NTACHMENT

2004 LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER

FISHERIES INVESTIGATION

RM 274.4-285.5

Prepared for:

Midwest Generation EME, LLC

One Financial Place

440 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3500

Chicago, IL 60605

Prepared by:

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology

444 Lake Cook Road, Suite 18

Deerfield, IL 60015

November 2005

---

10

Novp_m„he„

Dr. Richard Monzing

Project Director

Date

2004 LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER

FISHERIES INVESTIGATION

RM 274.4-285.5

Prepared for:

Midwest Generation EME, LLC

One Financial Place

440 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 3500

Chicago, IL 60605

Prepared by:

NO

V

1 7 2005

EA Engineering, Science, and Technology

Water

Poiluticyl

ntroi

444 Lake Cook Road, Suite 18

Deerfield, IL 60015

ta,L1-e-.4, 200--

JoeW

ondruska

Date

Project Manager

November 2005

61393.14 - 0000

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY?

Page

ES-1

1.

INTRODUCTION

?

1-1

2. METHODS ?

2-1

2.1

DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING GEARS ?

2-1

2.1.1?

Electrofishing ?

2-1

2.1.2

?

Seining ?

2-1

2.2

DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING LOCATIONS ?

2-1

2.2.1

?

Upstream 1-55 Locations ?

2-1

2.2.2?

Downstream

1-55

Locations

?

2-4

2.3

FISH PROCESSING

?

2-4

2.4

PHYSICOCHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS ?

2-5

2.5

DATA HANDLING AND ANALYSIS

?

2-6

3.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

?

3-1

3.1

PHYSICOCHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS

?

3-1

3.1.1

?

Water Temperature

?

3-1

3.1.2?

Dissolved Oxygen

?

3-6

3.1.3?

Specific Conductivity

?

3-9

3.1.4?

Transparency

?

3-9

3.2

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE ?

3-9

3.2.1?

2004

?

3-9

3.2.2?

Interyear Comparisons

?

3-12

3.2.3

?

Exotic Taxa ?

3-20

3.2.4?

Highly Tolerant Species

?

3-21

3.3

SPATIAL COMPARISONS OF COMMUNITY LEVEL PARAMETERS

3-22

3.3.1?

Electrofishing

?

3-22

3.3.2?

Seining

?

3-27

3.3.3?

Summary

?

3-38

---

TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)

Page

3.4 INTERYEAR COMPARISONS OF ELECTROFISHING CATCH

PARAMETERS

3-38

3.4.1 Upstream

1-55

3-38

3.4.2 Downstream 1-55

3-41

3.4.3 Summary

3-43

3.5 FISH

CONDITION

3-43

3.5.1 2004

3-43

3.5.2 Comparisons of Spatial Trends Among 1994-2004

3-45

3.5.3 Interyear

Analyses

3-48

3.5.4 Summary

3-50

3.6 INCIDENCE OF DELT ANOMALIES

3-50

3.6.1 2004

3-51

3.6.2 Comparisons of Spatial Trends Among 1994-2004

3-54

3.6.3 Interyear

Analyses

3-54

3.6.4 Summary

3-59

4. REFERENCES

4-1

Appendix A: Physicochemical

Measurements

A-1

Appendix B: Catch-per-effort

and Relative Abundance Summaries

B-1

Appendix C: Raw

Data Listing

C-1

Appendix D: Index

of Well Being Scores

D-1

Appendix E: Relative

Weights

E-1

Appendix F: Incidence

of Disease, Parasitism, and Abnormalities of Fish

F-1

ii

---

LIST OF FIGURES

?No.?

Title?

Page

?

1?

Fish sampling locations within the Upstream and Downstream 1-55

segments of the lower Des Plaines River ?

2-2

?

2?

Spatial and temporal comparisons of surface or mid-depth water

temperatures at electrofishing locations, May-July 2004

?

3-3

?

3?

Spatial and temporal comparisons of surface or mid-depth water

temperatures at electrofishing locations, August-September 2004

? 3-4

?

4?

Spatial and temporal comparisons of surface or mid-depth dissolved

oxygen measurements at electrofishing locations, May-July 2004

? 3-7

?

5

?

Spatial and temporal comparisons of surface or mid-depth dissolved

oxygen measurements at electrofishing locations, August-September 2004

?

3-8

?

6?

Spatial comparisons of electrofishing catch rates, 2004

?

3-23

?

7?

Spatial comparisons of electrofishing mean IWBmod and native species

richness values, 2004

?

3-24

?

8?

Spatial comparisons of seining catch rates and mean native species

richness values, 2004

?

3-28

iii

---

LIST OF TABLES

No.

Title

Page

1 Intercept

(a) and slope (b) parameters for standard weight (Ws) equations

with minimum total lengths (mm) recommended for application

2-8

2 Summary

of surface or mid-depth physicochemical parameters measured

at electrofishing locations, 2004

3-2

3

List

of common and scientific names for fish taxa collected from

the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-10

4

Species

composition, number, biomass, and relative abundance of

fish collected from the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-11

5

Summary

of the number of fish collected within each segment of

the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-13

6

Species

composition, number, and relative abundance of fish collected

from the lower Des Plaines River, May-September 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004 3-14

7

Species

composition, number, and relative abundance of fish collected in two

segments of the lower Des Plaines River, May-September 1994, 1995,

and 1997-2004

3-17

8

Number,

CPE (No./km), and relative abundance of native fish collected

electrofishing within two segments of the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-25

9 Segment

vs. segment comparisons of mean electrofishing catch

parameters, 2004

3-26

10 CPE

and relative abundance of native fish collected electrofishing within two

segments of the lower Des Plaines River, May-September 1994, 1995,

and 1997-2004

3-29

11 Segment

vs. segment comparisons of mean electrofishing catch parameters

for 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004

3-33

12 Number,

CPE (No./haul), and relative abundance of native fish collected

seining within two segments of the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-34

13 CPE

and relative abundance of native fish collected seining within two

segments of the lower Des Plaines River, May-September 1994, 1995,

and 1997-2004

3-36

---

LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED)

No.

Title

Page

14 Interyear

comparisons of electrofishing catches (native species only) within

the Upstream 1-55 segment for the period of 15 June through August

3-39

15 Interyear

comparisons of mean electrofishing catch parameters within the

Upstream 1-55 and Downstream 1-55 segments for the period of

15 June through August

3-40

16 Interyear

comparisons of electrofishing catches (native species only) within

the Downstream 1-55 segment for the period of 15 June through August

3-42

17 Comparisons

of annual mean relative weights for native species between

two segments of the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-44

18 Spatial

comparisons of mean relative weight values for selected

native species, 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004

3-46

19 Interyear

comparisons of mean relative weight values for selected

native species

3-49

20 Comparisons

of the incidence of DELT anomalies between two segments

of the lower Des Plaines River, 2004

3-52

21 Comparisons

of the number and percentage of fish with fin erosion between

two segments of the lower Des Plaines River and the percentage that

fin erosion contributed to all DELT anomalies combined, 2004

3-53

22

Incidence

of DELT anomalies within the Upstream 1-55 segment,

1994, 1995, and 1997-2004

3-55

23

Incidence

of DELT anomalies within the Downstream 1-55 segment,

1994, 1995, and 1997-2004

3-57

24

Incidence

of DELT anomalies for common and abundant taxa collected within

the Upstream and Downstream 1-55 segments, 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004 .... 3-60

Vi

---

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Since 1997, alternative thermal limitations have been in effect at the 1-55 bridge (IPCB Order

and Opinion, AS96-10, dated 3 October 1996). Pursuant to an agreement with regulatory

agencies, a fisheries study has been conducted in the lower Des Plaines River, between the

Brandon Road Lock and Dam and its confluence with the Kankakee River, for the period of May

through September 1997-2004. The primary objective of this study has been to determine if the

alternative thermal limitations have had an adverse affect on the lower Des Plaines River fish

communities during the past eight years (when the more liberal thermal limits were in effect)

compared to 1994 and 1995 (when the thermal limits were more restrictive).

From May through September 2004, the fish community was assessed at 11 locations along 11.1

miles of the lower Des Plaines River (RM 274.4-RM 285.5) in the Dresden Pool. The study area

was segregated into two segments: 1) Upstream 1-55 (the Secondary Contact waters of the lower

Des Plaines River from the 1-55 bridge upstream to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam) and 2)

Downstream 1-55 (the General Use waters of the lower Des Plaines River from the 1-55 bridge

downstream to its confluence with the Kankakee River). Seven sampling locations were in the

Upstream 1-55 segment and four locations were in the Downstream 1-55 segment. In addition to

the base fisheries program that emphasized fish distribution and abundance, special studies were

conducted to assess fish robustness (i.e., relative weight index) and the incidence of DELT

(deformities, erosion, lesions, and tumors) anomalies. Physicochemical measurements were

made during each electrofishing collection. Data from the Upstream and Downstream 1-55

segments were compared among 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004.

In 2004, surface or mid-depth water temperatures at the electrofishing locations ranged from

20.2 to 36.1 C, whereas mean temperatures for the period of study typically ranged from 24.5 to

30.9 C at these locations. Mean water temperatures were, however, 1.9 to 6.4 C warmer within

the Joliet Stations' discharge canals and at the one or two locations directly downstream of them.

