in streams near Springville. It is not parasitic. PoLYODONTiDAE Paddle-fislics 5. Polyodon spatula ( Walljaum) .'•'" — Paddle-fish, spoon-bill cat. Rare. Only two specimens have l)een recorded from Lake Erie. 2 Thought to have entered the lake by the Walmsh and Erie canal. s AciPENSERiDAE Stuvgeons 6. Acipenser fulvescens Rafinesque.* — Lake sturgeon, rock sturgeon. Rare. Although once an important commercial fish in Lake Erie and the Niagara river, few are now taken. At present, they are fished only to a limited extent. It seems advisable to give them complete protection. New York protected the species for a short period but complete protection by all states and Canada would be necessary to restore this resource. It is reported that sturgeon do not spawn until their 22nd year. 4 Lepisosteidae Gar-pikes 7. Lepisoslcus jylafostoniiis Rafinesque.* — Short-nosed gar. Rare. Recorded from Lake Erie ])y Dymond. 8. Lepisosteiis ossens (Linnaeus). — Long-nosed gar, gar-pike, bill-fish. Moderatelv common in Lake Erie and the Niagara river. Usuallv found in ^Oswego Survey Report, 1927 (also contains colored plates). 2 Hubbs, C. L. A Check-List of the Fishes of the Great Lakes and Tributary \yaters, 1927. ' American Food and Game Fishes. 1908. The nomenclature followed is that given by Hubbs, C. L. and Greene, C. W. in ! Further Notes on the Fishes of the Great Lakes and Tributary Waters, Mich. Acad. ' of Science, Arts and Letters, Vol. VIII, 1927. There is one exception to this, in that ' for the family Esocidue, the authority followed is Weed, A. C, Pike, Pickerel and j Muskalonge, Field Museum of Natural History Zoological Leaflet 9, 1927. Records cited as from Dymond refer to Dymond, J. R. A Provisional List of the Fishes of Lake Erie, University of Toronto Studies: Publications of the Ontario Fisheries Research Laboratory No. 4. Those cited as from Hul)bs refer to Hubbs, C L. A Check-List of the Fishes of the Great Lakes and Tributary Waters, with Nomen- clatorial Notes and Analytical Keys, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology Miscellaneous Publications No. 15, 1920. Species marked by an asterisk (*) are ones of which no specimens were taken by the present survey. All measurements refer to total length. * Harkness, W. J. K. The Rate of Growth and the Food of the Lake Sturgeon. Publications of the Ontario Fisheries Research Laboratory No. 18. 1923. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 167 sheltered bays, mouths of creeks, or weed beds. Generally considered harmful as it feeds on fish, but is not common enough to do serious, if any, damage in the region surveyed. Young ranging in size from l^'''^ to 3% inches were seined in weed beds at the east side of the Niagara river, near Tonawanda, on July 27. Amiidae Botcfins 9. Amia calva Linnaeus.* — Bowfin, dogfish. Rare. Recorded from Lake Erie by Dymond. HiODONTTOAE Mooixeyes 10. Hiodon tergisus Le Sueur, — Mooneye, toothed herring. Common in Lake Erie. Small schools were found, close inshore, at many points along the lake shore and in creek mouths. No commercial value, at present, in the eastern part of the lake, but of minor commercial importance at the western end of the lake where greater number are taken. Clupbidae Herrings 11. Pomolohus chi-ysorhlorus Rafinesque.* — Golden shad, skipjack. Rare. This species has entered Lake Erie through canals, according to Jordan and Evermann.i 12. Pomolohus psei(do-harcngus (Wilson). — Sawbelly,^ alewife, Seth Green shad. Common in Lake Ontario and enters the mouth of the Niagara river every year in large numbers according to fishermen at Youngstown. 13. Dorosoma cepedianum (Le Sueur).* — Gizzard shad, sawbelly. Rare. Koeltz'' lists this species as one of commercial insignificance in Lake Erie, It is believed to have entered the lake by canal connections. CoREGONiDAE Whitcflshes 14-a. Leucichfhys arfedi artedi (Le Sueur). — Lake herring, cisco. Com- mon. This and the next subspecies^ are very important commercial fish in Lake Erie. In New York ])oundaries they are usually taken by bull nets, which are twice the depth of ordinary nets and are rigged so that they may be set off the bottom, at any level that proves best. Herring are usually found in the deep, cold water during the summer. The catch has been decreasing due in a large measure, it seems likely, to heavy fishing in the fall when the species spawns. 14-b. Lencichthys artedi alhus (Le Sueur). — Lake herring, cisco. (Plate 1.) Common. From o1)servations of Mr. C. W. Greene at Dunkirk, during the summer of 1928, this subs])ecies was more common in catches than the preceding one which it resembles. 1.1. Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchill). — \Vhitefish. (Plate 2.) Common in Lake Erie. In summer, it is found in the deep, cold water. This is the choice commercial fish of the lake, but is less important than the herring due to its fewer numbers. Very few were taken in New York waters during the period of the survey. The total catch in Lake Erie is less valuable now than the catch of the common sucker in this lake. Salmoxidae Trout s 16. Salnio fario Linnaeus. — Brown trout, German brown trout. Common in a few streams. A very popular anglers' fish. More streams are suitable for it than for the brook trout on account of its tolerance of a higher temperature.5 1 Bulletin 47, United States National Museum (1896). 2 Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. 3 Appendix XI to the Report of the II. S. Commissioner of Fisheries, 1925. * In regard to nomenclature we follow Koeltz, who has made a thorough study of the whitefishes and lake herrings, including their migrations and local races. His Monograph of the Great Lakes Coregonidae is now in press. ^ Oswego Survey Report, 1927, p. 27. 168 Conservation Department 17-a. Salmo irideus'^ Gibbons.* — Steelhead trout. Rare, Recorded from I Lake Erie by Dymond.2 Dunkirk fishermen on one boat, the Albert E. Baker, told of catching in gill nets, one or two trout that fitted the description of j this species. Steelheads have been planted in several streams3 tributary to | Lake Erie and apparently are established in limited numbers in this lake. ' 17-b. Salmo iridens shasta Jordan. — Rainbow trout. Common in several j streams of the watershed, where it is important for sport fishing. Will i ^tand warmer water than the brook trout. Large ones tend to migrate j downstream. In hatcheries, the shasta rainbow has been crossed with the i steelhead, subspecies iridens, so that many of the specimens in streams of j the State are not typical of the former subspecies. However, all that we have , seen from the region are nearer shasta in characters than they are to the I steelhead. j 18. Cristivomer namaycush namaycush (Walbaum).* — Lake trout. Un- I common. Restricted to the deep parts of Lake Erie where it is sometimes i taken in gill nets. Trout are scarcer in Erie than in deeper ones of the | Great Lakes, and the species is of minor commercial importance for that 1 reason. Good catches are sometimes made late in fall. , 19. Salvelinus fontinaUs fontinaUs (Mitchill). — Brook trout, speckled \ trout. Restricted to cold streams and cold ponds and is common in several > headwater streams. This is a favorite fish of the majority of anglers and j its numbers are kept rather low by heavy fishing in spite of replacement by 1 stocking. I Catostomidae Suckers ^ I 20. Megastomatohus cyprinella (Cuvier & Valenciennes).* — Big-mouth buff"alo. Rare. One specimen is reported from Lake Erie by Hubbs. The species was planted in the lake. 21. Carpiodes cyprinus (Le Sueur). — \Miite carp, buff"alo mullet, quillback, swordfin. Common in Lake Erie, going well up into creeks to spawn. Taken in considerable numbers by seines in Cattaraugus creek in the spring and at this time it is of considerable economic value. As a food fish it is com- parable to the red-fin suckers, of good quality although bony. Young were ' found in mouths of creeks, and in Cattaraugus creek they were numerous several miles from the mouth along shallow, mud flats. A specimen taken at \ the mouth of Sister creek, July 12, was i| of an inch long, about the youngest one that was found. 22. Catostomns commersonnii (Lacepede). — Common sucker, white sucker, i mullet. Abundant. Widely distributed, occurring in nearly all waters of ' the area. Inhabits cold or warm streams as well as Lake Erie. Many live , in streams all the year round, but the greater part of the suckers in Lake : Erie enter streams only to spawn. It seems probable that many of them spawn in the lake, judging from the number of sucker fry collected along the lake shore far away from stream mouths. Lake Erie suckers are large ! and are of considerable commercial value. The flesh is good, even in the ] warm months. The sucker has grown* in importance with the increasing , scarcity of the more choice species. Commercially, it is taken in seines, ] fykes and gill nets. Sport fishermen catch many by hook and line, and by ' spear, mainly in spring. By July 25, young found in the Xiagara river \ averaged about % of an inch in length. Within the region, the sucker is divisible into two races, one being made up of tliose which are permanently | resident in streams, and the other being made up of those in Lake Erie, which | spawn to a large extent in streams but are not resident there. The Lake j ^ We are not here distinguishing between the Columbia river steelhead, Salmo irideus gairdneri, and the coast range steelhead, Salmo irideus irideus. ' Recorded as gairdneri. * Fish Distribution, Waters in New York State Stocked in 1925. State of New York Conservation Commission 1926. Mt now ranks fourlli in importance in Lake Eric. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 169 Erie race has larger scales, is deeper in the forward part of the body and averages much larger. 23. Catostomus catostomus (Foster).* — Fine-scaled sucker, long-nosed sucker, sturgeon sucker. Rare. There seem to be no recent records, but statements of its occurrence in Lake Erie, cited by Dymond. 24. Hypentelium nigricans (Le Sueur). — Hammerhead, hog sucker, stone- roller sucker. Common. Prefers large, shallow, warm creeks. Occurs in Lake Erie, usually near stream mouths. Unimportant as a food fish, but is sometimes used (illegally) as bait, particularly for muskalonge. 25. Erimyzon sucetta (Lacepede). — Club sucker, sweet sucker. Rare. One specimen was taken in Muddy creek, near Angola. Records from Lake Erie are given by Dymond. This species is the smallest member of the sucker family in the region. 26. Minytrema melanops Rafinesque.* — Striped sucker. Rare. Dymond cites the records of its occurrence in Lake Erie. 27. Moxostoma aureolum (Le Sueur). — Red-fin mullet, red-horse sucker. Common in large streams of the eastern part of the drainage, such as EUicott creek. It is found in the Niagara river and in Lake Erie, but is less common in the lake than the next species. This large red-fin sucker, living as it does in creeks, is probably the most important of its genus as an anglers' fish. All of the group are good food fish, bringing a better price than the common sucker and they are increasing in value. There is danger of their becoming too rare, from pollution of streams in which they live or go into to spawn, and from fishing and spearing during their spawning, -in spring, The few young that were found came from streams. One taken August 10 from Tonawanda creek measured l^V inches. 28. Moxostoma anisurum Rafinesque. — White-nosed red-fin mullet, red- horse sucker. Common in Lake Erie, ascending streams to spawn. Eco- nomically, this is the most important of the Moxostomas. This species is said to run up streams to spawn, the run beginning as soon as ice is out of streams. They are taken in Cattaraugus creek by means of seines and are said to reach a size of 7 or 8 pounds. Young were found at several creek nvouths. Six specimens from the mouth of Eighteenmile creek, taken July 21, averaged l-^^ inches. 29. Moxostoma lesueurii (Richardson). — Short-headed red-fin mullet, red- horse sucker. Common in Lake Erie, running up streams to spawn. The run of "short-heads" in Cattaraugus creek is said to occur in May, later than the run of the preceding species. The present species is smaller and slimmer than anisurum but is said to be of the same quality. Limited num- bers of both species are taken in gill nets. The principal means of capture is the seine. 30. Moxostoma duqesnii (Le Sueur). — Fine-scaled red-fin mullet, red-horse sucker. Uncommon. Occurs in Lake Erie. Small specimens were numerous at the mouth of Eighteenmile creek, and there is no doubt that this species runs up streams to spawn. It is probably not distinguished frorn^ other red-fin suckers by fishermen, and has been confused with others by ichthy- ologists. However, characters of scale count and body proportions distinguish it from allied species.i 31. Placopharynx carinatus Cope.* — Big-mouth red-horse sucker. Rare. Listed from Lake Erie by Hubbs. Cyprinidae Minnows 32. Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus. — ^Carp.2 German carp. Common. Widely distributed, occurring in nearly all waters except the small, rapid streams. Although unpopular with anglers, it is important as a commercial fish, many being shipped to New York City for sale. A few are smoked, mostly for home consumption. In Lake Erie there are many carp, throughout the ^ We are indebted to Dr. Carl L. Hubbs for a manuscript copy of The Speciei of Red-horse Suckers of the Great Lakes and Mississippi Drainage Syitemi. * Oswego Survey Report, 1927, contains illustration of young. 170 Conservation Department shallow parts. They come insliore in bays and creek mouths to spawn, and most of those caught are taken at tliis time. Seines are used in Cattaraugus creek and the Niagara river. Adults full of eggs were taken as late as June 27 at Dunkirk bay, although many others had spawned by this date. A series of {).") young taken August 1 from Black creek, near Buffalo, showed a variation in size from iJ to 3 inches, additional evidence of a long spawning period. The age of these specimens was checked V)v scale examination. 33. Corassius aurotus (Linnaeus). — Goldfish, gold carp. (Plate 3.) Com- mon in Lake Erie in shallow parts, especially bays and creek mouths. Like carp it is an introduced fish. It reaches a weight of about 2 pounds but is of questional)le economic value in the lake. Gold colored individuals are less common than Vnown ones. It hybridizes with the carp, and several of the intermediates were collected. The numbers of goldfish in Lake Erie have increased to a j>()int where the fish has become a nuisance, as it competes with many other ])ottom-feeding species for food. Young were Aery common in Dunkirk harbor during late summer. They much resembled young carp in appearance, size, and habits. The habitat of the young (shallow, weedy places) and the fact that they grow very fast makes it unlikely that they would be important items in the food of predacious fish. 34. Xocomis higuttatus (Kirtland). — ^Horny-head, river chub. Uncommon. Restricted to the eastern part of the drainage, where it is locally common in many warm streams of the Tonawanda creek system. 35. Xocomis micropogon (Cope). — Crested chub, river chub. Common in warm streams throughout the region, not ranging into headwaters. This is a large minnow, and is sometimes cauglit on hook and line by boys. It is a nest building fish, each breeding male building a large heap of pebbles l)y j)icking them up, one by one. Such a nest was observed, July 9, in Silver creek, and the male guarding it was seen to spawn with each one of several females. Pebbles were ])iled on the nest after each spawning act, so that the eggs were covered. An e^g, measured 2 millemeters after preservation in formalin. The Avater temperature at this date was 83 degrees. 36. Erimnstax (UsHxmiJifi (Kirtland).* — Spotted chub. Rare. A record from a Lake Erie triliutary in southern Ontario is cited by Hubbs. 37. Erinemus storeriamift (Kirtland). — Storer's chub. Common in Lake Erie and at mouths of tributary creeks. This is one of the largest, native species of the minnow family in the region, reaching a size of over 10 inches. In the lake, it ranges out into rather deep water, sometimes l>eing taken in gill nets. Apparently, it spawns quite late, as females taken June 21 were nearly ready to spawn. 38. Erinemus Ju/alitius (Cope). — Big-eyed chub. Rare. This rather insignificant appearing fish is found in the lower courses of streams of the southern and eastern part of the area. It was most common in the Buffalo creek system, frequenting shallow, mud flats. Avhere the current was moderate. Apparently, this is about the eastern limit of its range. 39. Rhmichthi/fi ntronasus lunatus (Cope). — Black-nosed dace.i Abundant. Widely distributed, occurring in })ractically every small stream, warm or cold. It is rare in the lower courses of streams and occurs in Lake Erie only as a stray. One of the common fish of trout streams. Spawning was observed June 17, in Little Bufialo creek at the head of a riffle, where there was clean gravel. In at least one instance, a male Avas seen to crowd a female against a small stone during a spaAvning. A few eggs found in the gravel Avere prob- ably, but not certainly, eggs of this species. 40. Rhinirhthyfi caiaractae (Cuvier & Valenciennes). — Long-nosed dacei. Abundant. Occurs in nearly all streams, but does not inhabit the headwater streams as often as does nironasiis. It is common along the shore of Lake Erie in rocky places, and in streams it is most common in the riffles Avhere there are stones. It inhabits a few trout streams. 41. S'emotUvs ntromncuJntus atroniarnhitiis (Mitchill). — Horned dace. 2 chub. Abundant. Inhabits [)ractically everv stream. It is less common in * Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. ' Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 171 large streams than in small ones, and is rare in Lake Erie. A common fish of upland streams, thriving in -warm or cold waters. In food habits it resembles the trout, and is evidently one of the most serious competitors of these. 42. Margariscus margarita (Cope). — Pearl minnow. i Uncommon. Is limited to a few. small streams of the uplands. Usually found in cold w^aters, often associated with the brook trout. 43. Cli)iostomits elongatus (Kirtland). — Red-sided dace^ Common in many streams. Reaches its highest abundance in small streams of muddy or rubble bottom. Does not avoid waters cold enough for trout. 44. Opsopoeodus emiliae (Hay). — Ptig-nosed shiner, Jordan and Ever- manns give it as occurring in Lake Erie. There appear to be no definite records. 45. Xotropis heterodon (Cope). — Rare. A few specimens were obtained from the Niagara River among weed beds, on July 2G. Several individuals were nearly ready to spawn. 46. Kotr-opis heterolepis Eigenmann & Eigenmann. — Black-nosed minnow\ Common. Found in sluggish streams and ponds and in sheltered bays of Lake Erie. A common fish of swamp situations. Females nearly ready to spawn were found as late as July 2f), in the Niagara river. 47. Kotropis volucelliis voluoeUiis (Cope). — Common. Occurs in Lake Erie, especially in creek mouths. Inhabits many of the larger streams, such as Ellicott creek, and other sluggish ones of the eastern part of the drainage where it seems to be an important source of food for pickerel, bass, and other game fish. 48. ]\^otropis deliciosus stramineus (Cope). — Straw-colored minnow. Abundant in Lake Erie and many of the larger tributaries, in their lower courses. Thousands were seined in late June and early July, when they were close inshore for the purpose of spawiiing. This species is fed upon by many lake fish*. 49. Noti'opis dorsalis (Agassiz). — ^Gill>ert's minnow. Common in many streams of the Tonawanda and Ellicott creek drainages. Not taken in Lake Erie, seeming to prefer streams. 50. Xot)-opis hudso)nus (Clinton). Spot-tailed minnow^. Abundant in Lake Erie, and ascends certain of the larger creeks. Numerous specimens were taken in late June and early July along the lake shore and in the lower parts of creeks where spawning takes place, judging from the ripe condition of the eggs of many of these. 51. Xotropis ichipplii spilopterus (Cope). — ^Satin-finned minnows', silver- fin. Common in the lower courses of several tributaries of Lake Erie; rare in the lake, itself. 52. Xotropis atherinoides Rafinesque. — Lake shiner, emerald minnow. Abundant. We consider this the most plentiful fish of Lake Erie. It occurs there in great schools, in deep as well as shallow water, and is also abundant in the Niagara river and in the lower courses of large creeks. This species forms an important food supply for the blue pike, yellow pike, white bass and other predacious lake fish. It is the most widely used bait minnow of the region. A few specimens that were full of nearly ripe eggs were taken close inshore in late June (the 21st) but nothing definite was learned of their spawning. Young were found in the Niagara river and in lake Erie during the latter part of the summer. 53. Notropis ruhrifrons (Cope). — Rosy-faced minnow. LTncommon, Is found in several of the larger creeks, usually where there is strong current. ^ Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report. 1926. ' Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. » Bulletin 47 United States National Museum (1896). < See Dr. C. K. Sibley's report, p. 184. ' Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. ^ Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. 172 Conservation Department We took no si)ecimeiis in Lake Erie, altliougli llie species has been found there (Dvmond). 