Saving Native Fish at USGS

The United States Geological Survey's (USGS) Northern Appalachian Research Laboratory-Wellsboro (NARL) is located on 55 acres near Wellsboro, PA.  The NARL is one of five research facilities that make up the Leetown Science Center. The Leetown Science Center, established in 1931, is headquartered in Leetown, West Virginia and is the nation's oldest federal fishery research facility. The Center conducts differing types of research at each of its five facilities

The Wellsboro, PA lab facility includes three buildings, eight 200-foot concrete raceways, three production groundwater wells, and support equipment including the Marsh-McBirney Flo-Mate Portable Flowmeter.  The NARL conducts research for the restoration of depleted fisheries and other aquatic resources.  Research is directed primarily towards development of information and technology to increase understanding of aquatic ecosystems in the northeastern United States and to assist client agencies to better manage these ecosystems.  Technical assistance is provided to clients throughout the nation.

The Marsh-McBirney Portable Flowmeter has been used by various USGS agencies around the country since its original introduction in 1974.  Dave Dropkin, Fishery Biologist with the Wellsboro lab, had also used the original Marsh-McBirney Model 201 flowmeter.  He now uses the updated Model 201 now known as the Flo-Mate Model 2000.  In 1990, the Model 201 was re-designed to include customer requested features while utilizing the original proven electromagnetic sensor.  The instrument is a hand-held meter that provides an instantaneous velocity reading via an electromagnetic sensor and has no moving parts to clog or foul.  Flow can be easily determined in rivers, streams, and other open channels.  The Model 2000 includes a data storage/recall feature for up to 19 data points, eliminating the need to write down flow readings and greatly increasing the efficiency of field flow profiling.  The lightweight, battery-powered unit is ideal for field studies due to its rugged, water resistant construction.

As part of a current project Dropkin is utilizing the Flo-Mate in flow studies for habitat models to determine the velocity in rivers, streams, etc.  Flow readings are taken year-round - often in foul weather conditions including rain, sleet and snow.  A disconnectable sensor is a big help with the various applications he encounters.  A 40 foot sensor and cable are required when monitoring from a bridge.  The standard 20 foot cable is perfect for everything else.  Dropkin explains, "Instead of needing two complete flowmeters the sensor interchangeability makes it possible to only carry the additional weight of the longer sensor ."  The Flo-Mate is powered by two standard "D" cell batteries versus the six required for the Model 201.  Recalling the unpleasantness of carrying the weight of the old Model 201 around his neck, Dropkin adds, "The Flo-Mate's weight, at just 3.5 pounds, is a nice improvement."

Susquehanna River Watershed Facts Encompasses 45.5% of the land area of Pennsylvania Encompasses 13% of the land area of New York Supplies 50% of the fresh water entering the Chesapeake Bay

The velocity information gathered for the flow models is used to identify the most suitable habitat in the water basin for the distribution of larvae to increase fish populations.

One of the many important projects undertaken by the Wellsboro laboratory was an effort to increase the American shad population on the East Coast.  For over 20 years, the American shad population had been vastly depleted due to two centuries of over-fishing and the loss of the natural habitat necessary for spawning.  Shad populations were so depleted that the fish had to be shipped in from the Pacific Coast.

Mill dams located on the Susquehanna River dating back to 1915, as well as canals used in early transportation, diverted the river's natural flow of water which in turn negatively affected the natural spawning habitat of the American shad.   Over the years, the dams have been abandoned by corporate landowners and ownership has reverted to the state government.  The dams are currently being removed allowing the water to return to its natural flow.  Another successful effort to increase the American shad population has been the inclusion of a series of "elevator like" fish lifts that carry the shad past hydroelectric dams and send them on their way to spawn.  Two lifts have been in operation since 1991 at the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River in Maryland.  Two newer lifts are located at the Safe Harbor and Holtwood dams in PA have opened up 46 additional miles of river for spawning.  The fish elevator at the Holtwood dam is the largest fish elevator in the country. In 2001, a record of more than 400,000 American shad had been lifted at the four fish elevators.

Armed with the results of the habitat specific models for the Susquehanna River, including important basin parameters such as water velocity (determined utilizing the Flo-Mate Flowmeter), food availability, water temperature, etc., the Wellsboro laboratory has developed breeding plans for the American shad.  According to Dropkin, "Stream  velocity is one of the most important factors in determining the best location for larval stocking.  Larvae, at different stages of growth, are stocked in tributary locations determined by the models that will result in the largest survival rate."  While this is an on-going project for the Wellsboro lab, current findings have determined that the American shad population in the Susquehanna River has seen its largest increase in over 150 years!