Mean 2004 springtime water temperatures for both segments were higher than those observed

during the previous nine study years, whereas, summertime water temperatures for both

segments were among the lowest observed in the past ten study years: When mean springtime

temperatures are compared among the study years, both segments have typically been higher

during 1997-2004 than in 1994 and 1995. On the other hand, mean summertime temperatures

within both segments during the past eight years have been intermediate to those of 1994 and

1995, except in 2002 when the Upstream 1-55 mean was higher than in 1994 or 1995.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in 2004 ranged from 5.0 to 16.1 ppm. In 2004, as well as

during the previous nine study years, DO concentrations during this monitoring program have

been consistently above the Secondary Contact Standard of 4 ppm within the Upstream 1-55

segment and consistently at or above the General Use Standard of 5 ppm within the Downstream

1-55 segment.

In 2004, a total of 160 gear efforts (88 electrofishing and 72 seining) was expended within the

lower Des Plaines River. These efforts produced 11,981 fish representing 57 species and two

hybrids. For electrofishing and seining combined, the catch was dominated numerically by

bluegill and bluntnose minnow, and to a lesser extent by green sunfish, gizzard shad, largemouth

bass, hybrid sunfish, and orangespotted sunfish. By weight, the combined catch was strongly

dominated by common carp. Orangethroat darter, after being collected during this monitoring

---

program (1978-2004) for the first time in 2003, was collected again in 2004. However, other

previous records of this species exist for the mainstem lower Des Plaines River and/or its

tributaries. One state-listed fish species was collected in 2004, the endangered pallid shiner (32

specimens). Pallid shiner has been collected from the study area in four of the past five years.

The abundance and distribution of pallid shiner in 2003 and 2004 was noticeably greater than

that observed in 2000 and 2002. Seventy round gobies were collected from the study area in

2004: 50 specimens within the Upstream 1-55 segment and twenty within the Downstream 1-55

segment.

In 2004, the total number species collected in Dresden Pool decreased from the program (1994-

2004) highs observed in 2002 and 2003. The lower species richness value during 2004 was

primarily due to a decrease in the number of cyprinid species (including grass carp and bighead

carp).

The total number of fish collected in 2004 was lower than that collected in 2002 and 2003 but

higher or similar to the numbers collected during the other seven study years. The decrease in

the 2004 catch from the substantially higher 2003 catch was largely due to decreases in the

numbers of gizzard shad and threadfin shad (including

Dorosoma sp.),

bluntnose minnow, green

sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, and bluegill.

As has been the case since 1993, exotic species (e.g., common carp) were excluded from the

spatial and interyear analyses of CPE, IWBmod, and species richness values because of the

confounding influence they exert on catch rates (both by weight and number).

In 2004, electrofishing CPEs (all native fish) were significantly higher downstream of 1-55 than

upstream of it; whereas, mean native species richness values and IWBmod scores were not

significantly different between the two segments. With respect to electrofishing CPEs, the

differential between the two segments was due primarily to the Downstream 1-55 segment

producing noticeably higher CPEs of green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, and bluegill. Based

on the mean IWBmod scores, the fish communities within both segments were classified as fair

in 2004. The seine data corroborated the electrofishing data in that: 1) catch rates (all native

species) were higher downstream of 1-55 than upstream of it; 2).between-segment disparities in

catch rates were largely due to the Downstream 1-55 segment producing noticeably higher CPEs

of bullhead minnow, gizzard shad (including YOY

Dorosoma sp.),

and bluegill; and 3) mean

species richness values were higher within the Downstream 1-55 segment than within the

Upstream 1-55, although for electrofishing, the difference was not statistically significant.

Comparisons of the between-segment spatial patterns for electrofishing mean CPEs (with or

without gizzard shad, orangespotted sunfish, and bluegill), mean IWBmod scores, and mean

native species richness among the past ten study years revealed that they have remained similar

during the past eight years when compared to 1994 and 1995. The seine data again corroborated

the electrofishing data in that the spatial trends for seining CPE and mean native species richness

values have been similar among nine of the past ten years.

Interyear analyses of electrofishing data collected between 15 June and the end of August, a

period when the alternative thermal limits and the warmest summer temperatures coincide,

revealed that: 1) the fish community in the Upstream 1-55 segment during the past eight years is

better than the one that was present during 1994 and 1995; and 2) fish community in the

---

Downstream 1-55 segment appears to be maintaining the "status quo", but the data do suggest

that it has improved somewhat during the past three years.

Fish condition (i.e., robustness) was evaluated using relative weights (Wr). Spatial and/or

interyear differences in mean Wr values were evaluated for gizzard shad, smallmouth buffalo,

channel catfish, green sunfish, bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and freshwater drum.

Although these analyses revealed that there have been significant differences in mean Wr values

between segments and among years, 79 percent of the spatial means and 77 percent of the

interyear means were greater than or equal to 95. This demonstrates that when significant

differences occurred, they were due primarily to the extent in which mean Wr values exceeded

the target value of 100 and not to suboptimal fish condition. In addition, Wr values of this

magnitude suggest that the populations of these eight species have nearly always been in average

or better than average condition, and that there does not appear to have been any long-term

significant health, food availability, and/or feeding relationship problems within the study area.

In fact, there were only 19 instances over the past ten study years when low mean Wr values

suggested that there may have been a health, food availability, and/or feeding relationship

problem. Instances of low Wr values were as follows: 1) gizzard shad from both segments in

2000, 2003, and 2004 (due to increased competition for food); 2) smallmouth buffalo from both

segments in 1994, downstream of I-55 in 2000, and upstream of 1-55 in 2003 and 2004; and 3)

smallmouth bass from both segments in 1997, 1998, and 2000 downstream of 1-55 in 2000, and

upstream of 1-55 in 2003. The consistent low mean Wr values for smallmouth bass suggest that

its Ws equation may not be appropriate for the lower Des Plaines River.

All fish collected during the past ten years have been examined for external anomalies. DELT

anomalies are the group of anomalies most relevant for assessment purposes because a clear

relationship has been established between the incidence rate (percentage) of DELT anomalies

and water quality. In 2004, a total of 910 fish (11.3 percent of the electrofishing catch),

representing 25 taxa, exhibited DELT anomalies within the study area. Spatially, DELT

incidence rates were higher within the Upstream 1-55 segment (15.2 percent) than within the

Downstream 1-55 segment (7.2 percent); the same pattern that has been observed during the ten

previous study years. Interyear comparisons of DELT affliction rates for both segments revealed

that they have been lower during the past eight years (particularly the most recent six years) than

in 1994 or 1995. Although the spatial pattern was the same in 2004; the rates were closer to the

higher levels observed in 1994, 1995, and 1997. The lower affliction rates during the past seven

years for both segments have also been due, at least in part, to higher numbers of bluntnose

minnow, emerald shiner, and/or gizzard shad (including YOY

Dorosoma

sp. in 2003) being

collected. In 2004, lower numbers of these three species were collected in the downstream

segment and with the exception of gizzard shad whose numbers was higher, the same trend was

observed in the upstream segment. However, even if these taxa are excluded from the

calculations, the affliction rates during the past eight years (particularly the most recent six) have

still been lower than those observed in 1994 and 1995. Although DELT affliction rates have

declined since 1994 and 1995, they continue to be abnormally high. Since bottom feeders have

consistently exhibited disproportionately higher rates of affliction, the study area sediments

likely contain contaminants that are responsible for or contribute to the abnomially high DELT

affliction rates.

Collectively, the water temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrofishing, seining, relative weight,

and DELT anomaly data indicate that the alternative thermal limitations that went into effect in

---

early 1997 at the 1-55 Bridge have not had an adverse effect on the fish communities in the

Upstream and Downstream 1-55 segments of the lower Des Plaines River.

The significant findings of this study were:

• Mean 2004 springtime water temperatures for both segments were higher than those

observed during the previous nine study years, whereas, mean summertime water

temperatures for both segments were among the lowest observed in the past ten study years.

•

In 2004, as well as during the previous nine study years, DO concentrations during this

monitoring program have been consistently above the Secondary Contact Standard of 4 ppm

within the Upstream 1-55 segment and consistently at or above the General Use Standard of 5

ppm within the Downstream 1-55 segment.

•

In 2004, 11,981 fish representing 57 species and two hybrids species were collected in

Dresden Pool. The total number of fish collected in 2004 was lower than that collected in

2002 and 2003 but higher or similar to the number of fish collected during the other seven

study years.

•

The collection of orangethroat darter represented only the second time this species has been

collected during the long-term monitoring program (1978-2004).

•

One state-listed fish species was collected in 2004, the endangered pallid shiner (32

specimens).

•

The number of round gobies collected in the Downstream 1-55 segment increased indicating

that the downstream distribution in the Upper Illinois Waterway of this exotic species is

continuing to expand.

•

Based on the mean IWBmod scores, the fish communities within both segments were

classified as fair in 2004.

•

The data collected during the 15 June to the end of August time period, in the past eight

years, indicate that the fish community in the Upstream 1-55 segment is better than the one

that was present during 1994 and 1995.

•

During this same time period, the fish community in the Downstream 1-55 segment appears

to be maintaining the "status quo", but the data do suggest that it has improved somewhat

during the past three years, compared to 1994-1995 and 1997.

•

Spatial patterns between both segments for electrofishing mean CPEs, mean IWBmod scores,

and mean native species richness have remained similar during the past eight years when

compared to 1994 and 1995.

• Based on mean Wr values, there do not appear to have been any significant health, food

availability, and/or feeding relationship problems within the study area for the species

studied.

