"Proceedings of the AFS Southern Division Reservoir Committee symposium "4th North American Reservoir Symposium: Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems" held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, June 7-9, 2007."

This document is organized into an introduction and 13 sections. Section 1 is based on a nationwide survey of reservoir habitats completed by the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP). The RFHP canvassed agency professionals about various aspects of reservoir fish habitat degradation, and identified 12 comprehensive factors that captured most degradation. The sections developed in this document parallel these 12 factors to identify management practices that address the perceived degradation. Most sections are organized similarly: background information about the degradation factor is followed by a listing of alternative management practices. Deciding on appropriate management action can be complex because there are often several options for addressing degradation problems. Different options may have different cost, effectiveness, and consequences. A simplified decision model to choose among management options is suggested in section 12. Habitat management often goes far beyond the manpower available to agencies involved in reservoir habitat management, so suggestions on working with stakeholders are included in section 13. Ballpark costs of reservoir fish habitat management practices are given in the Appendix.

The story of introduced species in Texas is long (hogs were introduced by European settlers in the 1500s) and fraught with controversy. In Unnatural Texas? The Invasive Species Dilemma, Robin W. Doughty and Matt Warnock Turner introduce the “big hitters” of invasive species in the state. They profile the usual suspects—feral hogs, salt cedar, and fire ants—and also lesser known invasives, such as cats and sparrows. Blending natural and environmental history with geography, this book is a much-needed, balanced exploration of invasive species in Texas. The distinctions between native and invasive are not hard and fast, and perceptions of what is invasive have changed over the centuries. A striking example, free-ranging cats—domestic, stray, and feral—can wreak havoc on small mammal and bird populations. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for invasives, and removal or complete eradication may not be possible or even desirable. The dilemma of what to do about invasive species also raises moral, social, economic, and cultural questions. This engaging introduction to the concept of invasive species in Texas will provide context for readers and will educate people on this important issue facing the state.

Harvest of Fish and Wildlife: New Paradigms for Sustainable Management unites experts in wildlife and fishery sciences for an interdisciplinary overview of harvest management. This book presents unique insights for embracing the complete social-ecological system to ensure a sustainable future. It educates users on evolutionary and population dynamics; social and political influences; hunter and angler behavior; decision processes; impacts of regulations; and stakeholder involvement. Features: Written by twenty-four teams of leading scientists and managers. Promotes transparent justification for fishing and hunting regulations. Provides examples for integrating decision making into management. Emphasizes creativity in management by integrating art and science. This book appeals to population biologists, evolutionary biologists and social scientists. It is a key resource for on-the-ground managers and research scientists developing harvesting applications. As the book’s contributors explain: “Making decisions that are robust to uncertainty...is a paradigm shift with a lot of potential to improve outcomes for fish and wildlife populations.” –Andrew Tyre and Brigitte Tenhumberg “Temporal shifts in system states...must somehow be anticipated and dealt with to derive harvest policies that remain optimal in the long term.” –Michael Conroy “Proactive, effective management of sportspersons...will be essential in the new paradigm of harvest management.” –Matthew Gruntorad and Christopher Chizinski

Focusing on fundamental principles, Hydro-Environmental Analysis: Freshwater Environments presents in-depth information about freshwater environments and how they are influenced by regulation. It provides a holistic approach, exploring the factors that impact water quality and quantity, and the regulations, policy and management methods that are necessary to maintain this vital resource. It offers a historical viewpoint as well as an overview and foundation of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics affecting the management of freshwater environments. The book concentrates on broad and general concepts, providing an interdisciplinary foundation. The author covers the methods of measurement and classification; chemical, physical, and biological characteristics; indicators of ecological health; and management and restoration. He also considers common indicators of environmental health; characteristics and operations of regulatory control structures; applicable laws and regulations; and restoration methods. The text delves into rivers and streams in the first half and lakes and reservoirs in the second half. Each section centers on the characteristics of those systems and methods of classification, and then moves on to discuss the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of each. In the section on lakes and reservoirs, it examines the characteristics and operations of regulatory structures, and presents the methods commonly used to assess the environmental health or integrity of these water bodies. It also introduces considerations for restoration, and presents two unique aquatic environments: wetlands and reservoir tailwaters. Written from an engineering perspective, the book is an ideal introduction to the aquatic and limnological sciences for students of environmental science, as well as students of environmental engineering. It also serves as a reference for engineers and scientists involved in the management, regulation, or restoration of freshwater environments.

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are highly prized as sports fish and increasingly as high-value food fish. The farming of largemouth bass is becoming increasingly important and international as the procedures and management for successful culture are being refined. Largemouth bass aquaculture is now widespread across the USA and increasingly in other countries worldwide: the largemouth bass aquaculture industry in China is particularly strong. Largemouth Bass Aquaculture provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of the farming of largemouth bass, with chapters encompassing all major areas of importance, including: their history, production, environment requirements, reproduction, culture methods, diseases and major markets. Many of the world experts in the field have contributed chapters to this landmark publication and the editors are very well-known and respected worldwide. The book is fully international in scope, drawing information from all major countries where largemouth bass are farmed. Largemouth Bass Aquaculture is an important resource for those working in aquaculture, including fish farm operatives and managers, veterinarians and fish health managers, inspectors and consultants. Personnel within companies supplying the aquaculture industry with feed, technical equipment and pharmaceuticals will find a wealth of useful information within this book. Libraries in all universities and establishments teaching and researching aquaculture, fish biology, ichthyology, fisheries, aquatic sciences and veterinary studies should have copies of this comprehensive book on their shelves. 5m Books