18. Minnow trap survey of the Walnut Creek fish assemblage with notes on trap type biases and habitat type associations.

Abstract

The substantial diversity of fish in the southeastern U.S. is threatened by a myriad of threats and many species are in need of conservation efforts. To gain a better understanding of the fish community in a rapidly urbanizing area, we initiated a minnow trap survey of Walnut Creek in Hall County, Georgia. The objectives of this research project were to 1) document the assemblage of fish in Walnut Creek within the boundaries of Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, 2) assess the bias of three minnow trap types, and 3) determine habitat associations of fish species. To achieve these objectives, we used an equal number of each minnow trap type to document community metrics, species-specific habitat associations, and determine trap-type effects. Thus far, we have completed 99 trap nights and captured 302 total fish. Species richness is seven species, and Yellowfin Shiner (60%), Bluehead Chub (23%), and Creek Chub (15%) have dominated captures. Galvanized traps have been most effective (74% of captures) and pool habitats are most productive (55% of captures). Minnow traps have proven effective in sampling the fish assemblage and results are similar to those obtained from alternative sampling methods used previously in Walnut Creek. The use of minnow traps has allowed us to assess minnow trap biases, which supports previous research that indicates improved efficiency with galvanized traps when compared to vinyl-coated traps. Data collection is ongoing and continued trapping will allow a more comprehensive exploration of our research objectives.