54-a. Xotropis corntus chrysocephnlua llafinesque. — Common shmer, red- fin shiner. Abundant. Tliis large-sealed subspecies of the common shiner is restricted to the lower courses of streams, Lake Erie, and the Niagara river. In the upland streams its place is taken by the next subspecies. Manv individual male shiners die after the spawning season. Several spent males of chrijsocephalus were found in Cattaraugus creek, July 10, in a dying condition. The many scars of these and of similar ones are evidence of the fighting that takes place among males at the spawning season. ol-b. yotropis coniutus frontalis (Agassiz). — Common shiner,i rled-fin shiner. Abundant. This, the fine-scaled subspecies, is widely distributed, occuring in nearly every creek. In the lower courses of streams it is less common than chrysocephalus and in Lake Erie it is of only stray occurrence. WTiere both subspecies occur at the same locality, intermediates are usually found. The present subspecies is a common fish of the upland trout streams, but does not range quite as far into headwaters as the black-nosed dace, or the horned dace. On June 17, spawning was observed in Little Bufialo creek, and on July 9 in Silver creek. In both instances, an area of clean gravel, lying in rather strong current, was chosen. At Silver creek, the spawning took place on the nest of another species, the crested chub (Nocomis micropo- gon). There were three males of coniutus present, competing for possession of the spawning area, the selected spot being at the upstream side of the pile of stones constituting the nest. The individual in possession of this spot mated with several females in rapid succession, and defended the spawning position against other males. He was soon supplanted by one of these, how- ever, after several attacks from this adversary. The eggs were very numerous in the gravel. They were 1.5 millimeters in diameter, after preservation in formalin, and were pink, before preservation. They were lightly adhesive, sticking to gravel or to each other. After each spawning operation, eggs were eagerly sought out by a number of fish which had been attracted by this food supply. Those seen to seek out eggs included rainbow darter, log perch, horned dace, and small individuals of the two spawning species (the shiner, and the crested chub). The water temperature was 83 degrees. 55. Notropis umhratilis syanocephalus (Copeland). — Red-fin minnow, (Plate 4,) Uncommon, Is restricted to several weedy creeks near Angola, where it was first discovered by Prof. T. L. Hankinson in June. Males in full breeding color were found as late as July 16. This species is, character- istically, a Mississippi drainage fish. 56. Notemigonus crysoleucas crysoleucas (Mitchill). — Golden shiner. Common. Prefers a habitat where there is aquatic vegetation. Specimens were found in Lake Erie, in sheltered bays and in many weedy streams and ponds. An occasional specimen was taken in several of the more rocky creeks. 57. Jlyhoguafhus liaiikinnoiii (Hubbs). — Ilankinson's minnow.- Rare. A single specimen at the U. S. National Museum (No. 70002), taken in Caze- novia creek near Bufi'alo, by A. J. Woolman on August 8, 1893, is the only record for the area covered by the survey. 58. Ohrosomus erythrogaster Rafinesque. — Red-bellied dace. Uncommon. In our drainage, this minnow is restricted to several sluggish streams and small j)onds, near BufTalo and eastward. 59. Hyborhynchns notatus Rafinesque. — Blunt-nosed minnow.3 Abundant. One of the predominant species, in point of numbers, of the larger creeks and the ponds of the watershed. In Lake Erie, it is common only in sheltered areas. It is a prolific little fish, and has a long spawning season, lasting until late summer. Eggs were found July 13 in Sister creek near the mouth. They averaged 1.5 millimeters in diameter, after preservation in formalin, and were transparent, with a polished appearance, when fresh. They % ^ Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. ' Specimen determined by Dr. C. L. Hubbs. * Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 173 adhered, individually, to the under side of a large, flat stone, and covered an area 7 by 4I/2 inches. The total number, accurately estimated, was 11,812. These were laid by more than one female, judging by the fact that some were liatching when found, and others were far less advanced. The eggs were guarded, when found, by a male fish approximately 3^4 inches long, whose j)Osition was directly imder the stone. The water temperature was 82 degrees. It is interesting, in its bearing on the subject of the efficiency of natural fertilization of fish eggs, to note that every one of these was fertile with live embryo. 60. Pimephales promelas promelas Rafinesque. — Fat-head minnow, black- head minnow. (Plate 4.) Common. Much resembles the last species in habits, but is less numerous. It reaches a high concentration of numbers in several small ponds and reservoirs, but seems to be rare where there are many other species in competition with it. A few were found at mouths of several Lake Erie tributaries. It is knowni to continue spawning throughout much of the summer, and young of several sizes were collected on the same date, on a few occasions. A school of fry, each about M oi an inch was taken July 5 at the reservoir on Silver creek. 01. Campostoma anomalum Rafinesque. — Stone-roller minnow.2 Common. This is a characteristic fish of shallow, warm creeks. It is not found at head waters. In Lake Erie it is of stray occurrence. Ameiuridab Cat fishes 62. Ictaliirus punctatus Rafinesque. — Spotted catfish, silver cat, channel cat. Common in Lake Erie, and is found in the Niagara river and large streams. It is an important commercial species in Lake Erie and is also sought by anglers. This is the best of the catfishes as a food and game fish. The greater number of those taken are caught in late spring when they are in mouths of creeks to spawn. They are captured, commercially, by set line and seine, and sport fishermen take them with hook and line and spear. Speci- mens taken June 27 at Dunkirk contained ripe eggs. Young of this (possibly of the next) species were found in sheltered bays and lagoons at creek mouths; a specimen from Lake Erie near the mouth of Silver creek on August 23, was \\% inches long. The next size obtained, 5-};! inches (same date), we think is a yearling. This and similar ones are spotted like the adults; the smallest size is not. 63. ViUarius lacustris (Walbaum). Lake catfish, blue cat, lake lugger. Uncommon. Occurs in Lake Erie, where it is less common than the spotted cat hut averages larger. The means of capture are the same for both species. The blue cat spawns in early summer; females shedding the last of their eggs were seen July 8, having been speared near the mouth of Sister creek, at a point where there are clay banks. Fishermen say that they spawn in such places, guarding the eggs as does the common bullhead. Intensive fishing of the catfishes, when they are in the creeks to spawn, cannot fail to result in low production of young. 04. Ameiuriis melns Rafinesque.* — Black bullhead. Rare. Several records for Lake Erie are cited by Dymond. Fowlers reported it abundant and fre- quently marketed at Erie, Pa. 65. Ameiuriis nehulosus (Le Sueur). — Common bullhead, horned pout. Common. A resident of the larger, more sluggish streams and the ponds and lakes. In Lake Erie, the species is common only in sheltered areas. It is an important anglers' fish in small lakes, as Java lake, and in large streams, as lower Ellicott creek, but in Lake Erie it is not extensively fished in New York waters. Some are marketed from Cattaraugus creek, being taken by seine. Specimens in spawning condition were found at Dunkirk harbor, on June 27. Youno; are usuallv in weed beds. 1 Lord. R. F. Notes on the ITse of the Blackliead IMinnow as a Forage Fish. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 1927. ' Illustrated in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. 3 Fowler, H. W. A List of the Fishes of Pennsvlvania. Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. 32, 1919. 174 Conservation Department 66. Ameiurus nutalis (Le Sueur) .—Rare. Taken only in Muddy and Little Sister creeks, and in Lake Erie at Dunkirk bay. The species has little economic value in the region, due to scarcity. It averages smaller than the common bullhead. Young from Little Sister creek, July 18, averaged l^e inches in length, being appreciably smaller than young of nehidosus found with them. , <• x , t^ • 67. Leptops olivaris Rafinesque.*— Mud cat. The only record for Lake Lrie is that quoted by Osburn.i Hubbs remarks that probably only stragglers of the species have entered the lake through canals. No specimens are on record. 68. Xoturus Jiavus Rafinesque. — ^Stonecat, mongrel bullhead, deep-water bullhead. (Plate o ) . Common in Lake Erie; occurs, also, in many of the larger tributaries. In streams, it is found among stones, usually in the riffles. In the lake it is most common along rocky shores, and ranges out into water of 30 feet or more in depth. Many are taken in gill nets set for perch and pike, and they are considered a great nuisance by fishermen. Stonecats from the lakes are large, often a foot long, and the flesh is excellent. They are not marketed, however, as there is no demand for them, and they are trouble- some to dress on account of their i)oisonous- spines. This species feeds upon minnows and crayfish and competes with black bass for food; it is suspected, also, of feeding on spawn of other species. Two egg masses of the stonecat were found in lower Sister creek, on July 1.3, under flat stones. One of these was guarded by two of the fish, probably the parents. In the other case, the male only was located under the stone.' The eggs were yellow, opaque and were cemented together by a jellylike substance to form a rounded mass, about 2 inches in diameter and one inch thick. The eggs measured from S^j to 4 millimeters in diameter, and numbered approximately 500. The water temperature was 82 degrees. 69. S'chilbeodes (jifrinus (Mitchill). — Tadpole stonecat. Rare. This dim- inutive catfish inhabits weed beds. Our specimens came from the Barge canal and tributaries. Records fiom Lake Erie are given by Dymond. 70. Schilheodes minnis (Jordan).* — -Brindled stonecat. Rare. Recorded from Sandusky bay by Osburn.^ L^MBRIDAE Mud ^f in nous 71. Umbra limi (Kirtland). — Mud minnow. Common. A fish of sluggish. weedy streams and ponds. Inhabits many streams of the northeastern area of the watershed. In Lake Erie it is rare, being confined to weed beds. EvsociDAE Pickerels 72. Eso.r americanus (Jmelin. — Grass pickerel, little pickerel. Common in several sluggish creeks, and in the Niagara river. In Lake Erie it seems limited to stream mouths. It has a preference for weedy places. This species is like others of the family in habits, but is smaller than others, adults seldom exceeding a foot in length. For this reason it is unimportant as a game fish. 73. Eaox niper Le Sueur. — Cliaiu j>ickerel, eastern ])ickerel. Rare. This fish is found in Lime lake, where it is an important anglers' fish. It was probably artificially introduced there. This reaches a larger size than the preceding ])ickci"cl. This sj)ecies is listed by Fowler as introduced in Lake Erie. 74. Enox Juvius LinnacMis. — I'ickcrel, noitbcrn ]»ikc. Common in large, weedy streams. It is an important angler's fish in the waters of the eastern 'Osburn, R. C. The Fishes of Ohio. Ohio State Acad, of Science, Special PafKMs No. 4, 1901. ^Reed, H. D. The Morpludogy of the IVrmal Olands in Nematognathus Fislies. Zeitschrift fur Morjdiologie und Anthropologic. Bd. XXIV 1024. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 175 part of the drainage, notably Ellieott creek. In Lake Erie it is uncommon, but there is said to be good fishing for it at the mouth of Little Sister and a few other creeks, in spring. 7.>. Esox masquinoHfiy Mitchill. — Muskalonge. L^ncommon. Specimens were taken in the iipper Niagara river and in Lake Erie, at Eagle bay, both times in close proximity to aquatic vegetation. The upper Niagara river lias been a notable fishing ground for it, but only a very few seem to be taken there now. Young were found in weed beds of the Niagara river, July 27; one of them measured 1% inches. The muskalonge of the St. Lawrence drainage is now regarded as a species different from the Chau- tauquai one. There are constant differences in head proportions and color pattern.- The Chautauqua muskalonge has been planted in Ellieott creek, Tonawanda creek and the upper Niagara river, but there seem to be no definite records of its capture in these waters. Anguillidae Eels 76. AnguiUa rostrata (Le Sueur). — American eel. Uncommon. Most of the eels taken within the area under study are caught at the mouth of the Niagara river, with hook and line. The species is less common in Lake Erie. Cyprinodontidae Tvilli fishes 77. Fuudulus diapJianiis menona Jordan & Copeland. — Barred killifish, grayback minnow. Uncommon. In Lake Erie it is restricted to sheltered situations such as Dunkirk harl)or. The largest schools were found in the upper Niagara river along sheltered beaches, in w^ater only a few inches deep. Percopsidae Trout -perches 78. Percopsis omiscomai/cus (Walbaum). — Trout-perch. This little, spotted fish is one of the most common ones of Lake Erie. A small Jiumber were collected in the Niagara river. It usually inhabits quite deep water, but comes close inshore to spawn, often ascending creeks. Hundreds were seined along shore from June 20 to July 12, after which they became rare in such situations. Specimens in spaw/iing condition were abundant in riffles in Cattaraugus creek (near Irving), on July 2. One egg, almost certainly that of this species, was dipped from the gravel at this spot. The smallest young specimen that was found close inshore, one % of an inch long, came from the Niagara river, July 2.>. During, and just after, their spawning run dead adults are common along the beach of the lake. \Yhether all die after spawn- ing is not known, but at least some of them die. Aphredoderidab Pirate-perch es 79. Aphredoderus sni/anus (Gilliams). — Pirate-perch. Rare. A few speci- mens were taken in Cayuga creek at a muddy and weed-choked place. Records from Lake Erie are given by Dymond. Serranidae t^ea hasses 80. Lepihema chrysops Rafinesque. — White bass, silver bass. Common in Lake Erie and the Niagara river, also entering the mouths of streams. Has a minor importance as a game and commercial fish in New York borders. It is often seen in schools pursuing other fish, notably Notropis atherinoides, and is often captured by anglers who cast a minnow bait or a small spinner into where the fish are feeding. Silver bass so taken are usually small, ^ For an account of the biology of the Chautauqua Muskalonge see Moore, Emmellne. Problems in Fresh Water Fisheries. State of New York Conservation Commission 1926. ' Weed, A. C. Field Museum of Natural History Zool. Leaflet 9, 1927. 176 Conservation Department about a half pound in weight. In spring, they are caught by seines in Cat- taraugus creek and a few are caught, during the summer, in gill nets.^ Young were fairly common in several places along the lake shore and in creek mouths. One was taken in the Niagara river, on July 27, that measured il of an inch. Percidae Perches 81. Perca flavescens (Mitchill). — Yellow perch. Very common. A fish of high economic importance in Lake Erie, and the Niagara river. It occurs also in small lakes, as Lime lake, where it has been introduced. Several of the larger, deeper creeks also have perch, but they are fewer in number in these places. In the New York area of Lake Erie, perch are fished by gill nets, principally. The species ranges widely, being found in deep as w^ell as shallow water. Young were found, commonly, in sheltered places along the lake shore, and especially in the w^eed beds of the Niagara river. Specimens taken at the latter localitV, on July 26, ranged in size from I14 to 1% inches. A larger size taken with them, from 3i/4 to 4% inches, proved by scale examinations to be yearlings. 82. Stizostedion canadense griseum (De Kay). — Sanger, sand pike. (Plate 6.) Common in Lake Erie, where it it is often taken by net fishermen and anglers. The sauger, like the next species and unlike the blue pike, is most common in relatively shallow water, avoiding the deepest parts of the lake. It is inferior to the yellow pike in size and quality of flesh. However, it is a good fish and has a ready sale. All those takeii at the beginning of the summer's collecting had spawned, with one exception. This was in the case of one taken in Silver creek bay, on July 4, which contained eggs ready to deposit. 83. Stisostedion vitreum (Mitchill). — Yellow pike, pike-perch, wall-eyed pike. (Plate 7.) Common in Lake Erie and the Niagara river. Has been established in a few of the small lakes, notably Java lake. This is the largest member of the genus, and is the most important one for angling. Its num- bers are fewer than the blue pike, however, and it is less important commer- cially, than the latter. Young were seined at numerous localities along the lake shore and in the Niagara river, and were more common in sheltered areas than in exposed places. They grow rapidly. Four specimens from the Niagara river, taken July 20, were from 1% to 2% inches long. 84. Stizostedion glancum (Hubbs). — Blue pike. (Plate 8.) Very common in Lake Erie, inhabiting also the upper and lower Niagara river. A very important commercial fish in Lake Erie; in New York waters the principal means of capture is by gill nets. Although by no means confined to deep water, it is most common there. A limited number of small specimens was taken along shore, but no young were found there that could be positively determined as belonging to ithis species rather than to vitreum. 85. Ilndroptcrus maculafus (Girard). — Black-sided darter. Uncommon. Occurs in many warm streams of the eastern and southern parts of the watershed, but is not present in headwater brooks. 80. Perrhia caprodes zehra (Agassiz). — Log perch, modoch. Very common in Lake Erie and the lower courses of streams, as well as in the Niagara river. This is a choice bait fish (used illegally since it is not a minnow) for black bass in Lake Erie, going by the name of modoch. It ascends streams to the riffles for spawning, the run lasting until the last part of June. Late in summer it was less common inshore. 87. Rhcocrypta copclandi Jordan. — Copeland's da iter. Common in Lake Erie and in the lower courses of several tributaries. Like the last species, many individuals ascend streams to spawn. Ripe males were found in Eigh- teen-mile creek on July 11, in the riffles about ^/i mile from the mouth. 88. Imostoma shumardi (Girard). — River dartcM-. Forbes and Richardson^ state that it has been reported from Lake Erie. TIumc seem to be no definite records. 1 * Forbears A and Richardson, R. E. The Fishes of Illinois. Nat. Hist. Survey of 111. in>*^aVe|T!tib. Nat. Hist. 1908. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 177 89. Ammocnjpta pellucida (Baird).* — Sand darter. Rare. The U. S. National Museum has specimens that were collected in Cazenovia creek, near BufiFalo, and in Cattaraugus creek, at Gowanda and at Irving, by A. J. Woolman in 1893. This species may, quite possibly, have been e^errainated in these creeks by pollution. 90. Boleosoma nigrum 7iigrum (Rafinesque). — Johnny darter.^ Common and widely distributed, inhabiting nearly all stream systems as well as Lake Erie and the Niagara river. In the lake it is most common in weedy places. 91. Poecilichthys coeruleus coeruleus (Storer). — Rainbow darter, soldier darter. Common. This is distinctly a stream fish, living in shallow creeks, especially in the riffles, and avoiding lakes. It is found in the majority of streams of the southern and western part of the drainage, becoming less common to the east and north. A few were found in trout streams. 92. Poecilichthys exilis (Girard). — Iowa darter. Uncommon. It is locally common in sheltered spots along Lake Erie, especially Dunkirk harbor. Specimens were collected in one of the small lakes, Java lake. 93. Catonotus fiahellaris (Rafinesque). — Fan-tailed darter, 2 Common. Like the rainbow darter, it is a stream species. It inhabits practically every stream system, ranging farther into headwaters than any other darter, and being commonly found in trout streams. Eggss were found in EUicott creek near Bowmansville, on June 18, They were attached to the under side of a stone. 94. Etheostoma hlennioides Rafinesque. — Green-sided darter. Uncommon. It was taken in shallow, warm streams of the eastern and southern divisions of the drainage. Like the other darters, with the exception of the fan-tail, it does not inhabit headwater streams of the region. Cbntrarchidae Sunfishes 95. Micropteriis dolomitii Lacepede. — Small-mouthed bass, black bass. Com- mon. This is one of the most popular angler's fish of the region, especially in the shore zone of Lake Erie. Bass are found in tlie Niagara river and in several of the larger creeks, as Cattaraugus. Many of the lake bass enter creek mouths to spawn, and the young inhabit such situations during their first season. The protection given by law does not fully cover the spawning season, as several bass taken after July 1 had not laid their eggs. The latest of these, of which we have record, was a female which was caught at the mouth of Sister creek, on July 8. It seems to be the general opinion that bass are decreasing; probable causes are intensive angling and the tapeworm disease. * Young were common in the Niagara river, and in sheltered areas along the lake shore. The smallest were from % to % of an inch, taken at the mouth of Eighteenmile creek, July 18. 96. Aplites salmoides (Lacepede). — Large-mouthed bass. Uncommon, Less important as an angler's fish than the preceding species. In Lake Erie it is limited to weedy areas, as Dunkirk bay. It is well established in Lime lake and Crystal lake, and is found in Tonawanda creek and several other large, sluggish streams. This species spawns earlier than does the small- mouthed bass. Young from Lake Erie, seined July 19, measured from 1^/4 to 1% inches. 97. Chaenohryttiis gulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes).* — War-mouth bass. Rare. Mentioned as occurring in Lake Erie by Forbes and Richardson. There are apparently no definite records. 98. Helioperca incisor (Cuvier & Valenciennes),* — Bluegill sunfish. Rare, Mr, T, L, Hankinson took specimens at the mouth of Delaware creek in June, There are several records for Lake Erie, It is too rare, at present, in this region to be an important angler's fish but is being recommended for stocking small ponds. 