Fish Repopulation of Experimentally Decimated Segments in the Headwaters of Two Streams

Abstract
Fish repopulation of experimentally decimated segments in the headwaters of two Louisiana streams was studied over a period of two years. Fishes were decimated using an electrical shocking device. The sharpfin chubsucker, Erimyzon tenuis, was able to repopulate the decimated segment of Talisheek Creek in excess of the total weight of suckers that were collected when the section of stream was originally decimated. The repopulation sample exceeded the decimation sample on a total weight basis for two successive years at Talisheek Creek. Repopulation did not occur to this extent at Bayou Lacombe where the repopulation sample was 52 percent of the decimation sample on a total weight basis. Decimation was accomplished without disturbing the environment to any significant degree, hence fish were returning to the decimated area under the same conditions, for all practical purposes, that prevailed at the time of decimation.

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