---

•

DELT affliction rates in both segments have been lower during the past eight years

(particularly the past six) than in 1994 and 1995. Although this same pattern was observed in

2004; the rates were closer to the higher levels observed in 1994, 1995, and 1997. DELT

affliction rates continue to abnormally high throughout the study area, particularly on

bottom feeders.

•

Both the Upstream and Downstream 1-55 segments show improvements for all parameters

during the period when the new thermal limits have been in place. The adjusted thermal

limitations, which went into effect in early 1997 at the 1-55 Bridge, have not had an

adverse effect on the fish communities in the Upstream or Downstream 1-55 segments.

---

1 INTRODUCTION

In October 1996, the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) approved Commonwealth Edison

Company's (ComEd) alternative thermal limitations at the 1-55 bridge (IPCB Order and Opinion,

AS96-10, dated 3 October 1996). Pursuant to an agreement between ComEd and regulatory

agencies, a fisheries study has been conducted in the lower Des Plaines River, between the

Brandon Road Lock and Darn and its confluence with the Kankakee River, for the period of May

through September during the past eight years (EA 1998-2004 and this report). Midwest

Generation EME, LLC is conducting water quality and fisheries studies in order to provide

current information that addresses concerns about the waterway. Midwest Generation acquired

the Fisk, Crawford, Will County, and Joliet Generating Stations from ComEd in December 1999.

Since the applicability of the 1-55 alternative thermal limitations was also legally transferred to

Midwest Generation as part of the acquisition process, Midwest Generation has continued the

fisheries study. The IPCB supported the transfer of the alternative thermal limits from ComEd to

Midwest Generation (IPCB Order and Opinion, AS96-10, dated 16 March 2000). This report

summarizes the methodologies and results of the 2004 monitoring effort.

To understand and evaluate the fish community of the lower Des Plaines River properly, it is

important to understand the morphology, history, and evolution of the entire Upper Illinois

Waterway (UfW). In 1871, the flow of the Chicago River was reversed in order to divert

sanitary wastes from the City of Chicago away from Lake Michigan to protect the drinking water

source for the City. The polluted water of the Chicago River was directed through the Illinois

and Michigan (I&M) Canal into the Des Plaines River and subsequently into the Illinois River at

Hennepin. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal (CSSC) was opened in 1900, bringing with it

everal-thousand-cubic-feet

per second of diverted Lake Michigan-water4Talkington 1991). The

new canal was cut into the channels of the South Branch of the Chicago River and the I&M

Canal through the Chicago Portage area. At that point, it becomes a separate third channel

parallel to the Des Plaines River and the old I&M Canal. About 40 miles downstream, it enters

the Des Plaines River between Lockport and Joliet.

In 1919, the state began constructing the Illinois Waterway, which created a new and even larger

channel through the Chicago River, the CSSC, the Des Plaines River, and the Illinois River,

shaping them into a continuous navigation route at least 9 feet deep and at least 300 feet wide

from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River (Talkington 1991). The waterway project required

construction of seven major locks and a new set of relatively high dams in the 1930s, including a

40-foot high dam on the Des Plaines River just south of Lockport and a 34-foot high dam just

south of Joliet at Brandon Road. At Dresden Island, about two miles downstream from the

confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers (where the Illinois River begins), there is a

darn that is 22-feet high.

As a result of these extensive modifications, the UIW is now (and has been for over 70 years) a

series of reservoirs or'impoundments maintained principally to facilitate barge traffic and convey

treated effluents from sewage treatment plants. Pool levels are controlled and flows are

manipulated frequently. This control also reduces the frequency and magnitude of natural,

seasonal flushing events. Dresden Pool (i.e., the Upstream and Downstream 1-55 segments) is a

flooded river drainage and has a fair amount of "natural" shoreline area and a number of natural

---

tributaries. The upper two pools (Lockport and Brandon) are mostly artificial, straight dredged

channels with nearly vertical sides. Due to the channelized nature of the UIW, habitat is, on

average, poor. Habitat is poorest in Lockport Pool, and though marginally better in Brandon

Pool and somewhat better in the Dresden Pool, is still only poor to fair in these pools. Habitats

in the UIW are only poor to fair because of: 1) sparse amounts of riffle/run habitat; 2) sparse

amounts of clean, hard substrates (i.e., gravel and cobble); 3) excessive siltation; 4)

channelization; 5) poor riparian and flood plain areas; and 6) lack of cover (EA 1996a; Midwest

Generation and EA 2003). In addition, there is a wide variety of historic and current sources of

pollutants, and contaminated sediments are present (Illinois EPA 1992; Sparks and Ross 1992;

Burton 1995; Midwest Generation and EA 2003).

The 2004 fish study consisted of monitoring fish population and abundance at 11 locations along

11.1 miles of the lower Des Plaines River (RM 274.4-RM 285.5) in the Dresden Pool. The

objectives of the 2004 UIW fish study were to:

•

determine the species composition and relative abundance of fish within two segments of the

study area: 1) Upstream 1-55 (the Secondary Contact waters of the lower Des Plaines River

from the 1-55 bridge upstream to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam) and 2) Downstream 1-55

(the_General_Use_waters of the lower Des Plaines River from the 1-55 bridge downstream to

the rivers confluence with the Kankakee River);

•

determine spatial trends of composition, distribution, and abundance of fishes with respect to

the two segments and compare them among 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004; and

•

determine-longitudinal-patterns of fish condition and anomalies in the study area, and

compare them among 1994, 1995, and 1997-2004.

This study represents the 26`11

year (1978-1995 and 1997-2004) during which Commonwealth

Edison or Midwest Generation-sponsored fish studies have been conducted within the Upstream

and Downstream 1-55 segments.

---

2 METHODS

Fish sampling was conducted at 11 locations along 11.1 miles of the lower Des Plaines River

(RM 274.4-RM 285.5). Two Midwest Generation generating stations are located within this

stretch, Joliet Station #9 at RM 284.9 and Joliet Station #29 at RM 284.6 (Figure

1).

Sampling

was conducted once in May (11

th-12th),

once in early June

(8th-9th),

and twice per month in July

(7th_8 ch and 20th-21

st), August (10(10thth-1-

h and 26th-27th), and September (

8

th_ 9th

and 27th-2

8th).

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING GEARS

2.1.1 Electrofishing

Electrofishing was conducted at all 11 locations using a boat-mounted electrofishing system

energized by a 230-volt, 5000-watt, three-phase AC generator. Each electrofishing zone was 500

m long. Electrofishing was conducted in a downstream direction at eight of the 11 locations.

Due to the lack of current, the other three locations (i.e., Locations 408, 414, and 418) were

sampled by a combination of upstream and downstream electrofishing. Electrofishing began no

earlier than 0.5 hours after sunrise and finished no later than 0.5 hours before sunset. The

sampling crew consisted of a driver and a dipper. Both individuals had long-handled dip nets for

catching stunned fish.

2.1.2 Seining

Seining was conducted at nine locations using a straight seine that was 25 feet (7.6 m) long by 6

feet (1.8 m) deep with 3/16-inch (4.8 mm) Ace mesh. The sampling distance depended upon the

seinable area available at each location and, to the extent possible, was kept constant during each

sampling period. If electrofishing and seining were conducted in the same area on the same day,

seining was conducted first and at least one hour elapsed before electrofishing was conducted.

Sampling areas were consistent with those of previous years.

2.2 DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING LOCATIONS

The study area was segregated into two segments (from upstream to downstream): 1) Upstream

1-55 (the Secondary Contact waters of the lower Des Plaines River from the 1-55 bridge upstream

to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam) and 2) Downstream 1-55 (the General Use waters of the

lower Des Plaines River from the 1-55 bridge downstream to its confluence with the Kankakee

River). Seven sampling locations were in the Upstream 1-55 segment and four locations were in

the Downstream 1-55 segment (Figure 1). Each sampling location is described below.

References to left and right banks are with respect to facing downstream.

2.2.1 Upstream 1-55 Locations

Location 402 -- Brandon Dam Tailwater (RM 285.5)

Electrofishing is conducted along both banks at this location. The left bank is fished by

"skirting" a shallow clay flat. This zone begins at the second duck blind upstream of the

"mouth" of the tailwater and continues downstream to the end of the shallow clay flat, a distance

---

Brandon Road

-402A

Lock and Dam

Joliet Station

#9

Dresden Island

Lock and Dam

Discharge

Dresden

Station

Intake

MILES

0123

?4

Figure 1. Fish Sampling Locations within the Upstream

and Downstream 1-55 segments of the lower

Des Plaines River.

6139314_ph0000_Figtcdr

---

of 340 m. An additional 160 m is fished along the right bank, beginning just downstream of a

gravel riffle and ending at the downstream point of a peninsula. Seining is conducted along the

left bank near the first duck blind upstream of the "mouth".

Location

402A --

Joliet Stations #9 and #29, Upstream of Both Discharge Canals (RM

285.1) -- Main Channel Border

Electrofishing begins –50 m upstream of the Joliet Station #9 intake and extends downstream

along the left bank for 340 m, ending at a small tree –30 m upstream of the mouth of the

discharge canal. The area immediately in front of the intake is not sampled. An additional 160

m is electrofished along the right bank directly upstream of the aerial bridge. Seining is not

conducted at this location.

Location 403 -- Joliet Stations #9 and #29 Discharge Canals (RM 284.9 [#9] and RM

284.6 [#29]) -- Thermally Enhanced -- Main Channel Border

Electrofishing is conducted for 250 m in both canals. Sampling is conducted along the right

banks of both canals. Seining is not conducted at this location. Physicochemical parameters in

Joliet Station #29's canal are measured upstream of the outfall of the supplemental cooling

towers.

