FISHES
FISHES Robust Redhorse Sampling and Propagation by Brena Jones, Central Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator
S taff continued annual cooperative sampling and popula- tion monitoring for Robust Redhorse in the Pee Dee River downstream of Blewett Falls dam, alongside partners in the Yadkin-Pee Dee Technical Working Group, including Duke Energy, SC Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and SC Aquarium. During targeted spring surveys, there were 86 Robust Redhorse captures in 21.9 hrs of electrofishing, a catch rate of 3.9 fish per hour, which is a new record high for this pop- ulation. Fish ranged in size from five to 29 inches (210 to 738 mm) in total length (TL), representing multiple age classes. Continued successful recruitment of captively reared fish into the wild population was documented once again this year. Eggs from three females were crossed with seven males for captive propagation this year. The resulting fry will be grown out in ponds at NCWRC’s McKinney Lake Fish Hatchery for population augmentation stocking in the fall. Duke Energy biologists had 22 more captures near Blewett Falls dam. This brought the total number of Robust Red- horse captures in NC in 2025 to 108. Fin clips were collected from all animals in NC and genetic analysis conducted by SCDNR this summer will determine whether the new fish are products of previous augmentation efforts.
BRENA JONES/NCWRC
Doug Hinshaw (NCWRC) collects eggs from a gravid Robust Redhorse female.
61 2025 WILDLIFE DIVERSITY PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
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