Effects of Tagging and Translocation on Paddlefish in the Alabama River

Abstract

Dams directly impede fish movement. Different passage structures have been incorporated into the design of dams in attempt to restore connectivity, however, passage is limited to particular fish species. Lock-and-dam structures offer two paths of bi-directional movement: spillway gates and navigational locks. However, studies show they provide little opportunity for fish passage. An alternative method, translocation, can be used in assisting fish beyond these barriers. I quantified movements of tagged and translocated Paddlefish above Claiborne Lock and Dam (CLD) using telemetry to evaluate movements to quantify ultimate effectiveness of translocation. I found that spawning condition did not influence initial movement, or the likelihood of fish reaching Millers Ferry Lock and Dam, the next upstream from CLD within the first 30-days of observation. Average net movement results show translocated fish exhibited up river movements once translocated. Fish released below CLD did have a higher probability of being found below their release sites beyond release date compared to the other two release sites.