5 This species is larger, and more desirable than the common sunfish, 1 Illustrated (subspecies olmstedi) in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. 2 Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. ^ For description see Genesee Survey Report, 1926. * See page 198 ^See'page 235 178 Conservation Department 99. Xeiiotis megalotis (Rafinesque) ,'' — Long-eared sunfish. Rare. Dymond cites the records of its occurence in Lake Erie. 100. Eupomotis gibbosus (Linnaeus). — Common sunfish. pumpkinseed. Common. Widespread in distribution, being found in sluggish creeks, ponds and small lakes. In Lake Erie it is restricted to weedy spots. This is a good pan fish and receives attention from many anglers, in spite of its small size. One young specimen from Tonawanda creek, taken September 8, was y^ inch long.* 101. Atnbloplites rupistris (Rafinesque. — Rock bass, goggle-eye bass. Abundant, the most plentiful member of the sunfish family. It is found in almost all waters of the drainage, except very small or very cold streams. In Lake Erie this species is often taken by anglers seeking bass or perch, and it is also of some commercial importance. In creeks and })onds the rock bass provides considerable fishing, especially for young sportsmen. The average size of those taken is less than i/4 pound. Numerous young were taken in aquatic vegetation. Those from the Niagara river, collected July 27, were from % to % of an inch. 102. Pomoxis annularis Rafinesque. — White crappie. L'ncommon. Speci- mens were collected in slieltered bays and creek mouths along Lake Erie. Few are caught by anglers. This species is a desirable one for small lakes as it groAvs to a larger size than others of the ])an-fish type. 103. Pomoxis sparoides (Lacepede) ."" — Black crappie. calico bass. Rare. There are specimens from Lake Erie in the LL S. National Museum collection, that were collected at Silver creek in 1894. Other records from Lake Erie are given by Dymond. At the present date it is much less common than the preceding species, which it reseml)les in most respects. Atherinidae Silversides 104. Lahidcsthcs sicrulKs (Cope). — Brook silversides, skipjack. Rare. Our only specimens came from Lake Erie at the mouths of Silver and Eighteen- mile creeks. ScTAENiDAE Dnimfiskcs 105. Aplodinofus r/nomiens Rafinesque. — Sheepshead, fresh-water drum, gray bass. Common in Lake Erie, where it is gaining in popularity as a commercial fish. It is taken by anglers, altliough it is not particularly sought by them. The species is in the Niagara river, and enters the mouths of creeks. Sheepshead are taken with seines at the mouth of Cattaraugus creek. The smallest young s[)ecimen was one 1 \^, inches, from the mouth of Eighteen- mile creek, taken August 14. CoTTiDAE Sculpins 106. Ti'iglopsis ihompsonii Girard. — Dee|)-water sculpin. Rare. The lake survey party collected small specimensi in young fish trawls, from deep water of Lake Erie. This is the only lecord of its occurrence in this one of the Great Lakes. 107-a. Cotins bairdii bairdii Girard. — Sculjtin.^ millers thumb. Common in many creeks, especially toward the headwaters; often found in trout streams. In Lake Erie it is replaced by the next subspecies. 107-b. Cottus bairdii kiimlicni (Hoy). — Lake sculpin. miller's thumb. Uncommon. Limited to Lake Erie and the Niagara river, within the region. Our specimens were seined near shore biit it occurs in rather deep water, also. ^ Identified by Marie P. Fish. Mllustrnted in Genesee Survey Report, 1926. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 179 108. Coftiis cognatits Richardson. — Sculpin,i millers thumb. The only defi- nite records for Lake Erie are those- collected from deep water by the lake survey party. A specimen examined, taken from the stomach of a ling collected in deep water oft' Dunkirk, seemed to be this species but was not in condition to be identified with certainty. 109. Cotfus ricci Nelson. — Rice sculpin. Small specimens'^ were collected by the lake survey party; as in the preceding species they are the only records for Lake Erie. Gastebosteidae ^yticklehacls 110. Eucalia i))coustaus (Kirtland). — Brook stickleback. Common in weed beds of the Niagara river, and occurs in many creeks of the watershed, par- ticularly those of the Tonawanda system. Often occurs in trout streams if there are weeds. 111. Gasterosieus aciileafvs Linnaeus. — Two-spincd stickleback. Rare. Small specimens were seined from the mouth of the Niagara river in weed beds. It has not been found above Niagara Falls. Gauidae Codfishes 112. Lota maculosa (Le Sueur). — Ling. 4 ell-pout, burbot, lawyer, gudgeon. Common in Lake Erie. It is often taken in nets set for herring, and is gain- ing importance as a commercial fish. Those caught were formerly discarded by the fishermen, but many of them are now marketed. Demand for them is on the increase. The ling is usually found in deep water, but is not limited to this habitat, A small specimen, 7 inches, was seined at night from the mouth of Silver creek, on September 4, 1 Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927. 2 Identified by Marie P. Fish. ^ Identified by Marie P. Fish. ^ Illustrated in Oswego Survey Report, 1927, 180 Conservation Department VII. THE FOOD OF CERTAIN FISHES OF THE LAKE ERIE DRAINAGE BASIN By C. K. Sibley Instructor, John BuiTOughs School, Clayton, Mo. During the summer of 1928 food records were obtained for 64 species of fish. The alimentary tracts of 2,010 individuals were examined and 1,128 of these contained food. In all cases, the length to the base of tail is used, that is, the distance from the end of the snout to the end of the vertebral column. The percentages given are estimates of the volume of the various food organisms present in stomachs. The species examined are grouped according to food preferences in order to facilitate comparison. Species Feeding Mainly upon Animal Plankton. — While plankton organisms are the sole food of many very young fish, few species continue to take them in large quantities. A diet of over 50 per cent animal plankton for fish more than two centi- meters long was found in only four species, summarized as follows : Leucichthifs artedi. — Herring, cisco. Number of records, 53. Length, 21.3-30.3 cm. or 8-12 inches. Daphnia pulex, 78 per cent; Leptodora kindtii, 20 per cent; Limnocalanus macrurus, 2 per cent. Notropis atherinoides. — Emerald minnow, slender minnow. Num- mer of records, 33. Length, 2.9-7.5 cm. or l%-3 inches. Daphnia pulex, 46 per cent; Leptodora, 4 per cent; Bosmina longirostris, 1 per cent; Diaptomus sicilis and D. ashlandi, 4 per cent; Epis- chura lacustris, 2 per cent; misc. adult insects, 36 per cent; misc., 5 per cent (silt, Oscillatoria, diatoms, Heptagenia, 1 earthworm). Lahidesthes siccnlus. — Brook silversides. Number of records, 15. Length, 1.9-3.5 cm. or ^/i-l^i inches. About 50 per cent of the food was Cladocera; Acroperus harpae; Alona rectangnla ; Chydorus sphaericus ; Scapholehris mucronata. Second in import- ance was the copepod Leptocyclops agilis and third was insects found either near the surface or floating on the surface, midge pupae and adults; Corixidae ; Collembola ; 1 thrips and 1 aphid. Perca flavesccns. — Yellow ])ercli ; a plankton diet was found in limited groups of this species.* Assistance in the identification of material was given bv Messrs J. R. Greeley, P. R. Burkholder, W. L. Tressler and Dr. C. B. Wilson. * See table 2, p. 185. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 181 Table 1.— Species Feeding on Algae and Fragments of Higher Plants name Margariscus m. mnrgaritn (Pearl minnow) Notropis cornutus. (Reid-fin shiner) A'', c. frontalis , (Common shiner) N. c. chrysocephalus. . . (Common shiner) H yborhynchus notatus. . (Blunt-nosed minnow NT umber of records Pimephales promdas . . . (Fat-head minnow) N otemigonus crysoleucai (Golden shiner) Campostoma an omnium . (Stone-roller minnow) 10 33 Lengths 21 16 Cm. 3.7-4.8. 4-9.8. Inches 4.3-7.7.. 3.2-.5.8. 5-12. 1.6-2... 2.6-6... n. 11-31 U-21 U, U-3 Silt Food materials 10' 10% 40% 30% 40% 40% 8% 35% Misc. algae, 90% : Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Oedogonium, Characium, Gomphonema, Scenedesmus, Cosmarium, Navicula, Cymbella, Sy- nedra, Oscillatoria Plants, bO%: plant frag- ments, Spirogyra, Oedo- gonium, Ulothrix, Clado- phora, Cosmarium, Clo- sterium, diatoms; fish eggs, adult insects and earth- worms, 30% Oscillatoria, 30%; diatoms, 5% ; plant fragments, 25% Diatoms, mainly Synedra and Navicula, 70% Fish eggs, 15%; algae, 45%; Pediastrum, Cosmarium, Closterium, Scenedesmus, Spirogyra, Oedogonium, Cladophora, Oscillatoria, Navicula, Synedra, En- cyonema, Gomphonema, Cymatopleura, Pleuro- sigma Misc. algae, 60% Snails, 8%; Cyclops, Ostra- coda, Leydigia qaudrangu- laris, 7%; adult midges, 12%; Triaenodes larvae, 8%; algae, 53%: Oscilla- toria, Ulothrix, Navicula, ^lerismopaedium Chironomus larvae, 90%; diatoms, 10% Difflugia, Anurea cochlearis, 25%; misc. algae, 40%: Scenedesmus abundans, S. bijuga, S. arcuatus, S. dimorphus, Spirogyra' Ulothrix, Oedogonium, cosmarium cyclicum, Phor- midium, Synedra, Encyo- nema, Pediastrum, ]Meri- smopaedium tenuissimum, Staurastrum alternans, Navicula, Meridion Species Feeding Mainly upon Immature Aquatic Insects and Crustacea. — Thirty-four of the 64 species studied come under the above headino^. In this area the forms which are found most commonly in stomachs are the larvae and pupae of the midges (Chironomidae). These are taken by all of the species in this group. The percentages are usually high. Among the suckers, for example, the averages range from 50 to 80 per cent.^ For a summary of the food of members of this group, see Table 3 on p. 186. 182 Conservation Department Egg-eating Species. — An interesting seasonal variation in diet was noted for several species. During the first three weeks of the period covered by the survey many fish were spawning. As noted in Table 3, the eggs formed a considerable portion of the diet of several fish, especially in a sucker {Moxostoma anisurum), the long-nosed dace {Rhinichfhys cataradae) ; three minnows (Notro- pis volucellus, N. deliciosus, N. hudsonms) ; the log perch (Percina caprodes) ; and two darters {Poecilichtkys coerideus and Cot- togaster copelandi). Later in the season the diet of these fish changed radically. This is shown most clearly in the case of N. deliciosus. It was not possible to determine by what species the eggs w^ere laid. However it seems probable that most of the eggs were deposited by other small minnows and darters. Species Feeding Mainly on the Surface. — Four species of fish are included in this group. A summary of their stomach con- tents is as follows : Hiodon tergisns (IVIooneye) : Twenty-four specimens contained food. The length varied from 10.6 cm. or 4 inches to 14.6 cm. or 5% inches. Cladocera, 6 per cent ; mayfly subimagoes and adults, 35 per cent ; midge pupae and adults, 8 per cent ; misc. terrestrial insects, 51 per cent. Clinostomus elongaius (Red-sided dace) : Eleven fish contained food. The length varied from 8.8 cm. or l^/) inches to 6.4 cm. or 2^2 inches. The stomach contents were made up entirely of mis- cellaneous adult insects which could be found only at the surface of the water. Semotilus afromacidatus (Horned dace). Records Avere obtained for 19 fish. Lengths varied from 3.7 cm. or 1^/4 inches to 19 cm. or 7^2 inches. Summary of food : Green algae, 5 per cent ; plant fragments, 20 per cent ; misc. adult insects, 40 per cent ; Millipedes, 5 per cent ; earthworms, 30 per cent. Notropis umhrafilis (Blood-tailed minnow). Twelve records were obtained. Lengths, 3.3 cm. or 1\^ inches to 3.9 cm. or l^/o inches. One Pleuroxus denticulatus was eaten. Otherwise the food was surface drift and was abnost entirely adult insects. The Fishing=eating Species. — Small fish are an important article of diet for many of the food and game fishes of this drain- age. An effort was made to determine whieh species are nu)st com- monly eaten. All fish remains found in stomachs were saved and were identified by i\Ir. J. R. Oreeley wlienevei- theii- condition per- mitted this. Table 2 shows the results of tliis work and gives a summarv of the stoniaeli eouleiils of the lish eaters. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 183 A List of the Small Fish Found in Stomachs of Fish: Total Number Name of species — Sucker fry 6 Common sucker (Catosiomus commersonii) 3 " " {Caiostomus commersonii?) 14 Straw-colored minnow {Notropis deliciosus) 20 Spot-tailed minnow {N. hudsonius) 84 Emerald minnow (N. atherinoides) 17 '' " (N. atkerinoklesf) 3 Red-fin shiner (.V. cornuius) 2 (Notropis sp.) 1 Long-nosed dace {Rhinichthys cataractae) 1 Crested chub (Nocomis micropogon) 6 {Cijprinidae) 38 Trout perch (Percopsis omisco-maycus) 3 Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) 1 Log perch {Percina caprodes) 5 Johnny darter (Boleosoma nigrum) 7 Common sunfish {Eupomotis gihhosus) 2 Rock bass (AmhlopJites rupestris) 1 Sculpins (Cottidae f) 119 Unidentified because digestion had proceeded too far 184 Conservation Department ^2 ..E^-3siiS|£. ■5 O-Op 3co' 'Xi "J CO ■" 3 ^ ao 3 Soo = -^S'a o 2 o iT^ .2 § so 3 (NIC Koc^q(N,£ O Qj cjk^H c 5 2 S C^-^^== §a O ^ S ^ -J ;-5 5 c5 o o •• •• "'>.a'§ « ^.saaM-^ ' SS (N O C d) a; > > o o "I c3 a 5i >> j3 '^ rt C 3 ^ C5 'M CO'* t- -*• O 1-1 00 >0 r-( O CO rH lO (MO l» (TOtH r-( I I I >0 oq O iM CO lO OO t^ <3i O 3 u o ^ 19 S:^^§ ^ Wtv'. 1. 3 &S| g •^ ^ '^ S5 r2 3 O O >« IS -^ S 3 'a o ■sa Si J- Si? ill .Sll §Ss«§^ Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 18^ 2 ' o d 'O 2 P rfi; S §" _g o 5 i -T^' 3 O a 2" SQ|o ^i^ ,-1 lO O fll?; i?:-^ T3 « .2 . --5 tH (E ~ !z: «j o 2 ; g S.2 i ga 2 o ^ -3i a -^a^ •s ..-§1 111! « ^ 2 3 _2 O (D 02 fl ;copLH o Mpq « l-rH d ■,■->. O ) Si; "O •r c t^ > c - o<^ M-c «^ . . lO Ol lO iC •o LO i-O lO . lO . . CI 00 :'* »o (M (M X CO ... . . ^ (MCO I T CD t^ I I CO CO o-t< --I 1^ 05 00 00 ■* CO lo —KM I I lO LO lO CO CI lO CO •o CO t^ GO 00 >o "+ CD CO 1-1 CO CO "O '^>i o O ■M S5 ftq 186 Conservation Department < H V) t3 BJ o Q Z < r/? H U U tfj ^ U Fi ^ _2 t:) > a -J1 » Vi tf crl H fn ?! «s § a -o 5^ o o ^ Q rv S £? o O O 5 O .s 1 .2 i 1 .2 Q 1 1 i 1 o J \ 2 1 1 S I i o O 1 1 1 i JC I 1 o o o »o S2 .. c ^S g g o 1 <5 C^l^ lO CO 1 1 ., lOTf "^2 cc '^w Co M t-.C CO 1 1 s i S § 2S CO xco MCO ^ CO g O 1 CO ^ 1 1 1 >o (N ^§ (N c c 1 J.' o 1 ... 1 CD X 1 coo 1 T ,-lrf -m'x COIN 1 1 N 1 CO !0 1 CO ox CO 1* 1 CO -- CO CO U5 OCO 1 'c 2 c 1 I E 1 £ 'c « 2 c > t I 1 "i c c •c u c. E > 1 5 I y ' c c c £ c 'e z 1 c 1 1 a C : e c 1 : 2: c c 0, c or 4 1 Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 187 '■V i 1 S c3 i 1 a 0) Mainly Diaptomus sicilis. Misc. — earthworms; adult midges c d C c o 3 O a s >> 3 01 1 _c3 T g > h3 tS > 1-:; 1 1 t 1 "a a 3 &5 1 -a 1 T3 'a 3 o 3 "o o Limnocalanus macrurus Records from other localities show that mature individuals of Lota feed mainly upon other fish i-O '"' ! g s lO LO CO i^ ^ o, (M :' § lO p 1 CO CO 01 01 OJ CO CO Ol t> M to CO 1 J. •00 'to CO CO CO IQ CO o 1 ^'co (M to (M 1 oi Ol 00 CO 00 Ol lO 1 l> (m' CO >-o 1 CO 1 CO CO Ol to (M a> S'^ c^ to (M CO t-O CO t^ 00 2 Ol CO 2 ?, "* 't »o 01 CO 1 IM rH 1 1 I'M 5<; s S3 3 2 TJ Z 1 - 4 "a a to C o 3 (i .s S 3 ■ 3 ■ iS . -% : s • ^ : 11 |i 4 .1 S o 1 1 C3 s 3 c S 3 3 03 3 S i 3 i 1 c3 c3 3 o o 3 3 o ■s c3 a i w 3 1 M .2 "o 3 o a 3 w G 5 1 C 3 J )- 3 5 188 Conservation Department SUMMARY 1. Small fish are very important in the area studied as food for the larger species. Probably the abundance of minnows is a contrib- uting factor to their being found so frequently in stomachs. The percentage of fish in the diet of species like the yellow perch and the white bass, Lepihema clinjsops, seems unusually high. 2. Data indicate that Notropis atherinoides is eaten far more frequently than any other species.* Since this fish feeds largely on plankton Crustacea, it enters competition with very few other fish and should be very desirable for that reason. 3. As in other waters the larvae and pupae of midges or Chiro- nomidae form the most important food for a large number of species. Mayfly numphs and caddis worms are also valuable. 4. In this area mollusks seem to be relatively unimportant as food. Scuds (Gammarus and Hyalella) are also less important than in other sections of New York State. 5. The food of very young fish here as elsewhere consists entirely of plankton Crustacea. Copepods seem to be taken in preference to Cladocera. * See table of distribution of species, p. 164. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 189 VIII. VEGETATION OF THE NIAGARA RIVER AND THE EASTERN END OF LAKE ERIE By W. C. Mubnscher, Assistant Professor of Botany, Cornell University A brief survey of the distribution and composition of the vegeta- tion in the Niagara river and the eastern end of Lake Erie was made between August 14 and August 30, 1928. More specifically, this report covers observations made on the American side of the Niagara river, including the shores of Grand island and several small islands near it, as well as the shallow channels between the islands, and from Buffalo harbor along the south shore of Lake Erie to the Pennsylvania State boundary. The discussion of the vegetation of the region under considera- tion may for convenience be taken up under the following areas : 1, the south shore of Lake Erie ; 2, Buffalo harbor ; 3, the upper Niagara river ; 4, the lower Niagara river. South Shore of Lake Erie. — In general the part of the south shore of Lake Erie which is included within New York State is very barren as far as aquatic vegetation is concerned. Rather extensive weed beds were observed in Dunkirk harbor which is protected by breakwaters. A few small patches of weeds were observed behind the landing at Sturgeon point and near the mouth of Cattaraugus creek. The rest of the lake shore was barren except for the branched green alga, Ckidophora, (locally referred to as "moss" by the fishermen) which was frequently rather eommon on the rocks. The shore line is quite even and in most places the shore or the shallow bottom is rocky. In some places small sandy beaches occur. There are no large shallow bays or low marshy places with backwaters along the lake shore. The rocky nature of the shore and the severe wave action present unfavorable conditions for the exist- ence of rooted aquatic plants. This accounts for the almost total absence of weed beds, except in Dunkirk harbor, along the sixty miles of lake shore in New York. The small bay in which Dunkirk harbor is located also affords protection enough against the waves to make it possible for vegeta- tion to become established. Artificial breakwaters add additional protection to this, the only area of aquatic vegetation along the lake shore that can be considered of importance as a spawning place for fish. A proper realization of the importance of this area as a spawning ground for fish should lead to a discontinuance of the present practice of running untreated sewage into Dunkirk harbor.* Vegetation in Dunkirk Harbor. — The most common species in the harbor was the eel-grass, Vallisneria spiralis. It appeared in * See page 121 and page 134. 190 Conservation Department Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 191 shallow water ranging in depth from one to four meters where it formed the dominant plant over extensive areas. Among the pond- weeds, Potamogeton Richardsonii and P. pectinatus were very com- mon, especially at a depth of 2-3 meters. Potamogeton angusti- folius, P. gramineus, P. pusillus, P. huplueroides, and P. com- pressus were less frequent, in the order named. Najas flexilis was found growing profusely in shallow water even near the outlets of sewers where there was much pollution from the sewage. Elodea cayiadeyisis, Zmmichellia paliistris, Heteranthera duhia, Ceratophyl- lum demersum and Nitella sp. were observed among the pondweeds in several places. A number of dredgings were made in deeper water but no vegetation was found below the five meter depth. Chara was found in quite extensive areas in water from 2-5 meters deep toward the northeast side of the harbor. Potamogeton grami- neus var. graminifolius was often associated with Chara. Along the marshy shore of the east side of the harbor, a narrow zone was occupied by emersed plants consisting chiefly of Sagittaria hetero- phijlla, ^. latifoUa, Scirpus acutus, S. americanus, and a few cat- tails, Typha latifolia. Buffalo Harbor. — Along the eastern end of Lake Erie con- siderable areas of weed beds were found between the shore and the outer breakwaters of Buffalo harbor. These breakwaters protect most of the shore line between the head of the Niagara river on the north and the city of Lackawanna on the south. However, the extensive alterations of the shore line and bottom required for maintaining channels for ships entering the harbor, the numerous docks, the canal, the inner harbor, and the filling in by refuse of various kinds, rather limit the important areas of aquatic plants to the lake shore from the mouth of Buffalo creek to the south for about two miles and to smaller areas in the shallow water just inside of the breakwaters. The deeper channels and the area around Lackawanna contained no rooted aquatics. Vegetation in Buffalo Harbor. — While the weed beds in the harbor were rather extensive and prolific, the number of species was very small. yaUisneria spiralis, which sometimes covered areas of several acres to the exclusion of everything else, was the most abundant species. Among the pondweeds, Potamogeton Richardsonii^ P. gramineus var. graminifolius and P. pectinatus were the dominant species. The first two species frequently formed the bulk of the vegetation in the two to four meter depth. In the shallow water, especially to the south of the mouth of Buffalo creek, extensive beds of Chara sp. covered the bottom. Pota- mogeton filiformis and the dwarf compact form of Najas flexilis flourished in shallow water near the shore where the bottom was sandy. Elodea canadensis, Heteranthera duhia and Najas flexilis frequently formed a dense growth over the bottom among the larger pondweeds. 