The 24 supplemental cooling towers at Joliet Station #29 were used several times during the

summer to minimize any potential thermal impacts to the lower Des Plaines River. These towers

are used on an as-needed basis in order to assist in maintaining compliance with both near-field

and far-field thermal limitations, while optimizing megawatt loading during peak power demand

periods.

Location 403A -- Caterpillar Co., Downstream of Both Discharge Canals (RM 283.8)

--

Thermally Enhanced -- Main Channel Border

Electrofishing is conducted for 250 m along each river bank. As such, this location is sampled in

the same manner as the Joliet Station's discharge canals (i.e., Location 403) and provides near-

field data downstream of both discharges. The upstream end of the right bank electrofishing

zone is located approximately 400 m upstream of a 42-inch storm water outfall. The start of the

left bank electrofishing zone is located across the river and slightly upstream of the start of the

right bank electrofishing zone. Seining is conducted along the right bank, approximately 100 m

downstream of the 42-inch storm water outfall.

Location 404A – Amoco Chemical Corp. (RM 280.5) -- Main Channel Border

This location is located along the right bank of the river, just upstream of Treats Island.

Electrofishing begins at Amoco Chemical's dock and extends downstream for 500 m. Seining is

conducted near the midpoint of the electrofishing zone.

Location 405 -- Treats Island (RM

279.7) --

Side Channel

The electrofishing zone begins –800 m upstream of the mouth of the Jackson Creek Diversion

Channel and extends downstream along the left bank for 500 m. Seining is conducted at a gravel

bar located near the mouth of the Jackson Creek Diversion Channel.

---

Location 408 --

Mouth of Jackson Creek (RM

278.3) --

Tributary Mouth

Electrofishing is conducted along both banks at this location. For the left bank, electrofishing

begins —20 m upstream of the mouth of Jackson Creek and ends at the Jackson Creek dam trash

racks, a distance of 390 m. Depending on the elevation of the lower Des Plaines River, water is

sometimes observed flowing through the trash racks upstream into Jackson Creek, and at other

times downstream towards the mouth. For the right bank, electrofishing begins —20 m

downstream of the Jackson Creek dam and continues towards the mouth for 110 m, ending —30

m upstream of the mouth. Seining is conducted along the right bank, opposite Exxon Mobil's

intake.

2.2.2

Downstream 1-55 Locations

Location

412A --

Bear Island West Bank of River (RM 276.5) -- Main Channel Border

Electrofishing begins adjacent to the residence at the upstream end of the island and extends

downstream for 500 m, ending near the downstream tip of the island. Seining is conducted

beneath the transmission lines.

Location 414 — Bear Island Slough (RIVI 275.9)

The electrofishing zone begins at the downstream end of Bear Island and continues upstream

along the island for 500 m. Seining is conducted along the southern tip of the island.

Location 418 -- Mouth of Grant Creek (RM

274.8) --

Tributary Mouth

This location is located south of the Grant Creek Cut-Off. Electrofishing is conducted along

both banks at this location. The zone along the east bank begins 250 m upstream of the bridge

and ends at the bridge. The zone along the west bank begins approximately 50 m upstream of

the bridge and continues upstream for 250 m. Seining is conducted near the start of the east bank

electrofishing zone.

Location 419A -- Bayhill Marina (RM

274.4) --

Main Channel Border

The 500 m electrofishing zone is located along the right bank, immediately upstream of a rock

wall near a picnic area. Seining is conducted along the right bank, —400 m downstream of the

rock wall (-100 m downstream of the river bend).

2.3 FISH PROCESSING

All fish were counted and identified to the lowest practical taxonomic level, usually species. For

each location and gear, a maximum of 30 specimens of each species collected was measured for

total length (mm) and weighed (g). If over 30 individuals of a species were collected at any

location, then 30 representative individuals were measured and weighed. The remaining

individuals were plus counted and batch weighed. Minnows (excluding carp, goldfish, and their

hybrid) and other small forage species (e.g., darters, brook silverside, etc.) were identified,

counted, and batch weighed. All fish were maintained in water immediately after collection and

until processing. After processing, they were returned to the river. All fish not processed in the

---

field were preserved in formalin, labeled, and returned to the laboratory for processing where

they were processed in the same manner as those in the field. A voucher collection of unusual or

taxonomically difficult species was compiled.

All fish encountered were examined for external anomalies. All external anomalies were

classified as follows: DELT anomalies (deformities, erosions, lesions, and tumors; Ohio EPA

1987 and 1996), parasites, or "other" abnormalities. The following is a review of DELT

anomalies and their causes in freshwater fishes (Ohio EPA 1989):

1)

Deformities -

These anomalies can affect the head, spine, or fins, and have a variety of causes

including toxic chemicals, viruses, bacteria (e.g.,

Mycobacterium sp.),

and protozoan

parasites (e.g.,

Myxosoma cerebalis)

(Ohio EPA 1989).

2)

Eroded fin, gill cover, barbel, or other body part -

These are the result of chronic disease

principally caused by flexibacteria invading the tissue and causing necrosis (Post 1983).

Necrosis of the fins may also be caused by gryodactylids, a small trematode parasite (Ohio

EPA 1989). For this study, fin erosion was separated into three categories: slight erosion

(<1/3 of fin eroded); moderate erosion (1/3-2/3 of fin eroded), and severe erosion (>2/3 of fin

eroded) (Appendix F).

3)

Lesions and Ulcers -

These appear as open sores or exposed tissue and can be caused by viral

(e.g.,

Lymphocystis

sp.) or bacterial (e.g.,

Flexibacter columnaris, Aeromonas

spp.,

Vibrio

sp.) infections (Ohio EPA 1989).

4) Tumors -

These result from the loss of carefully regulated cellular proliferative growth in

tissue and are generally referred to as neoplasia. In wild fish populations, tumors can be the

result of exposure to toxic chemicals. Baumann et al. (1987) identified polynuclear aromatic

hydrocarbons (PAHs) as the cause of hepatic tumors in brown bullheads in the Black River

(Ohio). Viral infections (e.g., Lymphocystis) can also cause tumors. Parasites (e.g.,

Glugea

anomala

and

Ceratomyxa shasta;

Post 1983) may cause tumor-like masses, but these are not

counted as tumors. Parasite masses can be squeezed and broken between the thumb and

forefinger whereas true tumors are firm and not easily broken (Ohio EPA 1989).

Only those anomalies visible to the naked eye were recorded. Exact counts of anomalies present

(i.e., the number of tumors, lesions, etc. per fish) were not recorded. An external anomaly is

defined as the presence of externally visible skin or subcutaneous disorders, and is expressed as

percent of affected fish among all fish processed (Ohio EPA 1989).

2.4 PHYSICOCHEMICAL MEASUREMENTS (Electrofishing only)

Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, percent oxygen saturation, and water temperature were

measured at the surface, at subsequent one-meter depth intervals, and at the bottom at each

sampling location, but only at mid-depth where the water was one-meter or less in depth. In

addition, near surface specific conductance and Secchi disk measurements were also taken.

Measurements were taken on each day at those locations where electrofishing was conducted.

Instruments used to measure temperature were checked against a calibrated thermometer.

Instruments used to measure dissolved oxygen and percent oxygen saturation were calibrated

before each measurement. In addition, immediately before each sampling day, these instruments

---

were checked against the Winkler method as specified in

Standard Methods for the Examination

of Water and Wastewater

(current edition). The conductivity meter was also checked against a

standard before each electrofishing sampling day.

2.5 DATA HANDLING AND ANALYSIS

Field and laboratory data were entered on foims compatible for computer entry following

serialization, diga-coding, and QA/QC checks. Data were managed in a SAS format (Version

8.2) to provide flexibility in reporting study results.

Data from electrofishing were reported as number, catch-per-unit-effort (CPE, number per

kilometer), and percent abundance for each species. Data were segregated by location, segment,

and sampling period. Data obtained by seining were reported as number, CPE (number per

haul), and percent abundance for each species by location, segment, and sampling period.

Summaries of the catch data for each gear type were prepared for combined dates. Total number

of fish, total number of species, CPEs, and percent abundance were included in the summaries.

For the total species counts, hybrids are not counted and genus level identifications (e.g., unid.

Lepomis)

are only counted as a "species" when no species of that genus were collected.

Index of Well-Being (IWB) was calculated for each electrofishing sample. The IWB was

developed by Gammon (1976) and uses the number, weight, and diversity of fishes to assess the

health of the community. The IWB is calculated according to the formula:

IWB = 0.5 In N + 0.5 In B + d(no.) + d(wt.)

where: N = Number of fish collected per kilometer

B = Biomass (in kg) of fish per kilometer

d(no.) = Shannon diversity index based on numbers.

d(wt.) = Shannon diversity index based on weight.

If B was less than 1 kg, then B was always assigned a value of 1 kg to prevent

negative IWB or IWBmod values.

The IWB is regularly used in the Midwest and has been shown to work reasonably well even

outside the Midwest (Hughes and Gammon 1987). It was developed for use on large

Midwestern rivers such as the Wabash and Ohio so its use on the UIW is appropriate. In

addition, Ohio even incorporates IWB criteria into its State water quality standards.

