FISHES
Robust Redhorse Sampling and Propagation
by Emilia Omerberg, Central Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Biologist
S taff continued annual cooperative sampling and population 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 Depart- ment of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and SC Aquarium. During targeted spring surveys, there were 62 Robust Redhorse captures in 24.6 hrs of electrofishing, a catch rate of 2.52 fish per hour. These captures represent:
• 60 unique individuals of which 23 were previously untagged fish • 29 recaptures from previous years, a recapture rate of 47% • Eight Phase II juveniles, which were stocked at 18 months of age
Fish ranged in size from five to 29 inches (133 to 742 mm) in total length (TL), representing multiple age classes. Continued successful recruitment of captively reared fish released into the wild population was documented once again this year. Eggs from four females were crossed with eight males for captive propagation in 2024. The resulting fry will be grown out in ponds at NCWRC’s McKinney Lake Fish Hatchery for population augmentation stocking. Duke Energy biologists had 17 more captures near Blewett Falls dam, including eight previously untagged fish. This brought the total number of Robust Redhorse captures in NC in 2024 to 79. Fin clips were collected from all animals in NC and genetic analysis conducted by SCDNR this summer will determine whether the new fish are progeny of previous augmentation efforts.
LAURENS VERMEULEN/NCWRC
Central Region AWD Coordinator Brena Jones (left) and Biologist Emilia Omerberg (right) with an adult male Robust Redhorse, who is approximately 10 years old, based on size and previous capture data. Robust Redhorse can live over 25 years in the wild. Right: Mea- suring the length of a robust redhorse.
54 2024 Wildlife Diversity Program Annual Report
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