192 Conservation Department The Upper Niagara River. — Water flowing out of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara river produces a very swift current for several miles. About five miles below Lake Erie the upper part of the Niagara river is divided by Grand island into two channels, the Tonawanda channel on the east and the Chippewa channel on the west. A few miles above the falls of the Niagara, these chan- nels unite again into one main stream. The most extensive and luxuriant weed beds were found in the shallow bays and shoals around Grand island, especially on the Tonawanda channel side. The w^eed beds along the east side of the Tonawanda channel not only were less extensive but were composed of a very limited num- ber of species. The effect of the pollutions of various kinds from Buffalo and Tonawanda as well as from several manufacturing plants between these cities undoubtedly accounts for the absence of many species in the existing weed beds and the total absence of vegetation in several places along the east shore of the Ton- awanda channel. Vegetation of the Upper Niagara River. — The locations of the larger areas of weed beds in the upper Niagara river are indi- cated by numbers on Map 2. The predominating species of w^hich they are composed are indicated below : 1. Between the Peace bridge and the International railroad bridge. A few small areas of weeds occured on the American side and extensive areas of vegetation occured on the Canadian side of the river. The predominating species consisted of Potamogeton Richardsonii, P. pectinatus, P. pusillus, P. gramineus var. gramini- folius and Vallisneria spiralis. The emersed zone on the Canadian side was occupied largely by Typha angustifolia, T. latifolia, Scirpios aciitus, S. americanus, and Sagittaria Jaiifolia. 2. Strawberry island and the shoal w^ater between it and Frog island and Grand island as far as Beaver island. This area included one of the most extensive and prolific areas of aquatic vegetation in the Niagara river. The series of submerged sandbars were covered with a dense growth consisting mostly of pondweeds, Potamogeton Richardsonii, P. angustifoUa, P. gramineus, P. pec- tinatus, Vallisneria spiralis and Najas flexilis. The greater part of Strawberry island is only a large sandbar raised a few feet above the level of the river and covered with a growth of Spartina m,icheauxiana, Scirpus acutus and 8. americanus. These species also extend into the shallow water around the island. In the shal- low channels which dissect the island such species as Sagittaria latifolia, S. heterophylla and Eleocharis pal list ris w^ere common. It was learned from local sources that the area of Strawberry island had been reduced considerably by the removal of sand. Sand was being loaded on scows and hauled away at the time the island was visited. If this continues, in time the whole island will probably be replaced by shoal water. This will undoubtedly modify the com])osition of the existing vegetation, considerably. 3. The small bays above and below Rattlesnake island. These contained extensive areas of submerged and emerged vegetation. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 193 Map of the eastern end of Lake Erie and the Niagara river showing the location of the principal areas of aquatic plants. The areas are numbered to correspond to the numbers used in the discussion of the vegetation on pages 192-4 of the text. The width of the Niagara river has been exaggerated to make it possible to indicate the location of the weed beds. 194 Conservation Department | The predominating species in genej'al were the same as those occurring about Strawberry island. 4. The small bay near Grand island landing and about two miles northward. In addition to the forms mentioned under Straw^berry island, the following common species were observed: Potamogeton amplif alius, P. nafans, P. hupleuroides, P. compressus, Heteran- thcra (luhia, Ceratophyllum demersum, Myriophijllum exalhescens, XympJiozanthus ad vena, Ponfederia cordafa and Equisetum limosum. 5. The shallow water about the mouth of Spicer creek to the mouth of Gun creek. This area, which seems to be used as a dumping ground for old ships, was occupied by a greater num- ber of species than any other locality observed luring the survey. The species observed include nearly every species listed on page 195. In addition to the dominant species observed in other localities in the river El odea canadensis formed a very dense cover- ing over considerable areas. 6. From Edgewater landing some distance below the slag fill below North Tonawanda to Cayuga island. The margin of the channel and the small bays were occupied by a very dense bed of VaUisneria spiralis. This species, apparently being more tolerant of the pollution than the other species, occupied this area to the almost total exclusion of other forms. 7. The shallow water north and WTst of Buckhorn island. Large areas of submerged vegetation and also an irregular emersed zone which, in some places, extended out into the shallow w^ater for con- siderable distances, occupied this area. The narrow shallow chan- nel between Buckhorn island and Grand island was covered with a very dense growth of Scirpiis acutus, S. americanus, Sagittaria latifolia, S. hetey^ophylla and Eleocharis pcdustris, and near the shore Typha angusfifolia was common. The Lower Niagara River. — The Aiwerican shore of the Niagara river, from its mouth on Lake Ontario to the Suspension bridge at Lewiston, was lined with a rather uniform zone of aquatic vegetation, which began about three to ten meters from the shore and extended over a strip about ten to twenty meters wide, occupying a depth of about one to four meters. The uni- formity of the vegetation is probabl}^ due to the lack of variation in habitat. The water of the Niagara river is well aerated and mixed when it passes over the falls and as it passes through the whirlpool it is again churned up. The lower Niagara river flows through a deep gorge. It is too deep for rooted aquatics except for a narrow zone along each side of the stream. The washing of the shore by the swift currents and waves and the fluctuations in the river level make it unfavorable for the development of the larger aquatics at the shore line. Vegetation of the Lower Niagara River. — VaUisneria spiralis and Potamogeton pusillus were the dominant species in the shallow water. Near the outer margin of weed beds, or in three to five meters of water, Potamogeton Richardsonii and P. pectinatus were Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 195 the most abundant forms. Potamogeton gramineus, P. americanus and P. angustifolius frequently occurred in local areas, principally in the lower part of the river. Najas ftexilis was common in shal- low water, especially in the upper part of the river. Elodea cana- densis appeared locally in protected beds in the river and about boat landings at Youngstown. In a number of places where the weed beds were very luxuriant, the water surface was covered with a dense blanket-like mat of algae, mostly Cladophora sp. which made it almost impossible to row a boat through it. On the shallow bottom between the shoreline and the inner margin of the weed beds. Chara sp. formed a low scattered growth, especially in small bays made by bends of the river. Cladophora glomerata was frequently very common on rocks along the shore. A List of Aquatic Plants Observed in Niagara River and the Eastern End of Lake Erie Equisetaceae Equisetum limosum L. Horsetail. In shallow water near the mouth of Spicer creek, Grand island. Typhaceae Typha angustifolia L. Narrow-leaved Cat-tail. Frequent in marshy ground and shallow water along shores and islands of Niagara river ; Dunkirk harbor. Typha latifolia L. Common Cat-tail. Very local. Near the mouth of Spicer creek, Grand island; on Canadian shore of Niagara river betw^een Peace bridge and Inter- national bridge ; Dunkirk. Spabgaxiaceae Sparganium eurocarpum Engelm. Giant Bur-reed. Shallow water about Strawberry island and Grand island. Najadaceae Potamogeton amplifolius Tuckerm. Broad-leaved Pondweed. Local. In a bay near Grand island landing; north of Buckhorn island. Potamogeton americanus C. & S. var. novaeboracensis (Morong) Benn. Frequent. Niagara river; Buffalo harbor; Dunkirk harbor. Potamogeton angustifolius Birch, and Presl. Frequent in deep swift water in the Niagara river. Potamogeton bupleuroides Fernald. In shallow water. Buffalo harbor; Dunkirk harbor; Grand island. Potamogeton compressus L. Frequent. Niagara river; Dunkirk harbor. 196 Conservation Department j Potamogeton filiformis Pers. j Near shore, Buffalo harbor. ^' Potamogeton foliosus Raf. c Among Scirpus acutus about Strawberry island. Potamogeton gramineus L. var. graminifolius Fries. Common in the outer zone of vegetation. Niagara river ; Buffalo ! harbor; Dunkirk harbor. Potamogeton lucens L. i In deep swift running water. North of Buckhorn island, Niagara river. Potamogeton natans L. Floating Pondweed. In several small bays along Grand island. I Potamogeton pectinatus L. Sago Pondweed. One of the most common species of Potamogeton. * Potamogeton pusillus L. Frequent in the Niagara river ; Dunkirk ; Sturgeon point. Potamogeton vaginatus Turcq. '■ In deep water north of Buckhorn island, Niagara river. Potamogeton Richardsonii (Benn.) Rydb. The most prominent Potamogeton in the Niagara river and Lake Erie. Najas flexilis (Willd.) Rostk. and Schmidt. Naiad. ] Frequent. Dunkirk harbor; Buffalo harbor; Niagara river. Zannichellia palustris L. var. major (Boen.) Koch. Horned Pondweed. Infrequent. Dunkirk harbor; Niagara river l)elow Lewiston. Alismaceae ?| Sagittaria heterophylla Pursh. Arrow-head. Common in the outer zone of emersed plants. Tonawanda channel of Niagara river; Dunkirk harbor. Sagittaria latifolia Willd. Arrow-head. • Common in tlie upper Niagara river. j Sagittaria latifolia Willd. var. obtusa (Mulil.) Wiegand. Arrow- head. Along shore, Dunkirk harbor. Hydrocharitaceae Elodea canadensis Miclix. Water-weed. Common in several protected bays along the Grand island side of Tonawanda channel; infrequent elsewhere. Vallisneria americana Michx. Eel-grass. The most common aquatic plant of the region. Gramineiae Spartina micheauxiana Ilitchc. Slough Grass. On sandbars about Strawberrv island. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 197 Cyperacejae Scirpus americanus Pers. Shore Rush. Frequent in shallow water along sandy or gravelly shores. Scirpus validus Vahl. Bulrush. In shallow water near mouth of Spicer creek and Gun creek, on Grand island. Scirpus acutus Muhl. Bulrush. Common in shallow water. About Strawberry island and Buck- horn island; along the upper Niagara river; Dunkirk. Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. Spike Rush. Frequent in the emersed zone about Strawberry island and Rattlesnake island. Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. var. vigens Bailey. Spike Rush. Forming extensive beds off the north end of Grand island. Lbmnaceae Lemna minor L. Duckweed. Rare in protected pools about Grand island. Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. Duckweed. Rare in protected pools about Grand island. POPTTEMIRIACEA E Pontederia cordata L. Pickerel weed. Infrequent where streams enter the Niagara river from Grand island. Heteranthera dubia Jacq. MacM. Mud Plantain. Frequent. Niagara river ; Buffalo harbor ; Dunkirk harbor, JUNCACEAE Juncus brachycephalus (Engelm.) Buch. Bog Rush. In shallow water about Strawberry island. Ceratophyllaceae Ceratophyllum demersum L. Hornwort. Rare. Dunkirk harbor; mouth of Spicer creek, Grand island; Beaver island. Nymphaeaceae Nymphozanthus advena (Ait.) Fernald. Yellow Water-lily. In shallow water, near Grand island landing; mouth of Spicer creek. Rajstunculaceae Ranunculus longirostris Godr. White water-buttercup. Rare. Mouth of Spicer creek; Grand island landing. Haloragidaoeae Myriophyllum exalbescens Fernald. Water Milfoil. In a shallow bay near Grand island landing. 198 Conservation Department IX. FURTHER EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE BASS TAPEWORM, PROTEOCEPHALUS AMBLOPLITIS (Leidy) By George W. Hunter, III Assistant Professor of Biologi/, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Wanda Sanborn Hunter Introduction. — The study of the life history of the bass tape- worm, Proteocephalus amhlopUtis (Leidy), is of interest not only to scientists but also to fish culturists and sportsmen. In the Urst place, the parasite affects the ''king of fish," the small-mouthed black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) as well as the large-mouthed black bass {Aplites salmoides) and a number of other less impor- tant forms. Secondly, it does irreparable damage for the larval stage (plerocercoid) is frequently passed in the reproductive organs w^hich may inhibit the spaw^ning of the fish. In the third place, the parasite's ability to establish itself in small ponds causes it to be of particular importance in privately stocked lakes or hatch- eries. Finally it may destroy the food value of the fish because of the inherent distaste of eating parasitized fish even though harmless. One might expect that a parasite capable of doing so much dam- age w^ould have a long criminal record. That it has not indicates that its harmful effects have only been recognized in comparatively recent years. It was first described by Joseph Leidy^ in 1887 but apparently the first record of its pathogenic effects is found in the reports of the Division of Scientific Inquiry of the Bureau of Fisheries for 1923" where its ravages are recorded, Moore^ notes the effect of this tapeworm upon the reproductive organs in a report before the American Fisheries Society and the next year again calls attention to this tapeworm.* Bangham (1927) in a mimeographed report tells of the harm done by this parasite in the Ohio hatcheries and again mentions this briefly in two papers appearing the subsequent year.^-^ The senior author^ ran a series of experiments for the TT. S. Bureau of Fisheries during the sum- mer of 1927 in which it was shown how" the life cycle might be com- ^ Leidy, J. Notice of some parasitic worms. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 39:20-. 24:8 figs. 1887. ' Rich, W. H. Progress in biological inquiries, 1923. Rep. Div. Sci. Inq. Fiscl. Yr. 1923, Bur. Fish. Doc. No. 956. 1924. ' Moore, Emmeline. Further Observations on the Bass Flat-worm (Proteocephalus amhlopUtis). Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 1925:91-94. 1926. * Moore, Emmeline. Problems in fresh water fisheries. N. Y. Conserv. Comm., 15th Ann. Rep., 1925, 22 pp. 1926. ^ Bangham, R. V. Diseases of fish in Ohio hatcheries. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 1927, 4 pp. 1928. * Bangham, R. V. Life history of bass cestode Proteocephalus ambloplitis. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc, 1927, 3 pp. 1928a. ' Hunter, G. W,, IIL Contributions to the life history of Proteocephalus ambloplitis fLeidy). Jour. Parasit., 14:229-243, 1 pi. 1928. ( Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 199 pletecl in the large-mouthed black bass {Aplites salmoides). A more detailed discussion of the problem will be found in that paper. During the summer of 1928 the authors carried on further experimental studies on the life cycle of this tapeworm. The results will be found in the following pages. The Adult Tapeworm. — The developmental cycle of the tape- worm was first worked out in part by Cooper^ in which he gave an excellent account of the early growth in the final host, the small- mouthed black bass {M. dolomieu) . At this time he proposed the theoretical life cycle which was subsequently proved correct. This was followed by the suggestion of Bangham- based upon an exam- ination of fish stomachs that a copepod functions as an inter- mediate host. The life cycle was first worked out experimentally by the senior author in 1927. Plate I of this paper is the pictorial representation of the life cycle. The adult tapeworm occurs in the digestive tract with the head or scolex as it is called lodged in one of the pyloric ceca (diverticula of the upper intestine). This worm often reaches a length in excess of that of its host, the largest specimen recorded is one found by the senior author which measured slightly over 750 mm., or 2% feet. The mature prog- lottids (or segments) are found at the posterior end of the chain and are filled with eggs. From time to time the chain breaks thus permitting the proglottids to be passed from the host (Fig. 2). Upon contact with the water eggs are spewed out and gradually settle to the bottom. The adult stage of this parasite was first reported by Leidy^ from the rock bass {Amhloplitis rupestris). Later it was found in both the large and small-mouthed black bass as well as the fresh water dogfish {Aynia calva) . Many parasites are found in a single species or at the most are confined to a single genus. In this case there are four different genera which may carry the tapeworm and dis- seminate the eggs of the parasites. This condition clearly com- plicates the problem of control. The Eggs. — The mature proglottids which are passed by the bass sink to the bottom. Usually before they settle most of the eggs will have been voided thus spraying them over a wide area (Fig. 2). Typically the eggs appear dumb-bell shaped (Fig 6) although other shapes are recorded (cf Cooper and Hunter). This can only be seen under a microscope wiiich magnifies about 350 diameters. Then the six hooked oncosphere (or embryo) may be seen surrounded by its investing envelopes. During the course of the summer the viability of the eggs w^as studied and it was found that the enclosed embryo started to disintegrate after 36 ^Cooper, A. R. Contriliitions to the life history of Proteocephalus amhlop- litis (Leidv). Contr. Caiiad. Biol. Fac. II, fresh water fish and lake biolog\% 177-194; pi. 19-21. 1915. - Banpfham, R. V. A study of the cestode parasites of the black bass in Ohio with special reference to their life history and distribution. Ohio Jour. Sci.. 2.^:255-270; 2 pi. 1925. ^ Loc. eit. 200 Conservation Department Plate I Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 201 Plate 1. — Pictorial representation of the life cycle of the bass tapeworm, Proteocephalus amhloplitis (Leidy), magnified to show the early stages. (1) Adult bass tapeworm (P. ambloplitis) from intestine. The mature proglottids (segments) occur at the posterior end. These break off and are passsed with the feces. (Drawing natural size.) (2) Mature segments falling to the bottom, liberating thousands of eggs upon contact with the water. (3) FIRST INTERMEDIATE HOSTS. Five (?) species of Cyclops and Hyalella knickerbockeri eat the eggs from the bottom. The eggs disintegrate after being in the water 36 to 48 hours. The jaws and digestive juices of the copepods liberate the larva of the tapeworm which bores through into the body cavity. (Drawing of copepods magnified disproportionately to bring out details.) (4) SECOND INTERMEDIATE HOSTS. Young large-mouthed and small- mouthed black bass, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, pickerel and the top minnow {Fundulus diaphanus) feed on the first intermediate hosts. The larval tapeworm bores through the digestive tract and into the body cavity; it encysts. (5) DEFINITIVE HOSTS. Large-mouthed and small-mouthed black bass and rock bass harbor the adult tapeworm which is secured by eating the second intermediate host thus bringing the larval tapeworm back to the digestive tract where proglottid formation takes place and the cycle is repeated. 202 Conservation Department f i to 48 hours. The first stage of this breakdown appears to be the 1 rupture of the granular secondary membrane liberating the larval oncosphere and permitting it to wander about within the confines of the outer hyaline membrane. Soon thereafter the oncosphere j itself undergoes disintegration. j The First Intermediate Hosts. — As noted above the eggs of I the bass tapeworm must be eaten in a relatively short period of '' time. It was likewise suggested previously that the outer hyaline ^ membrane (which gives the egg its dumb-bell shape) must prove a ' delicacy since it was observed that the Cyclops apparently trimmed it oif and usually rejected the inner membranes containing the ; oncosphere. Infection occurs when the embryo is accidentally | eaten with the membrane. During this summer eggs were re- i covered from the stomach of the Cyclops which had just been i eaten. In this instance the rounded ends of the eggs had been snipped off by the mandibles of the animal thus releasing the para- site which was almost out of the shell as the secondary granular membrane had broken (Fig. 7). Whether this is the usual method 1 of release of the parasite is a matter for conjecture. Normally the | oncospheres may be seen in the body cavity of the copepod four to \ five hours after ingestion. They undoubtedly reach their goal ! through the use of the three pairs of oncospheral hooks (Figs. 8,9). ! During the course of the experiments it was possible to infect i only two species of copepods, Cyclops vulgaris ( = C. viridis) and Eucyclops agilis ( = 6*. serndatus) (See Fig. 10). Negative results i were secured with a cladoceran, Daphnia pulex, and Macrocy clops .| anmdicornis (^C alhidus) . The successful infection yielded 50 and | 25 per cent respectively. Bangham^ reported finding the larval form ' of this parasite in the body cavity of the well known Malacostracan, Hyalella knickerhockeri. In 1928- he rei)orted finding a copepod infected by the procercoid of P. amhloplitis. This he informed the \ senior author had been identified as Cyclops Icuckarti; the senior author gave Bangham credit for this in a recent publication know- i ing that he had a paper in press. The paper however does not ; mention the species of copepod. Infection of two other species , experimentally was accomplished at the U. S. Fisheries Station in ; Neosho, Missouri.