Since 1993, this study has used the version of the IWB that was modified (IWBmod) by Ohio

EPA to make it more sensitive to a wider array of environmental disturbances, particularly those

that result in shifts in community composition without large reductions in species richness,

numbers, and/or biomass (Ohio EPA 1987). This modification calls for the exclusion of 13

highly tolerant species, all hybrids, and all exotic species from the number and weight

calculations. However, these taxa are included in the two Shannon index calculations. This

modification eliminates the "undesired" effect caused by a high abundance of tolerant species

(which clearly is the case in the UIW), but retains their "desired" influence on the Shannon

indices. Ohio EPA's 13 highly tolerant species are central mudminnow, common carp, goldfish,

golden shiner, bluntnose minnow, fathead minnow, eastern blacknose dace, creek chub, white

sucker, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, banded killifish, and green sunfish. In addition to

---

these 13 species, the following exotics and hybrids collected during this study are excluded

during calculation of the IWBmod: threadfin shad, common carp x goldfish hybrid, western

mosquitofish,

Lepomis

hybrid, and round goby. Our classification of exotic species for this

study is discussed in greater detail in Section 3.2.3.

Fish condition was evaluated using the relative weight (Wr) index (Wege and Anderson 1978).

This index represents a refinement of the relative condition factor concept and allows for

interpopulational comparisons by making the standard weight-length regression species-specific

rather than population-specific. Relative weight is calculated as:

Wr = W/Ws X 100

where, W is the measured weight and Wr is the length-specific standard weight predicted by a

weight-length regression constructed to represent the species as a whole. Length-specific

standard weight functions are in the form:

logio

Ws = a + (b x log

i

o total length)

where, a (intercept) and b (slope) ideally account for genetically determined shape characteristics

of a species and yield Wr values of 100 at particular times of the year for fish that have been well

fed (Anderson and Gutreuter 1983).

Intercept, slope, and minimum length values for the Ws equation have been published for 35

species and one hybrid known from the UIW (Bister et al. 2000; Anderson and Neumann 1996;

Murphy et al. 1991) (Table 1). Minimum lengths are established because the accuracy in

weighing fish decreases markedly for smaller individuals and minimum lengths represent the

length at which the variance to mean ratio for log

io sharply increases (Murphy et al. 1991).

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test were the statistical methods

used to test for spatial and interyear differences in CPE, IWBmod, species richness, and Wr

values. Before each data set was statistically evaluated using these methods, it was analyzed to

determine whether or not the data were normally distributed. If data were not normally

distributed, they were transformed using Log (Y+1).

---

Table 1. Intercept (a) and Slope (b) Parameters for Standard Weight (Ws) Equations with Minimum

Total Lengths (mm) Recommended for Application (a).

Species

Intercept (a)

Slope (b)

Minimum

Length

Reference or developer

Longnose gar

-6.811

3.449

200

Bister et al. (2000)

Gizzard shad

-5.376

3.170

180

Anderson and Gutreuter (1983)

Rainbow trout (lentic)

-4.898

2.990

120

Simpkins and Hubert (unpublished)

Brook trout

-5.085

3.043

130

Whelan and Taylor (1984)

Chinook salmon

-4.661

2.901

200

Halseth et al. (1990)

Northern pike

-5.437

3.096

100

Willis (unpublished)

Common carp

-4.639

2.920

200

Bister et al. (2000)

Golden shiner

-5.593

3.302

50

Liao et al. (1995)

Bigmouth buffalo

-5.069

3.118

150

Bister et al. (2000)

Smallmouth buffalo

-5.298

3.208

200

Bister et al. (2000)

River carpsucker

-4.839

2.992

130

Bister et al. (2000)

White sucker

-4.755

2.940

100

Bister et al. (2000)

Shorthead redhorse

-4.841

2.962

100

Bister et al. (2000)

Black bullhead

-4.974

3.085

130

Bister et al. (2000)

Yellow bullhead

-5.374

3.232

60

Bister et al. (2000)

Brown bullhead

-5.076

3.105

130

Bister et al. (2000)

Channel catfish

-5.800

3.294

70

Brown et al. (1995)

Flathead catfish

-5.542

3.230

130

Bister et al. (2000)

White perch

-5.122

3.136

80

Bister et al. (2000)

White bass

-5.066

3.081

115

Brown and Murphy (1991)

Yellow bass

-5.142

3.133

70

Bister et al. (2000)

Striped bass

-4.924

3.007

150

Brown and Murphy (1991)

Hybrid Morone

-5.201

3.139

115

Brown and Murphy (1991)

Rock bass

-4.827

3.074

80

Bister et al. (2000)

Green sunfish

-4.915

3.101

60

Bister et al. (2000)

Pumpkinseed

-5.179

3.237

50

Liao et al. (1995)

Warmouth

-5.180

3.241

80

Bister et al. (2000)

Bluegill

-5.374

3.316

80

Hillman (1982)

Largemouth bass

-5.316

3.191

150

Wege and Angerson (1978)

Smallmouth bass

-5.329

3.200

150

Kolander et al. (1993)

Black crappie

-5.61

.

8

3.345

100

Neumann and Murphy (1991)

White crappie

-5.642

3.332

100

Neumann and Murphy (1991)

Sauger

-5.492

3.187

70

C.S. Guy (unpublished)

Walleye

-5.453

3.180

150

Murphy et al. (1990)

Yellow perch

-5.386

3.230

100

Willis et al. (1991)

Freshwater drum

-5.419

3.204

100

Blackwell et al. (1995)

(a) Sources: Bister et al. 2000, Anderson and Neumann 1996, and Murphy et al. 1991.

---

3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 PHYSICOCHEMICAL

MEASUREMENTS

Table 2 summarizes surface or mid-depth temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) values, near

surface specific conductivity measurements (i.e., adjusted to 25 C), and Secchi disk (i.e.,

transparency) depths. Surface or mid-depth temperature and DO measurements for each location

and survey are presented in Figures 2 through 5. Appendix A contains all physicochemical data

by location, depth, and sampling period.

3.1.1 Water

Temperature

Surface or mid-depth water temperatures ranged from 20.2 to 36.1 C at the 11 electrofishing

locations (Table 2 and Appendix A). The 36.1 C value was measured on 20 July within Joliet

Station's #29 discharge canal (i.e., Location 403), upstream of the cooling towers' outfall

(Appendix A). All physicochemical measurements within this discharge canal were measured

upstream of the cooling towers' outfall. Electrofishing was conducted upstream and downstream

of the outfall from the cooling towers. Among the 11 locations, mean temperatures during the

study period were lowest (24.5-26.0 C) at the two locations upstream of the Joliet Stations (i.e.,

Locations 402 and 402A) and within the two backwater locations downstream of 1-55 (i.e.,

Locations 414 and 418), highest within the Joliet Stations' discharge canals (i.e., Location 403,

30.9 C) and at the location directly downstream of these canals (i.e., Location 403A, 30.5 C), and

intermediate (26.9-28.6 C) at the remaining five sampling locations (Table 2). Thus, mean

temperatures at Locations 403 and 403A were 1.9 to 6.4 C warmer than at other locations. Mean

temperatures during the study period were 2.5 C warmer within the Upstream 1-55 segment than

within the Downstream 1-55 segment (Table 2).

The spatial pattern discussed above with respect to where the lowest and highest temperatures

occurred was fairly consistent among the eight surveys (Figures 2 and 3; Appendix A). For

example, during all eight surveys, warmest temperatures occurred at the Joliet Stations'

discharge canals (i.e., Location 403) or at the location directly downstream of these canals

(Location 403A). Coolest temperatures occurred at either or both of the locations upstream of

the influence of the generating stations (i.e., Locations 402 and/or 402A) during three of the

eight surveys (i.e., May, early June, and late July). For the remaining five surveys, coolest

temperatures were measured at one of the two backwater locations within the Downstream 1-55

segment (i.e., Bear Island slough [Location 414] or the mouth of Grant Creek [Location 418]).

Among surveys, coolest mean temperatures occurred in May (25.7 C), whereas the highest mean

water temperature occurred during late July (31.3 C) (Table 2). In fact, temperatures were

greater than or equal to 30 C at seven of the 11 sampling locations during late July (Figure 2).

The warm mean water temperature during the late July survey was coincident with high air

temperatures:

Maximum Air

Date

Temperature (F)'

20 July

90

21 July

87

Chicago's Midway Airport (AccuWeather.com 2005)

---

TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF SURFACE OR MID-DEPTH PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS MEASURED AT ELECTROFISHING LOCATIONS, 2004.

