To determine the effect of the proximity of the dam on fish distributions downstream, I will collect data at three locations along the Monongahela River, moving downstream from the dam (Site 1, Site 2, and Site 3 in Figure 1.A). I will repeat this two times on two different days of similar weather patterns for a total of $110 in anticipated costs. At each site, I will collect a variety of variables. For starters, I will collect an indication of water clarity using a secchi disk at each site for all replications. The secchi disk will be eight inches in diameter and the depth will be measured in feet below the surface. The disk will be lowered by a measuring tape until the disk is no longer visible, at which point it will be pulled in slowly
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Next, I will assess zooplankton biomass at each of the three sites using a very fine, vertical plankton net which will be lowered until the bottom is felt. At this point, depth will be recorded (ft) and secchi disk will be vertically retrieved. Once on the net canister, the zooplankton will be gently scraped off the walls, and any individuals still holding on will be flushed off using a squirt bottle filled with distilled water. Zooplankton will be placed in a marked jar of ethanol and biomass will be measured. To capture the Centrachidae, I will set a fyke net at each of the site locations in shallow water. I will soak these nets for a desired amount of time (24-48 hours) starting and then pull them to collect data. For the captured panfish I will, record their numbers, species identification, length (mm), location captured (Site #), and each individual will be identified down to species level. Fyke net data will be recorded in Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). This unit value then used to find estimations of the following: species richness; population density assessments (Cogins et al. 2006); population structure (Gerhardt and Hubert 1991); and relative abundance (Omondi et
Next, I will assess zooplankton biomass at each of the three sites using a very fine, vertical plankton net which will be lowered until the bottom is felt. At this point, depth will be recorded (ft) and secchi disk will be vertically retrieved. Once on the net canister, the zooplankton will be gently scraped off the walls, and any individuals still holding on will be flushed off using a squirt bottle filled with distilled water. Zooplankton will be placed in a marked jar of ethanol and biomass will be measured. To capture the Centrachidae, I will set a fyke net at each of the site locations in shallow water. I will soak these nets for a desired amount of time (24-48 hours) starting and then pull them to collect data. For the captured panfish I will, record their numbers, species identification, length (mm), location captured (Site #), and each individual will be identified down to species level. Fyke net data will be recorded in Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE). This unit value then used to find estimations of the following: species richness; population density assessments (Cogins et al. 2006); population structure (Gerhardt and Hubert 1991); and relative abundance (Omondi et