^ These were C. prasinus and C. alhidus; the i latter species of which is the same one {M. annuHcornis) with which ; we secured negative results this past summer. For the experi- mental work the following copepods were examined as controls ; I C. vtdgai'is, 107 examined and 4.6 per cent infected; E. agilis, 121 ' examined and 3.3 per cent infected, and M. annnlicornis, 75 examined and none infected. The following species have been experimentally infected, C. prasinus, M. annul icornis, C. vulgaris and E. agilis. An unidenti- fied species of copepod (previously denoted by Hunter as G. leuckarti) and H. knickcrhockeri are reported to act as the first ! intermediate host; these were determined by an examination of ; stomach contents. | ', -, 'Loc. cit. I Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 203 Plate II Fig. 6. — Typical egg of bass tapeworm, Proteocephalus ambloplitis (Leidy) Fig. 7. — Egg recovered from Eucyclops agilis showing clipped ends of outer hyaline membrane and escaping oncosphere Fig. 8. — Procercoid larva in anal segment of Cyclops vulgaris Fig. 9. — Procercoid larva shown in figure 8 enlarged Fig. 10. — Outline drawing of Cyclops vulgaris showing procercoid larvae of P. ambloplitis in body cavity; 2nd day of experiment Fig. 11. — P. ambloplitis larva recovered from rock bass, A. rupestris after feeding on infected copepods Fig. 12. — P. ambloplitis larvae recovered from upper intestine of small- mouthed bass, M. dolomieu after eating sunfish, E. gibbosus Fig. 13. — Plerocercoid larva of P. ambloplitis from upper intestine of M, dolomieu, 16 days after eating second intermediate hosts The lines in the figures have the following values: 0.02 mm. in Fig. 7; 0.2 mm. in figures 10 and 12; in all others 0.05 mm. 204 Conservation Department The Second Intermediate Hosts. — Most of the experimental work of the past season fell upon the fish which eat the animal harboring the procercoid larvae of the tapeworm. Up to the sum- mer of 1928 the only fish incriminated experimentally was the large-mouthed black bass (A. salmoides). The experimental fish were added to cultures of infected copepods and were left for 24 to 48 hours before examinations were started ; these were continued at intervals. In this manner the rock bass {A. rupestris) was infected in 80 per cent, the yellow perch {Perca flavescens) in 66.6 per cent, and the top minnow {FimdiUiis diaphanus) in 50 per cent of the cases. Controls were of course examined in every case. Fifteen young rock bass from the same lot used for the experi- ments yielded no cestode parasites at all, while the 44 young yellow perch gave only 4.5 per cent infection with P. amUopIitis, and 14 top minnows (Fundulus diaphanus) did not contain any tape- worms at all. It is evident therefore that the figures secured experimentally were significant. In most cases the parasites which were recovered occurred encysted in the mesenteries of the host (Fig. 11). In such locations a fibrous cyst is thrown about the developing plerocercoid ; the cyst walls are less distinct in the cases of the parasites recovered from the liver of the rock bass and perch. Negative results were secured with the spot- tailed minnow {Notrapis hiulsonius), the emerald minnow {N. atherinoides) and the blunt-nosed minnow {Hyhorhynchus not at us). In some cases infection was transferred from one host to the other without any apparent change in the development of the parasite. Thus infected liver containing young plerocercoids of P. amhlopUtis were fed to 3 yearling small-mouthed black bass. The same number of parasites which were fed were recovered a few days later. Ten of these fish were examined as controls and all were uninfected. In another experiment infected liver and cysts attached to the mesentery were fed to the rock bass {A. rupestris). The parasites were also recovered from these, some from the digestive tract and some from the body cavity where they had apparently re-encysted. No doubt re-encystment depends upon the developmental stage attained by the parasite before inges- tion takes place. Again upon two different occasions young pump- kinseed sunfish (Eupomotis gihhosiis), 8 in all, which were can-y- ing 100 per cent infection with the plerocercoids of P. amhlopJitis were fed to as many yearling small-mouthed black bass {M. dolomieu) . Some we kept for over tw^o weeks and when examined 50 per cent were infested. In this case all the parasites which were found were recovered from the digestive tract. The plerocercoid larvae were young and small (Fig. 12), and although the suckers were usually invaginated they were thrust out from time to time. Thei ones recovered at the end of the second week retained the everted scalex (cf Fig. 13). It was found advisable to spend a portion of the time on the shores of a pond which contained fish showing nearly 100 per cent I Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 205 infection by the bass tapeworm. The following data briefly sum- marizes the infection with the plerocercoids of this parasite and indicates something of its economic importance in small bodies of water. Per cent infection No. examined Species with larval P. ambloplitis 7 Small-mouthed black blass (M. dolomieu) .... 100% 8 Large-mouthed black bass {A. salmoides) .... 100% 9 Yellow perch (P. fiavescens) 100% 14 Pumpkinseed sunfish {E. gibhosiis) 100% 8 Chain pickerel (E. reticidatus) 25% In order to avoid confusion with other parasites the material was sectioned and carefully studied. The authors feel confident that this constitutes a new and accurate record for these hosts. Infected yellow perch were also found in the Niagara river in small quantities. Definitive Hosts. — Once more turning to the experimental work we find the only record of the final or definite host lies in the paper of Hunter^ in which the large-mouthed black bass {A. salmoides) was artifically infected. This was accomplished by feeding them small bass carrying the plerocercoid larvae in the body cavity (cf. Fig. 4). During the summer of 1928 two experi- ments were run to show that the infection could be transferred from the second intermediate hosts to the small-mouthed black bass which were used as the definitive hosts. Unfortunately yearling bass were scarce. Four experimentally infected yellow perch were fed to 2 M. dolomieu and 4 top minnows were fed to 3 of the small-mouthed black bass. In the first experiment both fish yielded unsegmented plerocercoids of P. amhloplUis from the upper part of the digestive tract (Fig. 13), while in the second two of the fish gave parasites in a similar stage of development ; the third bass is still unexamined. Distribution and Economic Importance of the Bass Tape- worm.— As has been previously stated the bass tapeworm (P. amhloplitis) is of considerable economic importance. It has been noted that there are 4 fish which may harbor the adult worm, the rock bass {A. rupestris), small and large-mouthed black bass (3f. dolomieu and A. salmoides) and the fresh water dogfish (Amia calva). All four hosts are reported from the Great Lakes drain- age^ and likewise from the Mississippi river basin. ^ The senior ^ Hubbs, C. L. A check-list of the fishes of the Great Lakes and tributary waters, with nomenclatorial notes and analytical keys. U. of Mich., Mns. Zool., Misc. Publ. No. 15; 77 pp. 1926. 'Forbes, S. A. and K. E. Richardson. The fishes of Illinois. Vol. III. Ichthyology, 111. St. Lab. Nat. Hist.; 342 pp. 1908. 206 Conservation Department author has collected this parasite from the lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin and this summer Mr. John W. Titcomb sent some viscera of parasitized black bass from Ontario, Canada. Moore^ lists in addition Michigan, Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and New York. The senior author also found the parasite in fish from the ponds of the U. S. Fisheries Station at Neosho, Missouri. Pearse- in addition records the presence of visceral cysts in a number of other species. There is great danger of spreading this parasite through the planting of bass from infected hatchery ponds. In such cases the infection may be high and may well serve as a means of establish- ing this harmful helminth in a new locality. Once introduced it stands an excellent chance of surviving due to the number of pos- sible first and second intermediate hosts as well as the relatively large number of definitive hosts. Some locality should be sought where the bass are free from this helminth and this should be preserved carefully as a source for breeders. In the case of breeders the fish would be too large to eat each other and so could not bring any plerocercoid larvae back to the intestine where they could reach maturity. Likewise there is danger in following the old policy of securing breeders from the west end of Lake Erie. It was noted that bass taken from the east end of Lake Erie were less heavily parasitized than those from the west end. Thus only 27 per cent of 22 small- mouthed bass sheltered the adult tapeworm compared with 43 per cent of 14 bass taken from the vicinity of Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Even this lower percentage is not low enough, for none of the breeders should be parasitized if we desire to keep the bass in sufficient numbers to retain its place in the heart of the sports- man and tourist. Unsolved Problems. — Before any real cures can be effected certain of the remaining problems must be solved. In the first place the maximum period of life in each of the intermediate hosts and the definitive hosts should be determined. This in itself constitutes a very real problem. Secondly, it is important to determine the most successful way of breaking the life cycle and so rendering it possible to control the parasite at least in the hatchery ponds. At present all indications point to the advisability of wiping out the copepods and replacing them with some type of food which cannot carry the larval stages of the tapeworm. That this may be the practical solution of the problem is indicated by the successful production of fish food in various parts of the country. The U. S. Biological Fisheries Station at Fairport, Iowa and Dr. G. C. Embody of Cornell University are working on this problem while the state luitchei-ies at Pratt. Kansas'' and llaeketts- 'Loc. oil. MVarse, A. S. 'I'lic pisrasitcs of lake lislirs. 'I'laiis. Wis. Arad. Sci.. Arts, and U'tters, 21 : Kil-l!) t. 1924. '■' Sclinoj2;er}Ter, E. and IVIiima E. Jt'widl. Factors atroctiii'; pond lisli produc- tion. Kansas For.. Fis^h and Game Conim., Bull. No. 0, 14 pp. 1928. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 207 town, New Jersey have large daplinia producing plants in oper- ation. In the next place it is essential to investigate the permeabil- ity of the parasite eggs to selective dyes, and lastly, to determine the resistance of copepods to freezing and dessication. As a result of the experimental work outlined it is hoped that the bass tape- worm may be eliminated from the hatcheries which are planting these fish. Infection of Lake Erie Fish by the Broad Tapeworm of Man. — Although a routine examination was made of 46 different species of fish from Lake Erie and tributary streams only a few of the results can be noted here. Nearly every species of fish examined was infected with some species of helminth. However particular attention was paid to the intermediate hosts of the broad tapeworm of man {DiphyUohothrium latum). The following table summarizes the results of the examinations of the usual inter- mediate hosts. In no cases were plerocercoids of this worm recovered. Table 1. — Showing Results of Examinations for the Broad Tapeworm of Man HOST Number exam- ined Locality Infection with D. latum Wall-eyed pike (Stizostedion vitreum) . . 5 1 2 Lake Erie, near Silver creek, N. Y Lake Erie, near 18-Mile creek, N.Y Niagara River, N. Y. . . None None None Sauger,sand pike (S .canadense gnseum) 10 Lake Erie, near Silver creek, N.Y None Pickerel (Esox lucius) 3 LakeErie, N. Y None Ling, burbot {Lota mncidom) 3 Lake Erie, near Silver creek, N.Y None These records are published in this account because of the im- portance of all data on this particular helminth. 208 Conservation Department X. CARP CONTROL STUDIES IN THE ERIE CANAL By p. H. Strvthers Assistant Professor of Zoology, Syracuse University The carp control studies made during the past summer were conducted on the Erie canal between Utica (Lock 20) and May's Point (Lock 25), the Osweg'o canal, inlets and outlets of these canals and the four closely associated lakes — Oneida, Onondaga, Cross and Neatahwanta. This territory represents three hundred miles of actual shore line, all of which was surveyed at least twice during the three months of work. In order to collect accurate data on so extensive a region, the members of the field unit lived on a cabin cruiser, which also served as laboratory and transport for the scientific and collecting equipment. ^^H ^1 m H ^^^^H^'^v-^ ' "^^I^I^^H^^SB 1 IS ijI IS. m _ .. !^« dsii**" • ■■■• '" E J ^P9^ The "Mildred," laboratory boat of Dr. P. H. Struthers, in the service of carp control studies undertaken in the Barge Canal and Lake Oneida Following the investigations of 1927, nuide on Oneida lake, it was thought advisable to devote the major portion of our time to carp control studies in tlie adjacent Erie and Oswego canals with a small time allotnu'iit to the continuation, in Oneida lake, of such specific problems as, migration of carp, breeding habits, lake sein- ing and the sale of cai-p. The underlying object of all these studies being to furnish inroi-iiuition which will aid in the formu- i Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 209 lation of a policy for the control of carp in the waterways of the State. Carp Habitats. — Lake carp are communal fish, congregating in numbers Avherever the natural conditions are most favorable. It has long been known that carp frequent different habitats through- out the year. Investigations made in Oneida lake show that carp, early in April, migrated to the submerged lowlands and swamps where they wandered about in detached groups for several weeks. With the appearance of warm weather (middle of May) the fish assembled in schools along the shores of the lake where the water was shallow and dense-leaved pondweeds were growing. Here they spawned. During the summer and fall, although carp were found more or less common in the shallow waters throughout Oneida lake, there were only a few places where this fish congregated regularly and in large numbers. Listed in the order of their im- portance these carp grounds are: Fisher's bay, Upper South bay, including Verona beach, North bay, Lakeport and Shaw's bay. Each is a shallow bay, having abundant groAvths of weeds (Pota- mogetons, Vallisneria and Scirpus), a mud or sand bottom and is easily accessible to deep water. In Onondaga lake carp are found chiefl}^ near the western end where feeding grounds are available. Cross lake has several ex- cellent carp habitats — the shoals about Strawberry island and wide submerged flats at both ends of the lake. About lake Neatahwanta are extensive cat-tail marshes which carp inhabit as well as a con- tinuous region of shallow water on the east side covered with weed beds. The conditions in this lake are unusually favorable for carp and they are abundant, but not so numerous as reports would indicate. Carp were found inhabiting all the waters of the canal system investigated during the past summer.* This waterway consists of canalized rivers and creeks with numerous excavations. The channel averages from ninety to three hundred feet wide with a minimum depth of twelve feet. The channel banks, normall}^ steep with a narrow fringe of shallow Avater, occasionally slope shore- ward in a gradual incline terminating in a deep bay or marsh. From Utica to Ncav London much of the canal has been excavated and the shores are for the most part uniformly steep and narroAv, while west of Lock 23 (Brewerton) the canalizing of the Oneida, Seneca and OsAvego riA^ers has produced a very irregular shore line, marked by many inlets and outlets, marsh lands and border- ing regions of shallow water AA^hich support luxuriant groAvths of aquatic plants. Canal carp liA^e primarily in the channel proper. Their abundance is commensurate Avith the availability of natural feeding grounds, irrespectiA^e of other prcA^ailing conditions as, pollution, current, AAddtli of canal, presence of inlets and outlets. * A forty-pound carp caught on a line by George Flint was taken near the Monte- zuma bridge. This is one of the largest specimens taken during the two seasons of carp control work. 210 Conservation Department Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 211 Following- are listed the regions where carp are very abundant (see map) : Vicinity of highway bridge, New London. Mouth of Fish creek, near Sjdvan Beach. Entrance to canal, Brewerton. Inlet of Oneida river, west of Lock 23. Shallows west of stone cut. Oak Orchard. Wide water one-half mile east of Belgium. South side of canal at Great Bear spring. Foul one mile east of Fulton. Vicinity of Mud Lock and Long Branch. Shallows west of Baldwinsville. Wide water one mile west of Maloney island. Vicinity of Bonte's bridge. Wide waters and old channel west of Mosquito point. Wide waters and flood channels in the Montezuma marsh. Old Erie canal in vicinity of Canastota. In contradiction of the popular belief that carp inhabit by pref- erence polluted water, is the fact that very few carp live near the inlets of Wood and Owasco creeks, the two streams most badly polluted by city sewage encountered in the present survey (Wagner).^ Industrial wastes entering the canal at such places as Rome, Fulton and Onondaga lake do not seem to effect the distri- bution of this fish. Canal carp live in small schools, thirty individuals forming the largest school observed as compared with a school of nine hundred fish taken at Fisher's bay in Oneida lake. This is due to the absence of extensive feeding grounds in the canal and the frequent disturbing of fish by passing boats. That it is not an inherent characteristic is shown by the fact that carp assemble in large numbers, during the spring, in creeks and flood waters covering the marsh lands which border the canal. The portion of the old Erie canal between New London and Can- astota harbors many carp. The fish have free access to the barge canal through a flood channel at New London, but it is doubtful if carp use this passage since the old canal possesses natural con- ditions favorable to carp. A similar region is found in the old Oswego canal extending for five miles from Walter's island to ■Morseman's lock. The old canal connects with the new channel at frequent intervals, thus making the former easily accessible for spaAvning and feeding grounds. Breeding Habits. — The first spawning of carp was observed by Mr. R. Landgraff- at Billington's bay on May 14. From this date until the 7th of July breeding carp were seen in this bay, at Upper South bay and at many dift'erent locations in the Erie and Oswego canals. They were also found spawning as late as 1 Wagner, F. E. Chemical Investigations of tho Oswego Watershed. [In Oswego Survey Rept. N. Y. Conservation Department. I 928.] ^Carp seiner in field unit. 212 Conservation Department July 15 in one small stream, Tannery creek, which flows out of Lake Neatahwanta. This cold sluggish creek had beds of the pondweed, Potamogeton pectinatus growing along its border upon Seine laid out at New London which plant the carp eggs were attached. In the canal all eggs were found adhering to P. pectinatus or Vallisneria growing along the edge of the channel in water six inches to three feet deep. In Oneida lake the eggs were found on the same kinds of plants- with one exception. At Damon's point a school of carp were observed spawning on filamentous algae which grew on rocks in six inches to two feet of water. During the breeding season carp show practically no fear and their characteristic splashing make them very conspicuous. On June 28 there were about 1,000 carp spawning in the shallows between Damon's point and Fisher's bay, a distance of perhaps two miles. In the canal we saw only scattered groups of spawning carp, no schools numbering over 50 individuals. A spawning female flounders about here and there in shallow water closely followed by three or four males. The actual depositing of eggs seems to occur at times when tlie female breaks the surface of the water over a bed of pondweed. This is followed immediately by a great splashing of the males over tlie place, which scatters the eggs and covers them with milt. The eggs deposited during one such operation covers an area six feet in diameter and they are attached to the fronds, stem and even the bottom. The number of eggs laid at one time are from 500 to 7'00 and during the spawning period each fenuile will dej^osit several such lots of eggs. These are grajdsh-white in color and about the size of a radish seed (2 mm. in diameter). The breeding period is interrui)ted by short periods of activity followed by a long interval of quiescense. The operations con- Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 213 tinue day and night, during which time the carp move from one spawning ground to another or to deep water. A catch of 58 carp taken at Damon's point June 26th had 38 males and 20 females, while another catch at New London had 28 males and 6 females. The average weight for both catches was 3.3 pounds, indicating roughly that the average age was between three and five years. The females run consistently heavier than the males. Carp spawn at approximately the same time both in Oneida lake and the canal. There is a gradual increase in the number of breeding fish up to the first week in July when spawning suddenly ends. The period varies somewhat with the type of season which affects the rise in water temperatures. No spawning carp were observed where the water temperature was less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The latest spawning was witnessed at Tannery creek, in which the water is several degrees cooler than in the canal. By November first female carp are very heavy with spawn, a natural prevision doubtless associated with the physiological inactivity of this fish during the winter. Carp eggs hatch four days after spawning occurs. Authenticity for this statement is based on actual observations made in the field, as well as from eggs artificially fertilized and developed in aquaria. Judging from the exposed position of the spawning grounds, carp eggs are resistant to the agitation of water caused by wind or boats, yet the percentage of eggs destroyed by natural enemies must be tremendous. Young Carp. — At the time of hatching carp fry are one-eighth inch long. The rate of growth during the first three weeks as recorded by Doctor W. M. Smallwood is as follows : — July 2 Eggs hatched July 3 Fry total length 5.5 mm July 5 Fry total length 7 mm July 7 Fry total length 8 mm July 17 Fry total length 8.5 mm July 25 Fry total length 9 mm (% inch) At nine millimeters total length the carp fry begins to take the form of adult fish, there is a distinct sucker mouth, the skin has a yellowish hue and a dark spot begins to appear at the base of the tail. More advanced stages of young carp were taken at different points along the canal : July 10, two carp (1 in. long) in Elodea, shallows near Walter's island. July 13, ten carp (1 in. long) in Elodea, Foul east of Fulton. July 15, forty carp (^ in. long) in Elodea, Tannery creek. Aug. 14, three carp (3 in. long) in P. pectinatus, shallows east Cayuga Division. Aug. 15, two carp (1^ in. long) Elodea, shallows back of Aqueduct at Montezuma. Sept. 5, one carp (1| in. long) Elodea, Foul at Fulton. Nov. 24, two carp (6 in. long) in trap net set in Foul at Fulton.