TEMPERATURE

(C)

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

(ppm)

DISSOLVED OXYGEN

Percent Saturation

CONDUCTIVITY

(4S/cm)

SECCHI (cm)

TRIP

MEAN MIN MAX MEAN MIN MAX

MEAN MIN MAX

MEAN

MIN MAX

MEAN

MIN MAX

11-12 MAY

25.7

21.5 28.8 11.0 8.5 16.1 138

102 196 1196 859

1578

55

35

72

8-9 JUN

27.8 24.0 32.9 9.0 7.4 12.7

115

95 156 915 610 961

70

32

94

7-8 JUL

26.8 24.4 29.3

7.7 6.5 10.8

97

78 128

686 645

709

55

42

66

20-21 JUL

31.3

28.3

36.1 7.9

6.3

12.4

107

85 163 772 734

790

67

33

81

10-11 AUG

25.7 20.3 29.3 7.7 6.2 13.0

94

72 139

688 661 715

62

32

88

26-27 AUG

29.2 26.3 35.0 6.8 5.0 8.8

89

66 110 719 644

758

48

37

64

8-9 SEP

28.2 23.5 31.5 8.1

6.7 10.7 104

86 123

806 688 843

57

39

71

27-28 SEP

27.6

20.2 32.1

9.6 7.8 11.0 121

98 146

816 765

863

55

35

61

LOCATION

402

25.4

21.5

28.4 8.1

7.0 9.2

99 • 86

107

824

661 1217

59

45

89

402A

25.9 21.8 28.3

7.6 6.7 9.0

94

86 107

827 670 1195

66

57

94

403

30.9 27.4 36.1

7.7 6.2 10.9 104

85

143 840

682

1215

60

40

79

403A

30.5 27.1 34.6 8.2 6.6 10.6 109

89 138 828 679

1202

64

53

85

404A

28.6

27.0 31.9 8.6 6.8 11.0 112

86 144 876 667 1578

63

53

77

405

28.4 26.9 31.7 8.7

6.0 12.2 113

77 155 820

647

1162

64

37

88

408

28.3

26.2 31.9. 8.0 5.0 11.0

105

66 146 823

645 1198

64

50

72

412A

26.9 24.3

30.6 8.7 6.3 12.9 110

81

170 843 694

1185

61

37

81

414

26.0 20.3 29.3 10.5

6.1 16.1 128

76 196 830

685

1152

45

32

53

418

24.5

20.2 28.5 10.4 8.8 12.7 124 110 156 711 610

859

39

32

48

419A

27.1 24.5 30.2

7.5 6.3 10.7

94

72 138

837

695 1187

59

47

71

SEGMENT

UPSTREAM 1-55

28.6 21.5 36.1 8.1

5.0 12.2 105

66 155

835

645 1578

62

37

94

DOWNSTREAM 1-55

26.1

20.2 30.6

9.3 6.1

16.1 114

72 196

805

610

1187

51

32

81

---

. - X

-

• cr

Figure 2. Spatial and Temporal Comparisons of Surface or Mid-Depth

Water Temperatures at Electrofishing Locations, May-July 2004.

Upstream 1-55

Downstream 1-55

+ – .

– -

?

/

• •

,+

38

36

34

32

30

'

0

F

-

24

22

20

18

16

-----

?

?

?

?

?

•?

14 -

0

ca.

Joliet

Stations

402?

402A?

403

?

403A?

404A

?

Location

4Q5?

408?

412A?

414?

418

?

419A

—10--

11-12 MAY —?

8-9 JUN - - - -7-8 JUL —?

- 20-21 JUL

Note: Values for Location 403 are means of measurements from Joliet Stations' #9 and #29 discharge canals.

---

Figure 3. Spatial and Temporal Comparisons of Surface or Mid-Depth

Water Temperatures at Electrofishing Locations, August-September 2004.

Upstream 1-55?

Downstream 1-55

•?

38

36

34

32

30

(-27

28

c.2

w

26

0.

a)

E

0 24 -

I

-

22 -

20 -

18

/?

.-..

■A

/

?

I-/

?

. : ...:..,

\

\

/

?

„?

• :: \......

1//

/

?

//-

?

?

\.'"k

\?

-

-— ...-

— - —+— - — — - —Fs

? — —?

- -----

16

Joliet

Stations

14

402?

402A?

403?

403A?

404A?

405?

408?

412A?

414?

418?

419A

Location

•-- 10 11 AUG — — 26-27 AUG -- --8-9 SEP —

?

- 27-28 SEP

Note: Values for Location 403 are means of measurements from Joliet Stations' #9 and #29 discharge canals.

---

The mean water temperature was also wain.). (29.2 C) during the late August survey. Maximum

air temperatures during this period were similar to the mean water temperature on the first day

and typical of August air temperatures for this date on the second sample day.

Maximum Air

Date

Temperature (F)'

27 August

84

28 August

79

I

Chicago's Midway Airport (AccuWeather.com 2005)

Mean springtime (i.e., May) water temperatures (C) for the two segments in 2004 were higher

than during the previous nine study years (EA 1995, 1996c, and 1998-2004):

Year

Upstream 1-55

Downstream 1-55

2004

25.9

24.8

2003

20.9

19.8

2002

21.9

23.2

2001

24.5

22.8

2000

25.1

21.2

1999

20.7

24.0

1998

19.1

19.7

1997

19.0

16.4

1995

17.4

19.0

1994

17.7

17.7

Mean springtime temperatures within both segments have typically been higher during the past

eight years compared to 1994 and 1995. The spatial trend for mean springtime temperatures in

2004 was similar to those observed in 1997, 2000, 2001 and 2003, in that they were slightly

higher upstream of 1-55 than downstream of it. For the remaining five study years, mean

temperatures were either similar between the two segments or higher within the Downstream

1-55 segment.

In contrast to mean springtime water temperatures, mean summertime (i.e., 15 June-September)

water temperatures (C) in both segments during 2004 were among the lowest observed during

the past 10 study years:

Year

Upstream 1-55

Downstream 1-55

2004

28.8

26.1

2003

29.7

27.3

2002

31.1

28.0

2001

28.6

27.9

2000

29.7

27.5

1999

29.9

27.8

1998

29.5

28.3

1997

28.5

26.8

1995

30.7

30.3

1994

26.7

25.7

In fact, with the exception of the Upstream 1-55 mean in 2002, which was the highest among

years compared, mean summertime temperatures within both segments during the past eight

years have been intermediate to those of 1994 and 1995. The spatial trends for mean

summertime temperatures have been consistent during each of the past 10 study years, slightly

warmer in the Upstream 1-55 segment than within the Downstream 1-55 segment.

---

3.1.2 Dissolved

Oxygen

Surface or mid-depth dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations ranged from 5.0 to 16.1 ppm (Table

2 and Appendix A). DO concentrations within the Upstream 1-55 segment were consistently

above the Secondary Contact Standard of 4 ppm and DO concentrations within the Downstream

1-55 segment were consistently above the General Use Standard of 5 ppm. The lowest value was

measured within the mouth of Jackson Creek (i.e., Location 408) on 26 August, and the highest

value was measured within Bear Island Slough (i.e., Location 414) on 12 May (Figures 4 and 5).

Spatially, mean DO and percent saturation values were highest within the two backwaters of the

Downstream 1-55 segment (i.e., Locations 414 and 418) and lowest at main channel border

Locations 402A and 419A (Table 2). DO and percent saturation values were highest at either or

both of these backwater locations during seven of the eight surveys and lowest at either or both

Locations 402A and 419A during five (DO) or six (percent saturation) of the eight surveys

(Figures 4 and 5; Appendix A). No consistent longitudinal trends in DO or percent saturation

values were evident for either the surveys combined or individual survey data (Table 2; Figures 4

and 5; Appendix A). Mean DOs during the study period were 1.2 ppm lower within the

Upstream 1-55 segment than within the Downstream 1-55 segment, but mean percent saturation

values were similar (Table 2).

Temporally, mean DO and percent saturation values were highest in May, early June, and late

September, and lowest in late August (Table 2). Mean values among the other four surveys were

similar.

The annual mean (i.e., May-September) DO values from each segment in 2004 were within their

respective range of values observed during the previous nine study years:

Year Upstream 1-55?

Downstream 1-55

2004

8.1

9.3

2003

8.3

8.9

2002

8.5

8.9

2001

8.4

10.8

2000

8.0

9.5

1999

7.7

10.3

1998

8.2

9.7

1997

8.2

9.3

1995

7.5

10.8

1994

7.9

9.7

The spatial pattern for annual mean DO values was identical in each of these 10 years, higher

downstream of 1-55 than upstream of it. For each of the 10 years analyzed, DO concentrations

within the Upstream 1-55 segment were consistently above the Secondary Contact Standard of 4

ppm and DO concentrations within the Downstream 1-55 segment were consistently at or above

the General Use Standard of 5 ppm (Table 2; EA 1995, 1996c, and 1998-2004).

---

18

17 -

16

15

14

13

12 -

11 -

10-

9-

8-

7 -

6

5 -

4 -

3 -

2

E

0.

0

a)

0

-a

0

U)

3

Figure 4. Spatial and Temporal Comparisons of Surface or Mid-Depth

Dissolved Oxygen Measurements at Electrofishing Locations, May-July 2004.

Upstream 1-55

?

Downstream 1-55

.,.

:.??

/± ?

/

\

/?

,

?

/

?

\?

,

-.

?

-/

/

,

\

/?

• ' 7?

\?

.

A-- — — —?

....

..-

?

--

N

N?

j3 - --?

, -?

,?

El '?

/?

/

•

\?

\?

•?

•

s

?

•?

\

\

A

. , .

-I- - – -

– --11?–

--- –?

--A?

/?

N?

.

•

,

'•

•

\?

.

.

‘

?

Y

A

?

?

Joliet??

General Use Standard

Stations

Secondary Contact Standard

402?

402A

?

403?

403A?

404A?

405

?408

?412A

?414

?418

?419A

Location

—0---11-12 MAY — — 8-9 JUN - - O - -7-8 JUL —

?

- 20-21 JUL

Note: Values for Location 403 are means of measurements from Joliet Stations' #9 and #29 discharge cabals.

---

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9-

8-

7

6

5-

4

3

2

E

a

O

a)>,

O

0

-a

co

Figure 5. Spatial and Temporal Comparisons of Surface or Mid-Depth Dissolved Oxygen

Measurements at Electrofishing Locations, August-September 2004.

Upstream 1-55

?

Downstream 1-55

+- .

El. ,,

,

•?

–

•

.'

.

– ---A--

,?

.•

. .

