| The blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) was studied in the upper Yazoo River basin, Mississippi, to determine its status, stock structure, and population dynamics. Stock assessments were conducted in 1988, and 1990-1998, using hoop nets. A decline in blue sucker catch rates occurred in the Yalobusha River, which underwent channel maintenance activities in 1988 and 1994. No decline was detected in the rivers which had no recent channel maintenance. Additionally, channel maintenance activities have caused a loss of habitat important for spawning, rearing, and feeding purposes, and increased the occurrence of common carp, an exotic species. Blue sucker stocks in the upper Yazoo River basin are dominated by adult fish and little or no recruitment. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed regular, comprehensive channel maintenance activities throughout the Yazoo River basin. These activities will likely result in the loss of the blue sucker from this river system. |