* Little carp living in the canal inhabit the same type of region as those found in Oneida lake. It is surprising however that so * These young carp were about six months old. They were living in water from three to six feet deep in common with adult carp. 214 Conservation Department few were taken considering the emphasis placed on the catching of little carp. This may be due to the destruction of large numbers of eggs by natural causes, to little carp living in deeper water than the young of game fishes or to some protective habit as tak- ing shelter in the mud bottom and thus escaping our nets. Both in the canal and in Oneida lake yearling carp were taken in the seine together with adults. The weight of these young carp from the lake averaged one-half pound ; the total length nine inches. Those caught in the canal w^ere somewhat smaller. Migration. — With an object of determining to what extent carp migrate, we placed an aluminium tag on the caudal fin of two hundred adult carp. Each tag bears the initials N.Y.C.D. together with a number which identifies each fish with a record of its length, weight, sex, the date and exact place of liberation. The distri- bution of tagged fish was as follows : — Oneida lake 70 Erie canal at New London 50 Seneca division of canal 50 Oswego canal 30 It is anticipated that through more extensive seining operations and the cooperation of local fishermen, who catch tagged fish, many of the tags will be returned together with the place of capture, so that our records may be completed. The degree of carp migration, its direction and rate outside of a purely natural history interest has an important bearing on the subject of carp control. Food Habits. — The digestive tracts of forty-two adult carp taken at ten different places in the barge and Oswego canals were examined by Mr. Sidney Britten.* His condensed report follows : — • Plant material 31.4 per cent. Per cent Vegetable debris 25 . 0 Filamentous algae 5.0 Seed 1.4 Animal matter 68.6 per cent. Insect larvae 24.8 Snails 16.4 Midge larvae 5.0 Bivalves 6.5 Ostracods 4.8 Malacostraca 3.0 Animal debris 2.8 Oopepods 1.9 (Madoeera 1.6 Decapoda 1.1 Insects .5 Crustacea ( unideiil ilied ) .2 * Scientific assistant in field unit. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 215 This report conii)ares closely with that of last year based on carp living' in Oneida lake and it adds confirmation to the statement that carp feed primarily on the lower forms of animal life. At the same time it must not be overlooked that carp show selective preference for some plant materials such as corn or potatoes, both of which were used successfully as bait. The intestinal contents of eight 3'oung carp taken in the Oswego canal consisted principally of insect larvae, midge larvae, wath smaller amounts of Ostracods, Copepods, Cladocera and vegetable debris. In spite of the vast body of water comprising the canal system, there are very few feeding grounds comparable with those to be found in Oneida lake. Such a situation accounts for the important movement of canal carp during the night as they patrol the shore in search of food. Under the glare of the boat's spot light, carp singly and in small groups w^re seen to work along the narrow fringe of shallow water bordering the channel, methodically rout- ing the mud bottom or sucking about the foliage of scattered aquatic plants. That this is a nocturnal movement is shown by our trap net records which show that not a single carp w^as caught dur- ing the day between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Associated Fish Fauna. — The number of fish, exclusive of carp, taken in five hauls made between Oneida lake and Lock 20 consisted of 2 small-mouthed bass and 1 bullhead. From twenty hauls made at fourteen different carp habitats along the Seneca and Oswego divisions of the canal the following were caught : 23 pike-perch, 44 calico bass, 28 large-mouthed bass, 9 small- mouthed bass, 3 rock bass, 43 common suckers, 96 red-fin suckers, 14 pickerel, 242 bullheads, 6 catfish, 27 sunfish, 1 eel, 3 garpike and 18 lawyers (Amia calva). Lamprey scars w^re detected on carp taken at New London, at the mouth of Fish creek, in Oneida lake and in the canal near the Cayuga division. The relatively large number of game fish taken on grounds frequented by carp, their fat condition and the fact that these game fish ignore the bait of fishermen, indicate that there is an abundance of food. As long as the available natural food exceeds the demand fishermen wall have difficulty in attracting game fish to the baited hook, irrespective of carp or other supposedly detrimental fish. The degree and manner in which carp are detrimental to game fish are poorly understood. It is popularly believed that carp eat the young of game fish, but such an idea is not supported by our studies. Its sucker mouth is not adapted to predacious habits and the food material found in the digestive tract includes no fish remains. A second accusation against the carp is that it destroys the spawn of game fish. No evidence was obtained to support this belief. The most important charge against the carp is the usurping of shallow waters frequented by game fish. Omitting the question of food, this large fish with aggressive movements keeps the smaller more timid game fish and minnows from enjoying the unmolested 216 Conservation Department tenure of its natural habitat. Carp have been found most numer- ous in places where such natural fish grounds exist. It is essential that this domination of these regions by carp be removed. —12ft: — ^; -= = Rope 0 = Corks - = Leads Chain Large seine for lake seining Netting of Carp. — The seining method has proved most suc- cessful in Oneida lake. A sixteen hundred foot seine fishing seven feet at the ends and at least twelve near the bag, will in the hands of an experienced seiner assisted by three men, work very satis- factorily on grounds free of submerged obstacles or dense vegetation. In the canal this type of netting is not satisfactory because carp do not school in large numbers, muddy conditions of the w^ater make it difficult to detect a carp roil, possible seining grounds are very rare, much labor is required to prepare these grounds for seining, they are covered with great masses of flora and the suction produced by passing tankers exposes the net to frequent danger of being drawn into the propeller. A five hundred foot seine fishing six feet is valuable for shutting off setbacks, flood channels and small creeks. A type of channel seining has been suggested, but with the interruptions caused by passing boats and the scattered condition of the carp it would not prove profitable. The use of a net that will fish twenty-four hours a day, so placed as to catch the fisli working along the shore, is the most practical method of taking large numbers of carp in the canal. Pound nets will catch carp but they are expensive and require the attention of several men. The ti'ap net is more satisfactory, being inexpensive, easily set and tended by two men, and if properlj^ laid out catches carp. A seven-foot trap net with a tunnel opening twelve inches Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 217 high was fished frequently during the past summer and fall.* The trap was placed in about six feet of water bordering the channel and the leader laid toward the shore. The wings and leader fished top and bottom. Carp patrolling the shore hit the leader and Q) = Corks • = Leads = Chain Small seine for canal seining taking fright headed for the channel, encountered the wings and were led into the trap. By this method from thirty to one hundred pounds of carp were taken after each of the ten nights the trap net was set. A good many game fish are caught by this method, but if the net is tended daily they are not harmed. Non-game fish such as suckers and lawyers are better out of the canal and the suckers have a market value equal to carp. A commercial tak- ing of carp by this method would necessitate the transferring of fish to a live car where they could live until a sizable shipment had accumulated. The baiting of carp in the canal to a place suitable to seine was tried, but the results proved rather uncertain. It requires constant watching to catch the carp at the time they are on the grounds and the few fish congregating at one time, do not when sold, pay for the cost of operations. In the lake seining the use of corn proved successful, for at Verona beach the catches Avere materially increased by its use. * Observations made during the present fall show that trap netting operations can be continued as late as December 1st. 218 Conservation Department The taking of carp in the spring after they have migrated up the creeks and over the flooded lowlands has great ])ossibilities well known to many a farmer and it should not be overlooked in any program for carp control. Lake Neatahwanta was the object of special study because of the many carp reported living there. A survey around the entire shore revealed no place where a large seine could be operated with- Foul east of Fulton, showing an excellent region for trap net out the removal of dense beds of flora and submerged obstacles, or the lowering of the water level in the lake. Marketing of Carp. — This problem received unavoidably a minor portion of our time. The seven days of actual commercial seining on Oneida lake netted 8,219 pounds of carp. Through the cooperation of Mr. Bert Winn, the local dealer, we were able to get detailed information concerning the cost of packing, trans- porting the fish from our net to the shipping point and the sale of these fish in New York City. Based on the present demand, carp properly packed bring from nine to eleven cents per pound net at tlie shipping point as a flat season's rate in amounts not exceeding 150 tons per week. By selling net the only cost to the dealer is his labor and cost of trans- portation, an average expenditure of $2.50 per one hundred pounds of fish. Local markets will take up to five tons of live carp per week at a price considerably above that of the New York market. The carp at present is much in favor as a food fish by the Hebrew and Italian trade. By ])roper treatment it should have a more general use. AVhen smoked it rivals the mackerel ; used with bacon it makes an excellent stock for fish chowder and by a treatment with alum and vinegar its red flesh resembles that of salmon. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 219 General Considerations of Carp Control. — Future control methods should be directed toward the reduction in the numbers of carp wherever they are very abundant so that they will not dominate the natural habitats of game fish. In the lakes this can best be accomplished with large seines. In the canal where the carp are more dispersed the trap net and small seine will work to advantage. The method of netting during the spring migration must be selected to suit any one of a variety of situations. The importance of this phase of carp seining should not be under estimated especially in the canal. A previously unattached stage in the life cycle of the carp has been its egg. With the millions of spawn deposited yearly, dur- ing May and June, along the borders of the lakes and canals and attached to easily identified pondweeds, it would be a simple matter for untrained labor to patrol the shores in a small boat and destroy large numbers of eggs. This method of attack should occupy at least a minor place in the general plan of carp control. 220 Conservation Department XI. QUANTITATIVE STUDIES OF THE FISH FOOD i SUPPLY IN SELECTED AREAS \ By p. R. Xeedham 1 Instructor in Limnology and Ecology, Cornell Universitij ', During the summer of 1927 work was started upon a few of the | main problems relating to trout foods as they are found in the streams in New York State. This work was continued during the | past summer (1928) as the problems seemed to warrant further in- j vestigation, the data obtained in 1927 being insufficient upon which | to base definite conclusions. Also this summer several additional projects were started, the results of which are presented here. ! The problems under consideration in this report are as follows : (1) Relation of width of stream to quantity of food organisms (continued from last year). , (2) Relation of bottom types to quantities of food (continued j from last year). j (3) Amounts of terrestrial insects Avhich fall into the water j (defined as ''stream drift", 1927) and the consiunption of this class of food by trout. (4) Productivity of various types of aquatic plants in relation | to trout foods (continued from last year). Last season's work was entirely on available foods, those actually eaten by trout not having been considered. This summer, in connection with problems 3, stated above, trout were taken for stomach examinations in order to correlate available foods with j foods consumed. The principal streams in which these studies ' were carried on were Sixmile creek, Newfield creek, Ilaybrook, and | Owasco inlet near Ithaca, N. Y., and Heron brook, Point Rock creek, and Fish creek near Constableville, N. Y. Relation of Width of Stream to Quantity of Food Organisms. — The apparatus anrl methods used in getting data upon this i problem have already been described^ and need no further com- ment here. In Table 1 will be found the combined results of two seasons' work upon this problem. Leger^ has stated that, in a stream over 5 meters in width ! (16.4 ft.), the food decreases one-half or 50 per cent from the | Mr, E. H. Wheeler of Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y. and Mr. William Phillips of Ithaca assisted the writer in this work. ^ See Biological Survey of the Oswego River System, supplemental to Seventeenth Annual Report. N. Y. State Conservation Department. 1927. ' Leger, L. Principes de la Methods Rationelle du Peuplement des Cours d'eau a Salmonides. Travaux du Laboratoire de Pisciculture de L'Universit6 de Grenoble. Fascicle 1, p. 531, 1910. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 221 shore line to the middle of the channel. The findings shown in Table 1 are based upon streams above and below 18 feet in width. The dividing point at eighteen feet was selected because this seemed to be the width of stream found in this vicinity where bottom foods are quite evenly distributed over the entire floor of the stream. Table 1. — Distribution of Available Fish Food in Streams Above and Below 18 Feet in Width Average weight in Average weight in Rate of increase grams of nutritive grams of nutritive or decrease from elements per sq. ft. elements per sq. ft. sides to centers at sides of streams at centers of streams of streams Below 18 ft.... 1.44 1.64 Increases 12.19% or approximately one- eighth. Above 18 ft... 0.92 0.81 Decreases 11.95% or approximately one- eighth. The average weight of nutritive elements per sq. ft. found at the sides of streams was 0.92 grams (Table 1) in streams above 18 feet in width. The average for centers of streams of the same width was 0.81 grams, a decrease of 11.95 per cent or approxi- mately, one-eighth. On the other hand, in streams below 18 feet the average weight of the nutritive elements at the sides was 1.44 grams; centers, 1.64 grams, giving an increase of 12.19 per cent or approximately one-eighth, from shore line to mid-channel. Thus it is seen that in streams below 18 feet in width more food is found in their centers, and they are proportionately much richer at both sides and centers than streams above eighteen feet in width. Also these figures show that there is a slight decrease in the amount of food present in the middle of streams over 18 feet in width, as contrasted with the amount contained at the sides of streams of this width but this decrease is so slight that we may consider it to be negligible. This is not in agreement with the findings of Leger. However, the figures given here are the averages derived from 91 unit area bottom studies taken in many types of trout streams under varying conditions as they are found in the vicinity of Ithaca, N. Y., and while these results may be true for streams in this vicinity, very dissimilar conditions might be found in the streams of France in which Leger w^orked. Multiplicity of Factors. — Table 1,* p. 195 of last year's report on this problem shows that the individual unit area bottom studies varied tremendously in the weights of available fish food present. Loc. cit. 222 Conservation Department In an effort to explain such large variations, complete notes were kept on depth, current velocity, shade and type of bottom. A later examination of this data in the laboratory showed that the most important of these influences were type of bottom, A^elocity of current and depth. The relative influence of each factor is very difficult to determine but of those mentioned above, type of bottom seems to be the most important.* Table 2 gives a few of the general results derived from two seasons' work on the distri- bution of bottom foods. A comparison of the averages shows that slightly less bottom foods were available per unit area during the past summer than was available during the summer of 1927. If yearly variations are no larger than those indicated in this table, they may be considered as inconsequential in relation to fish life. Table 2. — Comparison of the Productivity of Streams Studied in 1927 and 1928. Given by Gram Weight of Food per One Sq. Ft. as Found Under Varying Conditions 1927 1928 Average for streams below 7 feet in width 2 . 36 2 . 06 Average for streams above 7 feet in width 1 . 04 0 . 94 Average for all streams regardless of width 1.21 1 . 05 Average for streams flowing through non-cultivated lands .... 1 . 36 Average for streams flowing through cultivated lands .... 1 . 06 Average for pools in all types of streams 0 . 26 0.21 Streams flowing through v/ild, uncultivated lands such as are found in the Adirondack region in this state, are generally con- sidered to contain more natural foods such as mayfly nymphs, caddisfly larvae and other aquatic insects than streams which flow through cultivated lands. A week was spent during the past sum- mer working the headwaters of Point Rock and Fish creeks near Constableville, N. Y. in an effort to ascertain whether or not streams flowing through wild conditions are actually more produc- tive in bottom foods. Twelve unit area studies were made in this region and gave an average production of 1.36 grams per sq. ft. The bottom studies taken near Ithaca, N. Y. in streams draining cultivated lands gave an average of 1.06 grams per sq. ft. From these figures, streams flowing through wild lands are somewhat richer in food per unit area. However, more data must be avail- able before this fact can be definitely determined. It will be noted in Table 2 that the average weight in grams of the nutritive elements per sq. ft. in pool bottoms was 0.26 grams in 1927 and 0.21 grams in 1928 which shows a negligible decrease. The average for all streams regardless of width was 1.21 grams in 1927 and 1.05 grams in 1928. It would be well to state here that these averages "over all streams", as expressed in Table 2, mean the average production per unit area in the 7'iffles in streams as contrasted with the pools. Tlie riffles are the larders of the streams and it is here tluit the bulk of the fish food is produced. Pools, as has already been shown, are lacking in quantities of food, but * Lack of space did not permit insertion of full proof of all statements made. This will be found in the files of the Limnological Laboratory of Cornell University. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 223 they are valuable in many other ways to trout than in merely food production. Relation of Type of Bottom to Quantity of Food. — Table 3 gives a summary of the stream bottom types studied during the past two summers with the relative amounts of food found in each. While this year's results differ slightly from those obtained in 1927, the same proportionate amounts of food were found in each type of bottom. As is shown in Table 2,* silt produced an average of 4.29 grams per one sq. ft. in 1927 while this year an average of 3.46 grams was obtained. Likewise there was a slight decrease in the amounts found in rubble, coarse gravel and fine gravel, this year. The figures presented here in Tables 2 and 3 show clearly that there is a yearly fluctuation in the productivity of streams in bottom foods. Table 3. — Stream Bottom Types Showing Average Amount of Available Fish Food Per One Sq. Ft. in Each Number of Determinations Type of bottom Average weight in grams per sq. ft. 1927 results 1928 results 6 . Silt 4.29 1.88 1.28 .98 3 46 33 Rubble 1 23 44 Coarse gravel Fine gravel 1 21 12 82 Foods Consumed by Trout by Comparison with Available Foods. — Last season the relative abundance of each class of available drift and bottom food was determined without cor- relating these findings with foods actually consumed by trout. This year trout were taken in connection with the drift and bottom studies to determine, if possible, what foods of those available are most largely consumed by trout. In order to determine the foods which trout selected from those floating in or on the water, trout w^re seined or caught with hook and line during the same time that drift food was being collected from the water by the drift net. The net was run for an hour for each catch and an attempt was made to obtain six trout stomachs within the time that the net was in the water. The later stomach examinations of the trout showed what foods of those available the trout had selected. At the end of the summer a total of 29 drift catches and 147 trout stomachs were studied and tabulated in the laboratory and the general results are presented in Table 4. Of the 147 stomachs, 32 were from rainbow trout, 6 from brown trout and 109 from brook trout. The average length of all the fish w^as 6V2 inches and • See Oiwego Survty, p. 106, Table 2. 