.?

o ,

. • -?

. - -?

.' . • ..

,

0 -?

-

GI .

. •?

..

:?

:

■

."A...

. -, .

.

-lc..

•

...is.- .--

. •

.

,

A —

---

?

__ .

•?

—

,•

'?

••

,?

.

....... if?

?

'

A?

,

.?

/ \?

„

z?

\

— .... ___ ___41,

/

ti

Joliet

.

Stations

General Use Standard

Secondary Contact Standard

402

402A

403

403A

404A?

405

Location

408?

412A?

414

418

419A

10-11 AUG — — 26-27 AUG - - O - -8-9 SEP —

?

- 27-28 SEP

Note: Values for Location 403 are means of measurements from Joliet Stations' #9 and #29 discharge canals.

---

3.1.3?

Specific Conductivity

Specific conductance values ranged from 610 to 1578 pS/cm (Table 2 and Appendix A).

Temporally, mean values were highest in May (1196 pS/cm), and except for mid July (772

pS/cm) consecutively decreased or were similar through early August (688 pS/cm), after which

values increased during the latter three surveys. Spatially, mean conductance values were lowest

at Location 418 (711 pS/cm) and higher, but similar (820-876 p.S/cm) among the other ten

locations. Mean values were similar between the Upstream and Downstream 1-55 segments.

3.1.4?

Transparency

Transparency (Secchi disk) values ranged from 32 to 94 cm (Table 2 and Appendix A). Among

locations, mean values were lowest at backwater Locations 414 and 418 (45 and 39 cm,

respectively), and higher, but similar (59-66 cm) among the other nine locations. The low mean

values at these two backwater locations were due to algal blooms, which also resulted in the high

DO values noted at these locations. Among surveys, mean values were lowest in late August (48

cm), highest during the 8-9 June survey (70 cm), and fairly similar (55-67 cm) among the

remaining six surveys.

3.2

?

SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE

3.2.1?

2004

In 2004, a total of 160 gear efforts (88 electrofishing and 72 seining) were expended within the

lower Des Plaines River at the 11 locations. These efforts produced 11,981 fish representing 57

species and two hybrids (Tables 3 and 4). The combined catch was dominated numerically by

bluegill (21.8 percent) and bluntnose minnow (21.7 percent). Other taxa that composed greater

than 2 percent of the catch by number were green sunfish (11.2 percent), gizzard shad (10.6

percent), largemouth bass (6.1 percent), hybrid sunfish (3.4 percent), orangespotted sunfish (3.1

percent), bullhead minnow (2.8 percent), spotfin shiner (2.7 percent), emerald shiner (2.6

percent), and channel catfish (2.3 percent). Conversely, 26 species were represented by 10 or

fewer individuals. By weight, the combined catch was dominated by common carp (26.3

percent) and, to a lesser extent, channel catfish (18.8 percent), largemouth bass (11.1 percent),

smallmouth buffalo (10.7 percent), gizzard shad (10.1 percent), and freshwater drum (8.5

percent). Complete summaries of fish data by survey and for surveys combined are provided in

Appendix B; a raw data listing is provided in Appendix C.

Several interesting species records were reported for 2004. One orangethroat darter was

collected by seining at Location 402 (Brandon Dam tailwater) on 07 July 2004 (Table 4;

Appendix B). This species was collected last year for the first time during this monitoring

program (EA 1996a, 1996b, 1996c, and 1998-2003). However, it was previously collected

within the lower Des Plaines River during the 1994 ichthyoplankton study of the UIW (EA

1996b) and older published records exist from the Des Plaines River system (Smith 1979; Page

et al. 1992). One highfin carpsucker was collected at Location 403 by electrofishing on 26

August (Table 4; Appendix B). This species had not been collected during the last 10 years of

Midwest Generation or Commonwealth Edison sponsored studies (EA 1996b, 1996c and 1998-

2002) of the lower Des Plaines River. Smith (1979) indicates that it was once the most generally

---

TABLE 3. LIST OF COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES FOR FISH TAXA COLLECTED FROM THE

LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER, 2004.

COMMON NAME

LONGNOSE GAR

SKIPJACK HERRING

GIZZARD SHAD

THREADFIN SHAD

GRASS PICKEREL

SPOTFIN SHINER

COMMON CARP

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

PALLID SHINER

STRIPED SHINER

REDFIN SHINER

GOLDEN SHINER

EMERALD SHINER

GHOST SHINER

SPOTTAIL SHINER

SAND SHINER

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

FATHEAD MINNOW

BULLHEAD MINNOW

Scientific Name

Lepisosteus osseus

Alosa chrysochloris

Dorosoma cepedianum

Dorosoma petenense

Esox americanus

Cyprinella spiloptera

Cyprinus carpio

Cyprinus carpio

X

Carassius auratus

Hybopsis amnis

Luxilus chrysocephalus

Lythunis umbratilis

Notemigonus crysoleucas

Notropis atherinoides

Notropis buchanani

Notropis hudsonius

Notropis stramineus

Pimephales notatus

Pimephales promelas

Pimephales vigilax

Common Family Name

Gars

Herrings

RIVER CARPSUCKER

QUILLBACK

HIGHFIN CARPSUCKER

WHITE SUCKER

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

BLACK BUFFALO

SPOTTED SUCKER

SILVER REDHORSE

GOLDEN REDHORSE

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

Bullhead catfishes BLACK BULLHEAD

YELLOW BULLHEAD

CHANNEL CATFISH

TADPOLE MADTOM

FLATHEAD CATFISH

Carpiodes carpio

Carpiodes cyprinus

Carpiodes velifer

Catostomus

commersonii

Ictiobus bubalus

Ictiobus cyprinellus

Ictiobus niger

Minytrema melanops

Moxostoma anisurum

Moxostoma erythrurum

Moxostoma macrolepidotum

Ameiurus melas

Ameiurus natalis

Ictalurus punctatus

Noturus gyrinus

Pylodictis olivaris

Pikes

Minnows

Suckers

Killifishes

Livebearers

Silversides

Temperate basses

Sunfishes

Perches

Drums

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

BROOK SILVERSIDE

WHITE BASS

YELLOW BASS

ROCK BASS

GREEN SUNFISH

PUMPKINSEED

WARMOUTH

ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH

BLUEGILL

LONGEAR SUNFISH

HYBRID SUNFISH

UNID LEPOMIS

SMALLMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

WHITE CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

JOHNNY DARTER

ORANGETHROAT DARTER

LOGPERCH

BLACKSIDE DARTER

WALLEYE

FRESHWATER DRUM

Fundulus notatus

Gambusia affinis

Labidesthes sicculus

Morone chrysops

Morone mississipplensis

Ambloplites rupestris

Lepomis cyanellus

Lepomis gibbosus

Lepomis gulosus

Lepomis humilis

Lepomis macrochirus

Lepomis megalotis

Lepomis

hybrid

Lepomis

sp.

Micropterus dolomieu

Micropterus salmoides

Pomoxis annularis

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Etheostoma nigrum

Etheostoma spectabile

Percina caprodes

Percina maculate

Sander vitreus

Aplodinotus grunniens

Gobies?

ROUND GOBY

Neogobius melanostomus

3-10

---

TABLE 4.

?

SPECIES COMPOSITION, NUMBER, BIOMASS, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE

OF FISH

COLLECTED FROM THE LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER, 2004.

SPECIES

NUMBER CAUGHT

WEIGHT CAUGHT

KG

LONGNOSE GAR

8

0.07

5.115?

0.35

SKIPJACK HERRING

6 0.05

0.201?

0.01

GIZZARD SHAD

1,275

10.64

148.402

?

10.09

THREADFIN SHAD

85 0.71

0.221?

0.02

GRASS PICKEREL

1 0.01

0.007?

0.00

COMMON CARP

202

1.69 387.280

?

26.34

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

4 0.03

5.685?

0.39

GOLDEN SHINER

13

0.11

0.079?

0.01

PALLID SHINER

32

0.27

0.034

?

0.00

EMERALD SHINER

314

2.62

0.811?

0.06

GHOST SHINER

4

0.03

0.003?

0.00

STRIPED SHINER

12

0.10

0.022?

0.00

SPOTTAIL SHINER

53

0.44

0.241?

0.02

SPOTFIN SHINER

322

2.69

0.565

?

0.04

SAND SHINER

14 0.12

0.016?

0.00

REDFIN SHINER

1 0.01

0.002?

0.00

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

2,600

21.70

3.054?

0.21

FATHEAD MINNOW

1

0.01

0.001?

0.00

BULLHEAD MINNOW

334

2.79

0.225?

0.02

RIVER CARPSUCKER

24

0.20 28.955?

1.97

QUILLBACK

23

0.19

12.826

?

0.87

HIGHFIN CARPSUCKER

1 0.01

0.200?

0.01

WHITE SUCKER

4 0.03

1.610

?

0.11

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

115

0.96 156.530

?

10.65

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

3

0.03

9.720

?

0.66

BLACK BUFFALO

1

0.01

0.460?

0.03

SPOTTED SUCKER

1 0.01

0.480?

0.03

SILVER REDHORSE

4

0.03 2.310?

0.16

GOLDEN REDHORSE

29

0.24 5.643

?

0.38

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

4

0.03

0.804?

0.05

BLACK BULLHEAD

1 0.01

0.062?

0.00

YELLOW BULLHEAD

17

0.14

3.203?

0.22

CHANNEL CATFISH

271 2.26

276.749?