224 Conservation Department they ran from 4 to 10 inches. They are to be considered as small adult trout. No distinction is made here as to the individual foods selected by the different kinds of trout. In Table 4 consumed foods are placed on a 100 per cent basis ; vegetation, trash, debris and indigestible materials being omitted entirely though some usually occurs in most stomachs. The columns headed "Terrestrial" give the numbers of terrestrial or land insects of each class found in the drift and in the stomachs and include all insects or other animals which normally do not live in or on the water. ''Aquatic" is used to designate those animals, mostly insects which live in or on the water such as stonefly nymphs, caddis lain^ae, etc. At the bottom of Table 4 the term ''Miscellaneous" includes a few millipedes, centipedes and dragonfly nymphs which were taken in both drift and stomachs but which were of little importance in these studies. It is to be remembered that this data is given in per cent by number and not per cent by volume as has been done in most other works on stomach contents of fishes. In a eomparison Table 4. — Comparison of Foods Consumed and Available Foods Data derived from examination of 147 trout stomachs taken during 29 drift net catches in June, July and August, near Ithaca, N. Y., 1928 ORDER Mayflies Caddisflies Two-winged flies Beetles Ants, bees, wasps. . . . Plant lice, aphids, etc Stoneflies Grasshoppers, etc. . . . True bugs Moths Spiders Shrimps, crabs, etc. . . Worms Fish Miscellaneous Consumed foods from stomach examinations Terr.' 226 22 134 137 153 107 10 31 25 21 17 0 8 0 4 Aquatic 356 528 187 33 0 0 41 0 2 0 3 15 0 4 18 Per cent 29.70 26.37 15.39 8.15 7.33 5.13 2.44 1.49 1.29 1.01 0.96 0.72 0.38 0.19 1.25 Available foods from drift net catches Terr. 675 43 627 111 130 451 29 6 50 4 23 0 0 0 36 Aquatic 102 59 38 30 0 0 9 0 12 0 0 5 0 0 0 Per cent 31.46 4.13 28.14 5.71 5.26 18.26 1.54 0.24 2.51 0.18 0.93 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.45 of foods consumed by trout and available foods this seemed the most practical manner of presentation since thousands of organisms were being handled in a limited period of time and it would have been very diflficult to calculate volume of each class of drift and bottom food as collected. It is shown in Table 4 that mayflies formed 29.70 per cent of all foods consumed and 31.46 per cent of all available foods. In other ♦ Terr.— Terreatrial. BioLorarAL Purvey — ERiE-\iAr,'ARA Watershed 225 words, mayflies were the most available food and they were con- sumed by trout more than any other food. C'addisflies were second in importance and formed 2(j.:)7 per cent of foods consumed and only 4.1'> per cent of available drift foods. Thus from these figures it is evident that the trout fe<'d on larval caddisflies on stream bottoms since so few were available in the drift. Two-winged files formed 15.39 per cent of the troM djet^and 28.14 per cent of available foods which indicates that many more were available in the drift than were being consumed by the fish. Similarly, plant lice formed only 5.13 per cent of consumed foods and 18.26 per cent of those available. Plant lice and flies w^re much more abund- ant in the drift than in the trout. The reason for this would seem to lie in the fact that most of the flies and lice taken in the drift were quite small and would be hard for trout to s(h\ It has been found by other workers that the smaller insects are most largely consumed by the smaller fishes, 1-3 inches in length, ^lany of the flies which were taken from the stomachs were of good size which the trout could have readih' seen before eating. Beetles and ants, bees and wasps formed 8.15 per cent and 7.33 per cent respectively of consumed foods and 5.71 per cent and 5.26 per cent of available foods which shows a close correlation between the availability and consumption of these two foods. Likewise the stoneflies, true bugs and spiders show a close correlation between availability and con- sumption. Grasshoppers, moths, shrimps, crabs and worms were more abundant in the stomachs than in the drift. This probably is due to the fact that the trout were consuming these foods, and perhaps other foods as well, befoi-e they had time to reach the drift net. Only four fish were taken from the 147 stomachs examined. If larger trout had been taken, doubtless many more fishes would have been found, as it is well known that large trout oftentimes feed voraciously upon minnows, trout fry and other small fish. Metzelaar,* in work upon trout in ^Michigan, found that fish formed 3.7 per cent of the stomach, contents b}^ volume of fishes 7 to 16 inches long. In larger trout, 17 to 28 inches long fish formed 23.8 per cent of the stomach contents by volume. Dr ^letzelaar's results are not tiuly comparable to the results given here, since his are expressed in per cent by volume and ours in per cent by number. However, he does show that fish are con- sumed in greater quantities l)y larger trout and that fish form but a minor part of the diet of snudl trout. Shrimps and crabs were low in number, foi*ming only 0.72 ]^er cent of consumed foods, and likewise they were unavailable to the trout, forming only 0.2 per cent of the drift food. However, in some streams, particularly those in which the Avaters are high in calcium, shrimps oftentimes will be very abundant and will be a principal part of the diet of trout in such streams. Chart 1 (derived from Table 4) shows graphically the consump- tion and availability of each food. By reference to Table 5, it is to o? * Metzelaar, Dr. Jan. " The food of rainbow trout in Michigan." Preliminary report to the Department of Conservation; Lansing, Michigan. Jan. 1928. 226 Conservation Department Order UayflleB Oaddisfliee Two-wlnged fllee Beetlee Ante, bee 8 ttaepe Plant lice, aphlds etc. Stonefllee (^raishoppera, etc. vJIITMi Uotha P Spiders J Shrifflpe, f crabs etc. fforeae i FlBh Miscellaneoue ^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^m^///////////////^//^/^/^^^%%i W^'V/////, ////////////////^//^ OCVJ-itvO 60O0Jj:1-vO«0 OOj^vOcOO C\J f-«f-ti-lf-4r-l C\JCUCU<\lC\jr<\K\ Percent Chart l.-A comparison of foods taken in the drift net with those consumed by trout. H -Consumed -Drift net Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 227 be noted that of all the foods consumed. 43.34 per cent were ter- restrial and 56.66 per cent were aquatic in origin. Since these trout were taken during June, July and August, when land insects are most numerous, it is surprising to note that more than half of their diet (56.66 per cent by number) is composed of aquatics. The reverse is true of the available drift foods, wherein 89.87 per cent was terrestrial in origin, while only 10.13 per cent was aquatic. As has been noted above with certain classes of foods, a greater per cent has been consumed than was available in the drift. This is significant because it indicates that trout must feed off the bottom. It also may indicate, as seems to be tlie case with the larger sized food organisms such as grasshoppers, moths, worms, etc., that the trout were eating them before they had a chance to reach the drift net. Furthermore, the larger terrestrial foods would probably not drift far in a stream on account of their size and structures. Aquatic Foods, Consumed and Available. — By referring to Table 5 the principal preferred foods are shown. Table 5. — Comparison of Foods Taken in the Drift Net with Foods Consumed BY Trout Consumed foods Available foods ! Number Per cent Number Per cent Terrestrial 904 1 43.34 1,182 j 56.66 2,220 250 89.87 Aquatic 10.13 Totals 2,086 100. 2,470 100. Table 6.* — Comparison of Available Aquatic Fish Foods in Stream Bottoms AND Aquatic Foods Consumed by Trout ORDER Available aquatic foods Number Per cent Consumed aquatic foods Number Per cent Mayfly nymphs Caddisfly larvae and pupae. Stonefly nymphs Fly larvae and pupae Beetle larvae Crayfish and shrimps Miscellaneous 2,316 1,335 921 476 235 125 Totals. 6.277 36.90 21.27 14.67 13.84 7.58 3.74 1.99 99.98 356 528 41 187 33 14 23 1,182 30.12 44.67 3.47 15.82 2.79 1.18 1.94 99.99 * Derived from Table 3, p. 197 of 1927 Oswego Survey and Table 4 of thii report. 228 CONSERVATIOX DEPARTMENT Mayfly nymphs, it ^vill be noted, were the most abundant of the available aquatic foods and formed ^^6.90 per cent of tlie total number collected. Caddis larvae and pupae, while forming only 21.27 per cent of available foods of this ty])e, were eaten in the greatest numbers forming 44.67 ])er cent of the lotal. In other words, mayfly n3^m})hs while being the most available aquatic food, were consumed second to caddis hirvae and pu|)ae. The reasons for larger consumption by trout of a less available food seem to lie in the foHowiug factors; viz.: the average size of may- flies is much smaller than the average for caddis larvae and pupae making tliem harder for ti'out to see; nuiyfly nym])hs live closely attached to tlie rubble and gravel in swift water to avoid being swept away by the current while the larvae of most caddisflies live in conspicuous portable cases which they drag about with them or in cases and shelters flxed to stones in prominent positions. Also caddis pupae in order to emerge from the water and become adults must leave their shelters and swim to the surface. During this period, short as it may be, they are entirel}' unprotected and at the mercy of any fish wdiichmay happen to see them. Examin- ation of the 147 stomachs showed that a very large percentage were eaten during this emergence period when the pupae were ris- ing to the surface to take flight from 4he water as adults. Thus wliile mayfly nymphs are numericalh' more available, actually they are less available as shown by the numbers eaten b}^ the trout. Muttkowski* states that fish life in rapid streams is dependent ii])on stoneflies for food. In the data presented here the stoneflies form only 2.44 per cent of all consumed foods and 3.47 per cent of aquatic consumed foods in the streams thus far studied in New York State. Furthermore this food formed onh- 1.54 per cent of the available drift foods and 14.67 per cent of the available aquatic foods. Fly larvae and pupae may be counted a major trout food as this group formed 13.84 per cent of available aquatic foods and 15.82 per cent of consumed aquatic foods. Beetle larvae, crayfish and shrimps may be considered as minor foods as applied to the streams and fish stomach examinations reported here. No aquatic vegetation was found in either the brown or brook trout stomachs. However the rainbows were found to feed rather consistently upon small amounts of the fresh water alga. (Madophora. Metzelaart found vegetation in rainbow trout, 7-16 inches long to the extent of about 9 per cent by volume while in larger rainbows, 17-28 inches long vegetation formed 17.8 per cent of the stomach contents by volume. In last season's rei)ort a similar c()mi)aris()n of available and con- sumed foods is made from twelve trout stomachs. Since that study was based upon a few stomachs taken at one time it is hai'dly com- parable with the data given here which is based upon 147 stonuichs * Muttkowski, Dr. Richard \. "The food of trout in Yellowstone National Park." Roosevelt Wild Life Bulletin, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 470-407, Feb. 1925. t Loc. eit Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 229 taken over a three months period in many types of streams. How- ever the general tendencies are somewhat similar though the actual figures vary considerably. For instance, 83 per cent of the food found in the above mentioned twelve trout was aquatic and 17 per cent terrestrial in origin. This year of the 147 stomachs 56.66 per cent of the food was aquatic and the remaining 43.34 per cent terrestrial in origin. Crayfish and shrimps were abundant in the stream (Newfield creek) studied last year and formed 32 per cent of the food consumed by the trout taken there. This class of food formed only 0.72 per cent of consumed foods found in trout this year and were generally quite unavailable forming only 0.2 per cent of all available foods. From both seasons' work it is evident that trout consume to the greatest extent those foods which are the most numerous. They are opportunists like most organisms and eat what they find on hand at the moment. The practical applications of this work will lie in feeding trout upon these natural foods and determining the relative amounts of each necessary to produce so many pounds of fish. Then by determining quantitatively and qualitatively the amount and kinds of food available in any selected stream, a stocking policy can be developed to suit the food conditions in that stream. Available Fish Food of Submerged Plant Beds. — In Table 7 will be found the combined results of two season's work upon the productivity of plant beds. Three additional types were studied this year; namely, Curly Pondweed {Potamogefon Crispus), water moss (Fonfinalis) and a mixed bed of water moss and an alga, Cladophora. It is to be remembered that only one unit area study has been made in each type and these figures must not be con- sidered as average. Much more work is necessary upon this problem before any true evaluation of plant beds in trout streams may be attained. Of the new types of plant beds studied this year, the Curly Pondweed was the most productive and gave a weight of 5.85 grams (Table 7) of available fish food. The mixed bed of Clado]^hora and Fontinalis produced 4.15 grams and the Fontinalis alone, 3.4 grams per unit area. 230 Conservation Department Table 7. — Types of Submerged Plant Beds and the Weight in Grams OF Available Fish Food per Square Foot Found in Each COMMON NAME Scientific name Date and place collected Weight in grams of fish food from 1 sq. ft. Stonewort Chara North brook, Price spring, Auburn, N. Y., August 17, 1927 37.0 Nasturtium nastur- tium aquaticum. 12 8 Long-leaved Pondweed. Potamogeton ameri- canus. East Branch of Owego creek, Harford Mills, N. Y., August 25, 1927 5.85 Curly Pondweed Potamogeton crispus. Union Springs, N. Y., August 29, 1928 15.85 Willow root bed Salix (sp.) Sixmile creek, Slaterville, N. Y., August 13, 1927 4.88 Alga and moss; a mixed bed. Cladophora and Fon- tinalis. Caledonia creek, Caledonia, N. Y., August 25, 1928 4.15 Water buttercup Ranunculus aquatilis. West Branch of Owego creek, Caro- line, N. Y., August 23, 1927 3.51 Sago Pondweed Potamogeton pecti- natus. East Branch of Owego creek, Harford 3. 19 Mills, N. Y., August 26, 1927 W^ater moss Hygrohypnum dilata- tum. Sixmile creek, Slaterville, N. Y.„ 23.12 August 15, 1927 Fontinalis (sp.) Canoga Spring brook, Canoga, N. Y., 3.4 August 24, 1928 Horned Pondweed .... Zannichellia palustris. Canoga Spring brook, August 16, 1927 2.93 Average weight in grams over all types 7 . 88 studied 1 Includes shell weight of the moUusks collected. 2 Based upon actual weight of nutritive elements from one square foot. It has been estimated that if Chara produces 37.0 grams of animal food per one square foot, an acre of such bed would produce approximately 3,553 pounds. Kichardson,* in quantitative studies of the Illinois river bottom fauna, states that the highest yield per acre which he found was 5,196 pounds. He also states tliat these enormous yields were evidently due. at least in a measure, to the sluggish current and conse(iuent heavy sedimenta- tion and to the great preponderence (99 per cent) of large, thick- shelled snails. Snails formed but 0.74 per cent of the total num- ber of animals taken in the Chara study listed here. It is indi- cated that Chara, with an estimated yield of 3,553 pounds per acre, with veiy few henvy, thick-shelled snails to add to the weiglit, |)r()diic<*s mii eiioi-moiis amount of available fish food. Furthermore this estimate greatly exceeds most of Kichai'dson's * Richardson, R. E. The Small Hottotn and Shore Fauna of the Middle and Lower Illinois River and its Conneetinsj; Lakes, Chillicothe to Grafton: its valuation; its sources of food supply, and its relation to the fishery. State of 111. \at. Ilist. Survey. Vol. XIIL Art. XV. pp. 363 .')22, Urbana, III., r921. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 231 estimates in pounds per acre of food as he found it in various conditions and sections of the Illinois river. Of the 1,767 animals taken in Chara, 61.46 per cent (1,086) were crustaceans, mostly the large Caledonia shrimp, Gammarus linmaens, one of the best trout foods known. ''Bloodworms" or midg-e larvae, another excellent trout food, formed 31.92 per cent of the catch and were living in great abundance in the mud be- neath the Chara. These two classes of foods constituted 93.38 per cent of the total taken and are both highly desirable as food for trout. Other animals taken here were beetle larvae, caddis larvae, mollusks (snails), leeches but these were relatively scarce. In the watercress study, Caledonia shrimps formed 81.47 per cent (1,675) of the 2,056 animals taken and were dominant in this type of bed as they were in the Chara bed. By comparing the relative productiveness of these two types of beds, Chara is shown to be much the better. A larger number of animals (2,056) was taken in the watercress but their total weight was 24.2 grams less than the total weight of the (1,767) animals taken in Chara. The reason for such a wide variation in the total weight of each catch seems to be due, partly, to the shrimps. Those taken from Chara were exceedingly large and heavy, 10-15 mm. in length while those taken from the cress were mostly small, 3-7 mm. long and weighed considerably less. Caddis worms also helped to increase the weight of the Chara bed catch as 42 were taken, most of which were large in size, 8-14 mm. long while only one small one was taken in the watercress. The factors con- tributing to this difference in productivity of the plant beds form an important and broad field for further study. Table 8. — Available Fish Foods of Submerged Plant Beds ORDER Crayfish and shrimps (Crustacea) .... Fly larvae and pupae (Diptera) Caddis larvae and pupae (Trichoptera) Aquatic bugs (Hemiptera) Beetles (Coleoptera) Mayfly nymphs (Ephemerida) Snails and clams (MoUusca) Stonefly nymphs (Plecoptera) Sialis larvae et. al. fXeuroptera) Dragonfly nymphs fOdonata) Miscellaneous Totals 99.99 The other types of plant beds in which crustaceans were abun- dant are given as follows with the per cent formed in each by this group : Curly Pondweed, 57'.96 per cent ; Fontinalis alone, 98.4 per cent, and Horned Pondweed, 60.61 per cent. The last 232 Conservation Department mentioned type of bed gave the lowest weight of potential food per unit area of any studied. Considering next the potential fish foods available over all types of plant beds, Table 8 shows the relative abundance of each class of food. In a total of 9,084 organisms collected, crayfish and shrimps constituted 42.16 per cent. Most of these were Caledonia shrimps, a few water sowbugs, Asellus, being included. Fly larvae and pupae formed 22.17 per cent and were the second most abundant food in plant beds. Other foods largely eaten by trout occurred in the following ratios: Caddis larvae and pupae, 8.88 per cent ; mayfly nymphs, 5.66 per cent and stonefly nymphs, 0.91 per cent. Bugs and beetles formed 7.82 per cent and 6.36 per cent, respectively^ ^Miscellaneous organisms, 3.15 per cent, con- sisted of a few leeches, oligochaetes and nematodes and are un- important. One fact which this study has definitely shown is that stream or pool bottoms bare of plant beds are much less productive of available fish food than such places in which aquatic vegetation has developed. The average for plant beds (Table 7) is 7.88 grams per one square foot. The average for bare stream and pool bot- toms is 1.05 grams and 0.21 grams (Table 2) respectively, using this year's figures. These findings substantiate last year's results in showing that: (1) plant beds are 37.5+ times as rich in food as bare pool bottoms; (2) 7.5+ times as rich as bare stream bot- toms and (3) stream riffles are 5.0 times as rich as pools in available nutritive elements. Effects of Spring Floods upon Aquatic Fish Foods. — On March 7, 1927, the writer ran the drift net in Sixmile creek just above the village of Slaterville for approximately fifteen minutes. The w^aters of the creek were a raging torrent due to the sudden melting of a heavy snowfall. This w^as done in an effort to ascer- tain the effects of high w^aters on the bottom organisms which furnish the major part of trout diet. The results were most illuminating. Practically every kind of aquatic organism which had been collected from this stream during the previous summer was taken in the net. The great majority were dead or injured by the grinding action of the locks and gravel which were being swept downstream hy the force of the current. Many parts of insect larvae such as heads, legs, tails and abdomens offered simple evidence of the destructive action of high waters. Many aquatics such as the blackfly larvae (Simulium) wiiich are never taken in the drift under normal circumstances and which normally live in fixed j)()sitions on rocks in swift water, were collected, l)ruise(l and l)attere(l as they were carried down- stream. In brief this cari'ies back to the ])r<)l)lem of reforestation which means flood conti-ol and in the end, natui-al and undisturbed ])ropagati()n of n(|ii;ili(' insect lai'vnc upon wliicli. as lias been shown above, trout jh'c dependent for tiie niajoi- |)art of their diet. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 233 Appendix I. — Blank Forms Used in the Field XE^\' York State Conservatiox Departaiext Stream Survey Name Length Date Tribi'tary to.. River System Town County Authoritv Region Upper Middle Lower Region Upper Middle Lower Width Air temp. Flow Water temp. "\'elocity Hour and weather Color and turbidity Food grade Permanency Pool grade Fish Food: Upper; mayflies, stoneflies, caddis^ies, blackiiies, midges, shrimps, minnows. Aliddle;... Lower; Pools : Upper; size type frequency I^Iiddle;... Lower*.... Bottom: mud, silt, sand, detritus, hardpan, gravel, rubble, bedrock Vegetation: watercress, pondweeds, water moss, chara, filamentous algae, water lilies, cat-tails Springs: location, temperature, flow, sulphur, iron, lime..... Dams and Falls: location, height. Area and depth of pond —. Pollution: location, extent, nature, index organisms.. — Game fish present: Character of region: open fields, wooded, wild, culti ated, hilly, low, swampy \a!re of fishing: Planting places: location... Posted area: length Length suitable for: S, T Miscellaneous: Stocking policy; species owner's name town.... B. T R. T Sm. B Lm. B. .Pp. .size ...number. 234 Conservation Department Appendix II ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS USED IN STOCKING LISTS FACING MAPS S. T. = Brook trout (speckled) advanced fry. S. T.+ = Brook trout finf^erlings. B. T. = Brown trout advanced fry. B. T.-f = Brown trout fingerlings. R, T. = Rainbow trout advanced fry. R. T.+ = Rainbow trout fingerlings. Sm. B. = Small-mouthed bass. Lm. B. = Large-mouthed bass. Y. P. = Yellow perch. Pp. = Pike-perch. Bg. S. = Bluegill sunfish. G. Sh. ^= Golden shiner. Co. B. = Calico bass. C. = Bullhead. Bh. C. = Bullhead catfish. Pkl. = Pickerel. M. = Maskinonge (Muskalonge). Legend for maps : M H a aa mi Boundary of watershed. ^ Dry runs or streams becoming dry. O Spring X Outfall of pollution. — Dam. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 235 Appendix III Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Map ]\Iileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Niagara river lA, 2A Nia^. 1 (Ont. East) — Gill] Niag. 1 and tribs Cayuga or C. N. 1-C. N. 3 and trib. Tonawanda cr 1 fEllicott cr.) 9 10 11-29 and tribs. 3 (Bull or.) 1-4......... 4-5 and tribs . . 6 (Ransom cr.) 1-3 and tribs . 4 (Got cr.) . . 1-2 5-7 Barge canal .... lA, 2A.. . lA lA lA, IB, 2A, 2B 3B lA, 2A, 2B... -7 and tribs lA, 2A. i 2A Pond 2A 2A 2A 2A, 2B. lA lA lA... lA.... lA, 2 A lA.... lA, 2A lA, 2A lA, 2A lA... Above falls, polluted or natural spawning adequate Below falls, 14 miles. Polluted, dry or warm Lower, 3 miles Remainder, small and warm Drv Lower 12 miles (Barge canal) From trib. 7 to Attica, 60 miles Upper 6 miles Remainder, small or warm Mouth up, 5 miles. Trib. 8 to Williams- ville, 2.5 miles .... Remainder, small and warm Dr}', small or warm. 2 miles 2 acres, deficient i 02 1 mile 0.5 mile Drv, small or warm. Small _ Lower, 2 miles Remainder, small . . . . Small Dry Upper, 6 miles Remainder, warm . . . Dry or small Upper, 4 miles Small Dry or small Pendleton to Lock- port, drained None at present (see p. 28). Pp. None. (Sm. B., Y. P.) natural spawn- ing adequate None. None. Sm. B.. Pp., Bg. S. Sm. B., Bg. S. 450 B. T.-f, 200 R. T.-l- None. Lm. B., Bg. S., Bh. C. 500 B. T.+ None. None. 140 B. T.4- T.+ T.+ None. 100 B. 100 B. None. None. (Lm. B., Bg. S., Bh. C), natu- ral spawning adequate None. None. None. 300 B. None. None. 250 B. None. None. None. T.+ T.+ 236 Conservation Department Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Xiagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Niagara river — (ConVd) Tonawanda creek — {Cont'd) 7-10 and tribs 1 1 ( Ledge cr. ) 1 Qlurdercr.) and tribs. Pond at Griswold . . . . Reservoir on No. 13 . . 2 (Quarry spring run). . 3 12-20 and tribs Dead lake 21-31 and tribs 32 ^Little Tonawanda cr.) . 1-7 and tribs 8 1-3 9-14 and tribs 33-38 39 1-5 and tribs Stevens reservoir 40-45 and tribs 46 (Crow cr. ) Old Attica reservoir. New Attica reservoir 1-4 and tribs 5 &-7 47-76 and tribs 77 (East Fork) 1 1-2 3 2 (Engine cr.) 1 , . 3 1 4 78 (Perry br.) 1 79 1 80 Map lA, 2A. lA, IB. lA, IB 2B ... 2B 2B IB IB lA, IB. IB IB, 2B. 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B, 3B. 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B 3B Mileage available for stocking Dry or small 4 miles Dry, small or warm. Posted 35 acres 0.5 mile Dry Dry or small 2 acres Dry, warm or small. Linden up, 4 miles . . Remainder, warm . . Dry or small Lower, 1.5 miles. . . . Remainder, dry. . . . Dry . .' Dry or small Dry or small Lower, 0.5 m.ile .... Remainder, warm. . Dry or small 1.5 acres Stocking policy per mile None. 700 B. T.+ Bg. Dry or small. . Upper, 3 miles . Remainder, warm . . 4 acres • 8 acres Dry, small or warm. 1 mile Dry Dr}', warm or small. Upper, 2 miles Remainder, warm . . Upper. 1 mile Remainder, warm . . Warm or small 1 mile 1 mile Small 0.5 mile Small Small 2 miles 1 mile 1.5 miles 0.5 mile Small None. None. Lm. B., Pp S., Co. B None (see p. 30) None. None. Lm. B., Bg. S. None. 600 B. T. + , 100 R. T.+ None. None. 600 B. T.+ None. None. None. None. 350 S. T.+ None. None. Sm. B., Co. B., Bg. S., Y. P. None. 450 B. T.+ or 200 S. T.+ None. Sm. B., Co. B. 1,500 R. T.+ None. 180 B. T.+ None. None. 700 B. T.+ None. 300 B. T.+ None. None. 300B. T.+ 190 B. T.+ None. 190 B. T.+ None. None. 300B. T.+ 125 B. T.+ 350 B. T.+ 50 B. T.+ None. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 237 Appendix HI — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Xiagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number ^lap Niagara river — (Cond'd) Tonawanda Niai^ara 1-Scaja- guada cr. and tribs lA, 2A, 3B... Erie 1 ^Buffalo cr.) 2A. 3B. 1-3 and pond. . . . 4 fCazenovia cr.) -6 and tribs 2A 2A 2A, 3B. 7 (Spring br.j. '^-13 and tribs. . . 14 (East Branch) 1-23 and tribs 91 2A 2A 2A 2A. 3B. IMileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Polluted or small .... Trib. 6 to 30, 25 miles. 68 to source, 5 miles . Remainder, polluted, warm or small .... Polluted Trib. 1 to 14, 13 miles. Remainder, polluted . Dry or small 0.7 mile Small Dry or small From E. Aurora dam, 3 miles Holland to source (Protection cr.), 6 miles or I 2A, 3B. 3B 25 3B. 3B 3B. 1-2 3B 3 3B. 4-5 and trib . 3B . 27-29 3B. Ponds 3B. 30. 31 3B. 3B 15 (West Branch) and tribs Remainder, small warm Dry or small 1.5 miles Small Small Mouth to trib. 3, 1.5 miles Remainder, warm . . . Dry 0.8 mile Dry or small Dry Posted 1.5 miles Small 6 (Cayuga cr.) 2A. 3B. 2A 2A, 2B. 3B ... 1-6 and tribs 2A Como lake 2A 7-52 and tribs 2A, 2B, 3B. 7-15 and tribs i 2A . . . Railroad pond 2A . . . Sinking pond : 2A Drv. small or warm. Small None. Sm. B. 216 B. T. + , 100 R. T.+ None. None. Sm. B. None. None. 360 S. T.-h None. None. Sm. B., Co. B. 300 B. T. + , 200 R. T.4- None. None. 75 B. T.+ None. None. 125 B. None. None. 180 B. None. None. None. 275 B. None. None. None. T.+ T.+ T.+ Between No. 40 to 50. 3.5 miles 200 B. T. + , R. T.+ Remainder, small, warm or polluted. . None. Dry or small None. 8 acres Co. B., Bg. ^ 100 Dry. small or warm. Dry or small 2 acres Small , None. None. Lm. B., Co. B. None. Bg. S. 238 Conservation Department Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Xuniber Map Mileage available for stockino; Stocking policy per mile Erie 1 (Buffalo cr.)— (Cont'd) 16-20 and trib 21 1 22 (Belowe br.) 1 2 23 (Ells br.) 24-29 and tribs 30 (Hunter cr.) 1-12 and tribs 31-44 and tribs . 45 (Glade cr.) 1-3 and trib 46-54 and tribs 55 (Beaver Meadow cr.) 2A 2A 2A 2A 2A 2A 2A. .,. 2A 2A, 3B 2A, 3B.. 2A, 2B, 3B.... 3B 1... 2... 56-57. 58.... 1... 2... 2 (Fitzgerald br.) 3 3-5 59 (Plato cr.) 1 and tribs 2 3-4 60-68 and tribs 70 Erie 2 (Smoke cr.) . . 1 (South Branch) 1-5 and tribs 2 and tribs East Freeman pond West Freeman pond 3-8 and tribs Erie 3 (Rush cr.) — Erie 12 and tribs 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3R. 3B. 3R. 3R 3B. 3B. 3B. 3R. 3B 3B 3B 3R 3B 3B 2A, 3 A Dry, small or warm. . 1.5 miles Small 1.5 miles 0.5 mile Dry 0.8 mile Dry or small Trib. 6 to source, 3 miles Remainder, warm . . . Dry or small Dry or small Lower, 3 miles Remainder, small .... Small , Dry or small j Below falls, 1 mile . . . ! Above falls, 5 miles. . Warm 1.5 miles Dry or small 4 miles 1.5 miles 2 miles 0.5 mile 0.8 mile Small Warm or small Warm Small 1.5 miles Small Small 1 mile Warm 2 miles Small Small Polluted or warm .... From trib. 2 to 4, 3 miles Remainder, warm . . . Dry, small or warm. . Small Small 1 acre Small T.+ Xone. 270 S. Xone. 200 B. T.+ 100 B. T.+ None. 270 S. T.+ Xone. 200 B. T.+ Xone. X^one. X^one. 100 R. T.+ Xone. Xone. Xone. 1,200 B. T.+ 700 S. T.+ Xone. 450 S. T.+ Xone. 500 B. T.+ 75 B. T.+ 250S. T.+ 180 S. 190 S. Xone. Xone, None. None. 126 S. X'one. None. 300 S. None. 125 S. X'^one. Xone. Xone. T.+ T.+ T.+ 300 B. T. + , 100 R. T.+ Xone. Xone. Xone. Xone. Bg. S., Bh. C. Xone. Polluted, dry or small. X'^one. Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 239 Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Erie 13 (Eighteenmile cr.) . 1-3 and tribs . . . . 4 (South Branch) 1-26 and tribs 27 1-2 28 29 1 30-35 and tribs 5-60 and tribs 61 62 63 64-65 and trib Erie 14-Erie 19 and tribs Erie 20 (Sister cr.) 1-11 12 13-21 and tribs Erie 21 (Delaware cr.) 1-4 Erie 22 (Muddy cr.) 1-3 and tribs Erie 23 (Cattaraugus cr.) Map Mileage availatle for stocking 3A. 3B, 3A. 3A. 3A, 3B. 3A 3A 3A 3A, 3B. 3A, 3B. 3A Mouth to trib. 4, miles Stocking policy per mile 3A, 3B. 3B 3B 3B 3B 3A 3A 3A. 3A. 3A. 3A. 3A. 3A. 3A 3A, 3B, 4B, 4C Hamburg dam up, 1 mile Boston to source, 7 miles Remainder, small and warm I Dry or small Trib. 5 to New Ore-j gon, 8 miles i New Oregon toi source, 4 miles . . . . Remainder, warm . . . j Dry, small or warm. 1 mile Small Dry 1.5 miles Dry Small Dry, warm or small. 1 mile Dry 0.5 mile Dry or posted Dry, small or warm. Upper, 3 miles Remainder, warm . . Dry or small 0.5 mile Dry. small or warm. Lower. 6 miles Remainder, small . . . Dry or small Lower, 1 mile Remainder, small. Dry or small Lower 17 miles, pol- luted Gowanda to trib. 48, 34 miles Trib. 48 to 58, warm . Trib. 58 to 70, 8.5 miles Trib. 70 to source, 2.5 miles (Sm. B.) natural spawning ade- quate. Sm. B. 400 B. T.4-, 100 R. T.+ None. None. 100 R. T.-f 720B. T.+ None. None. 100 B. T.-f None. None. 100 S. T.-f None, None. None. 180 B. T.+ None, 180 B. T.+ None. None. 450 B. T.-f, 200 R. T.+ None. None. 150B. T.+ None. 300 R. T.+ None. None. (Bh. C.) natural spawning ade- quate. None, None. None. Sm. B. None. 1,500 B. T.-f 360 R. T.-f 240 Conservation Department Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Xiagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Mileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Erie 23 (Cattaraugus cr.) (Continved) 1-5 and tribs 6 (Clear cr.) 1-3 and tribs . . . . 4 (North Branch) 1-13 and tribs State Hospital Reservoir 7-9, 11-18 and tribs 10 19 (Point Peter br.) 1 20 (South Branch) . 1-8. 7... 1-3 8-10 Otto pond 11 (Mansfield cr.) 1 (Five Points br.) 9 8 and tribs 9 (Goodell cr.) 1 (Stony Pitcher br. 1 2 10 11 12-15 and tribs 16 1 4B 4B. 2 (Jersev Hollow br.) . . . 1-2 3 (Eddvville cr.) 4C. 4B.... 4B.... 4B.... 4B.... 4B . . . . 4B, 4C 4B.... 4B.... 4B.... 4B.... 4B.... 4B . . . . 4B.... 4B, 4C 4B ... 4B . . . . 4C.... 4C.... 4B, 4C 4C ... 4C.... 4C.... 4C.... 4C.... 4C.... 4B, 4C 4C.... 4C Small or warm Trib. 8 down, 3 miles Remainder, warm . . Dry or small Lower, 2 miles Remainder, warm . . Dry, warm or small. 56 acres Dry, small or warm. 1 mile (on Federal' land) 3 miles Small Lower. 14 miles Trib. 11 to 15, small and warm Trib. 15 to source. 3.5 miles Small Lower 1 mile, pol- luted Upper 3 miles Dry or small Small 2 acres Lower 2 miles Upper 5.5 miles 2 miles 0.5 mile Middle, 1 mile Remainder, warm or drv Smail Upper 2 miles Remainder, warm . . . 1 mile 1 mile 1 mile Small 0.5 mile 0.5 mile 0.3 mile Dry, warm or small. . 3 miles 1 mile 0.3 mile 0.5 mile 1 mile Small Dry, warm or small. . 1.3 miles Small None. 200 R. T.4- None. None. 200 R. T.+ None. None. Sm. B. None. None (S. T.+ ) 315 S. T.+ None. Sm. B. None. 540 B. T.+ None. None. 500 B. T.+ None. None. Sm. B. 1,600 B. T.+ 540 S. T.-l- 350 B. T.+ 100 B. T.+ 252 B. T.+ None. None. 172 S. None. 200 S. 150 S. 700 S. None. 100 S. 300 S. 300 S. None. 400 B. 400 B. 300 B. 350 B. 350 S. None. None. ISO B. None. T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.-f T.-f- T.+ Biological Survey — Erie-Niagara Watershed 241 Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Map Mileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Erie 23 (Cattaraugus cr.) — (Continued) i 21 (Waterman br.) to 26 and tribs 3A, 4B. 27 (Connoisarauley cr.) 4B, 4C. Drv, warm or small. . None fsee text Upper. 3 miles 315 B. T.+ 1 3-6 28 (Derby br.) 4C 4C 4C 4C 3A, 3B, 43... 4B, 4C. 3 (Morton Corners br. 1 1 2-3 4 29 30 (Spooner cr.) 4B. 4B. 4B 3A, 3A, 3A, 3A 3A 3\ 3B. 4C. 3A. 3B. Remainder, warm Small 2 miles O.o mile Small 4 miles . . Small . . . 0.8 mile, l.o miles. 0.8 mile. Small . . . Small . . . 0.8 mile. Small . . . 4C Warm. 1-7 3B, 4C. 31 andtrib 4C 32 (Spring br.) 3B, 4C. 1 3B. Wyatts pond 3B . Springville water sup- ply pond i 3B. 2and trib I 3B. Dry or small Small Tapper. 3 miles Remainder, polluted Polluted Posted None. None. 360 B. 270 B. None. T.+ 3 3B. East Concord pond 3B. 33 (Buttermilk cr.) 4C. 1- 6 and tribs 4C . 7 i 4C. 1 i 4C. 34 (Stony br.) j 4C. Posted . Posted . Small . . 5 acres . Spring run Ponds on stream Spring run 35-47 and tribs . . . 3B, 3B. 3B, 3B, 4C. 4C 4C 48 (Elton cr.) 3B, 4C 1 (Stony cr.) [ 3B, 4C. 1-3 I 4C 2 and tribs I 3B, 4C. I'pper. 3 miles Remainder, warm ... Dr}', small or warm. . 2 miles Small Small Precipitous Posted Small Small From trib. 3 to 6, 5 miles From trib. 15 up, 2 miles Remainder, warm . . 3 miles Small Small or warm 810 S. T.+ None. 36 S. T.+ 72 S. T.-l- 72 S. T.+ None. None. 450S. T.+ None. None at present (see text). None. None. 441 S. T.4- None. None. None. None. None. None. Lm. B., Co. B. 315 B.T None. None. 126 B. T.+ None. None. None. None None. None. Bg. Bh. + 500 R. T.-f 300 B. T.+ None. 360 S. T.+ None. None. 242 Conservation Department Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Map jVIileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Erie 23 (Cattaraugus cr.) — (Continued) 48 (Elton cr. ) — (Concluded) 3 (Lime lake outlet or Dele- van cr ) 1 (McKinstry cr.) Spring run .... 1. . .^ 1 2-4 Spring run . . Sucker pond pond Lime lake . . . and Frogj 4-9 and tribs . Beaver lake . 10-12 and tribs Mud lake 13-18 and tribs 49 and tribs 50 (Sardinia cr. br.) or Hosmer 2-3 and trib . 51-55 and tribs . 56 (Clear cr.) . . 1-8 and tribs . 9 Spring run 1 2-3 10 and Hurlberts pond. . . . 11 (Skim lake outlet or Hayden br.) 1.. Skim lake 12-13 and Burleson pond. 14 (Crystal lake outlet) . . Moores jjord Crystal lake 15-16 and tribs. . . . South Wilson pond . North Wilson pond 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4 miles. . 1 mile. . . Small. . . 4 miles . . Small . . . 1.5 miles. 0.3 mile. Warm. . . 1 mile . . . 0.3 mile. 4C Posted. . . 4C 256 acres. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 3B. Dry, small or warm. 15 acres Dry, small or warm. Posted Dry or small Dry 4.5 miles . 3B 0.5 mile 3B Dr}' or warm 3B ! Dry, small or warm. 3B, 4C... 11 miles 3B, 4C... Dry or small. 3B, 4C... 3 miles 3B Small 3B 1.8 miles... 3B Dry or small . 4C Small 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 4C. 3B, 3B 3B 4C. 1.3 miles 0.3 mile. 15 acres . Dry... 0.5 mile, 2 acres . 40 acres . Dry. . 1 acre. 4 acres . 1.800 B. T.+ 270 B. T.+ None. 378 S. None. 180 S. 450 S. 180 B. 234 B. T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ T.+ Bh. C, , Bg. S. T. + . + 50 None. Lm. B., Bh. C, Co. B., Bg. S. None. Lm. B., Co. B. None. None. None. None. 1,000 B. T.+, 100 R. T.+ 300 S. T.+ None. None. 450 B. R. T None. 440S. T.+ None. 190S. T.4- None. None. 504S. T.+ 200 S. T.+ 2,500 S. T. plant). None. 450 S. T.+ 400 S. T.+ Lm. B., Co. B None. Bh. C, Bg. S. Lm. B., Co. B. (e.\p. Bh. C. , Bg. S. Co. B., Bh. Biological Survey — Erie-Xiagara Watershed 243 Appendix III — Continued Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Map Mileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile Erie 23 (Cattaraugus cr.) — (Concluded) 57-59 60 (Monkey run) 1-5 and tribs . . . . 61 62-64 65.. Fishermans pond . 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B 3B 3B 3B 66 67 (Spring or Flvnn br. 1 " 2 1 3-5 6 Spring run 68 (Tyler br.) 1 69 (Witherill br.) 1 2 Spring run 70 Java lake 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. Dry Upper, 2 miles Remainder, warm. . . Dr}', small or warm. . 1 mile Dry or warm 2 miles 2 acres, stocking not desired Dry 5 miles 0.5 mile 1.5 miles 0.5 mile Small or warm 0.3 mile T.+ 3B Small , 3B. 3B 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 3B. 2 miles. . . Small. . . . 2 miles. . . 0.5 mile. . 0.5 mile . . 0.5 mile . . Warm . . . . 123 acres. 1 and trib 71-72 Erie 24 and trib Erie 25 (Silver cr.) 1 (Walnut cr.), 2-6 and tribs. Smith Mills pond 3B 3B 3A 3A, 4B. 3A. 4B. 3A Dry Dry or small Small Warm Dry. warm or small. 10 acres 7-9 and tribs Silver cr. reservoir Erie 26 — Erie 36 and tribs . . Pond on Crooked br. . Erie 37 (Canadaway cr.) 1-6 and tribs .... 7 (South Branch) 3A. 4B. . . Dry, warm or small. . 4B I 70 acres 3A, 4A, 4B I Dry, warm or small. . 4A I 1 acre 4A, 4B.. 4A. 4A. Fredonia reservoir 8-22 Erie 38 — Erie 67 and tribs . Erie 68 (Chautauqua cr.) 4A 4A, 4B. 4A, 4B. 4A,5. . 1 mile between No. 14 and No. 17 Remainder, warm or polluted Small 1.5 miles above reser- voir Remainder, warm. . . 30 acres Dry, warm or small. . Dry, warm or small. . Lower 4 miles, warm . L^pper 12 miles None. 360 B. None. None. 90 B. T.+ None. 200 B. T.-l- None (B. T.H-) None. 440 B. T.+ 90B. T.+ 126 B. T.+ 180 B. T. None. 65 B. T.+ None. 72 B. T.+ None. 360 B. T.+ 63 B. T.+ 90 B. T.+ 90 B. T.+ None. Pp., Lm. B., B., Bh. C. None. None, None. None. None. Lm. B.. Bh. C, Bg. S. None. 5,000 R. Co. T.+ None. Bh. C, Bg. S. 400 B. T.+ None. None. 300 R. T.-h None. 3,000 R T.+ None. None. 200 B. T. + , 200 R. T.+ 244 CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT Appendix III — Concluded Stocking List of the Erie-Niagara Watershed Stream and Tributary Number Map Mileage available for stocking Stocking policy per mile ' i Erie 68 (Chautauqua cr) — Conchided) 1 (Little Chautauqua) and tribs 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 4A 5 Small or warm 1.5 miles Small Small None. 300 B. T.+ None. None. Private, none (Bg. S.). None. 100 B. T.+ 100 B. T.+ None. ,\ None. ■ None. ■ 125B. T.+ 75 B. T.+ 360B. T.+ None. None. 500B. T.+ 1 None. None. 500B. T.+ None. 400 S. T.+ 315 B. T.+ None. 180 B. T.+ None. 500B. T.+ None. None. None. 450 E. T.+ None. None. None. None. 200 B. T. + , 200 R.T.+ None. 400 B. T.+ 190 B. T.+ None. 125 R. T.+ 315B. T.+ None. None. 250 B. T.+ None. 9 1-2 3-4 Pond 5 . 0.3 acre Small 0.5 mile 6 (The Blv) 7 1 and trib 2 Small Warm 8 and trib Small 9 0.75 mile Spring run between 9 and 10. 5 5 0.8 mile 10 0 5 mile 1 5 5. 5 Small 11-15 and tribs 16 Dry or small 2.5 miles 1 5 5 5 Small 17 Small 18 2.5 miles 1-4 and tribs 19 (Clark's br.) 5 5 Drv or small 0.5 mile 20 5 I 1 Small 2 0.4 mile 3 21 5 5 Small 1.5 miles 1 and trib 5 Dry Dry or small Small 0.25 mile Erie 69 — Erie 74 and tribs . . . Erie 75 (Bellcr.) and trib 2 5 5 5 5 3-7 Small Dry or small Lower 3.5 miles in Pa. Pa. line to No. 21. small Erie 76 — Erie 95 5 5 5 5 5 \ Erie 96 CTwentymile cr.) 1-20 and tribs No. 21 to source. 3 miles Dry or small j \Z miles , 1 mile 1 21 1 1-3 Small 9 1 mile 1 3-5 5 5 I ! 0.5 mile Small 22-26 Small 0 5 mile 27 Erie 97 and trib 5 Dry rooimco PLA/vAfW6 Board q^ tershed shovring ihe i Map lA.— Niagara Falls and Tonawanda quadrangles ■|'r --^.^-=^ /^, ^3^rF^ f Q^jm Map IB.— Lorkport. Metlina am! Albion qua Map 2A.— Buffalo and Depew quadrangle Map 2B. — Attiia and Batavia quadrangles :'E29 FPO y,„. r 3^ ^ \J^ ^ .c ^% ^' X 7e24 2) ■*A.— Silver Creek and Eden quadrangle I Map 3B.~Springville. Arcade and Portage quadrangl II Map 4A.— Weslfield and Dunkirk quadrangle: R V Cuturiiu(;u.-- quadrijrigle Map 4C.— Ellirollville and FranklinviUe quadrangle! -4 Map 5. — North East and Clymer quadrangles i < V7. CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT SURVEYS AND STUDIES (BIOLOGICAL) Reprints and Supplementary Reports 1916: Fish Planting in Public Waters, by Tarleton H. Bean. 1917: Working Plans for Increasing Fish Production in the Streams of Oneida County, by Wilbert A. Clemens. (Out of print.) 1919 : Stream Pollution in New York State, bv Henry B. Ward. 1921 : Limitations of Black Bass Culture, by J. W. Titcomb. 1922: Report Upon a Study of the Fish Producing Waters of Tompkins County, N. Y., by G. C. Embody. 1922 : A Biological Survey of Lake George, N. Y., by Jas. G. Need- ham, Chaneey Judaj^ Emmeline Moore, Chas. K. Sibley and John W. Titcomb. (Out of print.) 1922: Stream Pollution Studies, by Russell Suter and Emmeline Moore, and Studies in Oyster Culture, by Wm. Firth Wells. 1922 : Problems in Oyster Culture, by Wm. Firth Wells, Diseases of Fish in State Hatcheries, by Emmeline Moore. In : Report of Bureau of Prevention of Stream Pollution. 1923 : Report on Investigation of the Pollution of Streams, by Russell Suter. 1923: Results of Shellfish Investigations, by Wm. Firth Wells; Diseases of Fish in State Waters, by Emmeline Moore. In : Report of Bureau cf Prevention of Stream Pollu- tion. 1924 : Fish Diseases, by Emmeline Moore. 1924 : Oyster Investigations, by W^m. Firth Wells. 1925 : Problems in Fresli Water Fisheries, by Emmeline Moore. 1925 : A New Chapter in Shellfish Culture, by Wm. Firth Wells. 1925 : Proper Methods of Fish Planting, by Sumner N. Cowden. 1926: Biological Survey of the Genesee River System. 1927 : Biological Survey of the Oswego River System. 1928: Biological Survey of the Erie-Niagara System.