18.82

TADPOLE MADTOM

1 0.01

0.005?

0.00

FLATHEAD CATFISH

4

0.03

7.870?

0.54

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

79

0.66 0.063?

0.00

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

132 1.10

0.061?

0.00

BROOK SILVERSIDE

45 0.38

0.027?

0.00

WHITE BASS

6 0.05

2.855?

0.19

YELLOW BASS

4 0.03

0.594?

0.04

ROCK BASS

4

0.03

0.246?

0.02

GREEN SUNFISH

1,346 11.23

26.017?

1.77

PUMPKINSEED

'3

0.03

0.109

?

0.01

WARMOUTH

3

0.03

0.061?

0.00

ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH

377 3.15

2.519

?

0.17

BLUEGILL

2,609 21.78 52.529

?

3.57

LONGEAR SUNFISH

15 0.13

0.216?

0.01

HYBRID SUNFISH

412 3.44

12.740?

0.87

UNID LEPOMIS

49 0.41

0.037?

0.00

SMALLMOUTH BASS

113

0.94

18.070?

1.23

LARGEMOUTH BASS

736 6.14

162.471?

11.05

WHITE CRAPPIE

5 0.04

0.690

?

0.05

BLACK CRAPPIE

19

0.16

1.531?

0.10

JOHNNY DARTER

6 0.05

0.006?

0.00

ORANGETHROAT DARTER

1 0.01 0.001

?

0.00

LOGPERCH

12 0.10

0.078?

0.01

BLACKSIDE DARTER

6

0.05 0.013?

0.00

WALLEYE

8 0.07

4.270?

0.29

FRESHWATER DRUM

137 1.14

125.510?

8.54

ROUND GOBY

70

0.58

0.128

?

0.01

TOTAL FISH

11,981 100.00

1,470.233?

100.00

TOTAL SPECIES

57

NOTE: 0.00 DENOTES VALUES LESS THAN 0.005.

---

distributed and most abundant carpsucker in Illinois and now it is the least. Seventy round

gobies were collected from the study area in 2004; 50 specimens were collected within the

Upstream 1-55 segment (Tables 4 and 5). Round goby was first collected from the lower Des

Plaines River during this monitoring program in 2001 (EA 2002). One specimen was collected

that year and an additional specimen was collected in 2002, both of which were collected within

the Upstream 1-55 segment (EA 2002 and 2003). The number of round goby collected in 2004

was the highest to date and the number collected within the Downstream 1-55 segment increased

from one in 2003 to twenty in 2004. Thirty-two state-endangered pallid shiners were collected in

2004 (Table 4). All specimens were collected within the Downstream 1-55 segment. Their

spatial and temporal distributions for 2004 are provided below:

Numbers of Pallid Shiners, 2004.

Location

Date

412A

414

11 August

1

2

27August

16

8 September

1

6

28 September

6

As shown above, 30 of the 32 specimens were collected from Bear Island Slough (i.e., Location

414). The 2004 collections represent only the fourth year in which this species has been

collected from the Des Plaines River (EA 1996b, and 1996c, and 1998-2003; Smith 1979; Page

et al. 1992). In 2000 and 2002, two specimens per year were collected, all from Bear Island

slough (EA 2001 and 2003). Thus, there appears to be a resident population within the lower

Des Plaines River, primarily near Bear Island slough, which may be increasing in abundance and

distribution.

Inspection of Table 4 reveals that a relatively diverse fish fauna (57 species) is present within the

lower Des Plaines River portion of the Dresden Pool. Diversity is highest in the minnow,

sunfish, and sucker families, which were represented by 13, 11, and 11 species, respectively. EA

attributes the overall richness of the Dresden Pool study area to the availability of a better variety

of lentic and lotic habitats compared to the Lockport and Brandon Pools, as well as periodic

contributions of fish from the species-rich Kankakee River.

Compilation of catch data by segment (Table 5)

.

reveals several interesting observations. First,

community dominants were similar between the two segments. For example, gizzard shad,

common carp, emerald shiner, spotfin shiner, bluntnose minnow, green sunfish, bluegill, and

largemouth bass were among the 10 most abundant species collected in both segments. Second,

species richness was nearly identical between the two segments, 50 species upstream of 1-55 vs.

49 species downstream of it. Third, the abundance of fish (based on catch-per-gear-effort) was

lower within the Downstream 1-55 segment (64 fish per gear effort) than within the Upstream

1-55 segment (96 fish per gear effort). Fourth, both the absolute and relative abundance of hybrid

sunfish was much higher in the upstream 1-55 segment. Finally, highly tolerant taxa (including

carp x goldfish hybrid) are more abundant upstream of 1-55 (38 percent) than downstream of it

(32 percent) (Table 5).

3.2.2 Interyear

Comparisons

Composition and abundance data, for electrofishing and seining combined, are compared among

1994, 1995, and 1997-2004 for segments combined (Table 6) and for segments individually

---

TABLE 5. SUMMARY OF THE NUMBER OF FISH COLLECTED WITHIN EACH SEGMENT OF THE LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER, 2004.

UPSTREAM 1-55

DOWNSTREAM 1-55

SEGMENTS

COMBINED

SPECIES

z

#

LONGNOSE GAR

8

0.14

--

--

8

0.07

SKIPJACK HERRING

4

0.07

2

0.03

6 0.05

GIZZARD SHAD

739

12.94

536 8.55

1,275 10.64

THREADFIN SHAD

25 0.44

60

0.96

85

0.71

GRASS PICKEREL

--

--

1 0.02

1 0.01

COMMON CARP

136

2.38

66 1.05

202

1.69

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

4 0.07

--

--

4

0.03

GOLDEN SHINER

1

0.02

12 0.19

13

0.11

PALLID SHINER

--

--

32 0.51

32 0.27

EMERALD SHINER

180 3.15

134

2.14

314 2.62

GHOST SHINER

3 0.05

1 0.02

4 0.03

STRIPED SHINER

2 0.04

10 0.16

12 0.10

SPOTTAIL SHINER

31 0.54

22 0.35

53

0.44

SPOTFIN SHINER

164 2.87

158 2.52

322

2.69

SAND SHINER

13

0.23

1

0.02

14 0.12

REDFIN SHINER

1

0.02

--

--

1 0.01

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

1,310 22.93 1,290

20.58

2,600 21.70

FATHEAD MINNOW

--

--

1

0.02

1

0.01

BULLHEAD MINNOW

52 0.91

282 4.50

334

2.79

RIVER CARPSUCKER

2

0.04

22

0.35

24 0.20

QUILLBACK

16

0.28

7 0.11

23

0.19

HIGHFIN CARPSUCKER

1 0.02

--

--

1 0.01

WHITE SUCKER

4 0.07

--

--

4

0.03

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

75 1.31

40 0.64

115 0.96

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

1 0.02

2

0.03

3

0.03

BLACK BUFFALO

1 0.02

--

--

1

0.01

SPOTTED SUCKER

1 0.02

--

--

1 0.01

SILVER REDHORSE

2

0.04

2

0.03

4 0.03

GOLDEN REDHORSE

17

0.30

12 0.19

29

0.24

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

3

0.05

1 0.02

4 0.03

BLACK BULLHEAD

1

0.02

--

--

1

0.01

YELLOW BULLHEAD

13 0.23

4 0.06

17

0.14

CHANNEL CATFISH

210 3.68

61 0.97

271 2.26

TADPOLE MADTOM

--

--

1

0.02

1 0.01

FLATHEAD CATFISH

3 0.05

1

0.02

4 0.03

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

47

0.82

32 0.51

79

0.66

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

124 2.17

8 0.13

132

1.10

BROOK SILVERSIDE

--

--

45 0.72

45

0.38

WHITE BASS

4

0.07

2

0.03

6

0.05

YELLOW BASS

2 0.04

2 0.03

4

0.03

ROCK BASS

3

0.05

1

0.02

4 0.03

GREEN SUNFISH

709 12.41

637 10.16

1,346 11.23

PUMPKINSEED

--

--

3

0.05

3

0.03

WARMOUTH

2 0.04

1 0.02

3

0.03

ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH

46 0.81

331 5.28

377 3.15

BLUEGILL

763 13.36 1,846 29.45 2,609 21.78

LONGEAR SUNFISH

9 0.16

6 0.10

15 0.13

HYBRID SUNFISH

371 6.50

41

0.65

412 3.44

UNID LEPOMIS

2 0.04

47 0.75

49

0.41

SMALLMOUTH BASS

69 1.21

44 0.70

113 0.94

LARGEMOUTH BASS

377 6.60

359 5.73

736

6.14

WHITE CRAPPIE

1

0.02

4 0.06

5

0.04

BLACK CRAPPIE

9 0.16

10

0.16

19 0.16

JOHNNY DARTER

1 0.02

5 0.08

6 0.05

ORANGETHROAT DARTER

1

0.02

--

--

1

0.01

LOGPERCH

--

--

12

0.19

12 0.10

BLACKSIDE DARTER

5 0.09

1 0.02

6 0.05

WALLEYE

6 0.11

2

0.03

8 0.07

FRESHWATER DRUM

88 1.54

49 0.78

137 1.14

ROUND GOBY

50

0.88

20 0.32

70

0.58

TOTAL FISH

5,712 100.00 6,269

100.00 11,981 100.00

GEAR EFFORTS

96

64

160

CATCH PER GEAR EFFORT

60

98

75

TOTAL SPECIES

50

49

57

---

TABLE 6.

?

SPECIES COMPOSITION, NUMBER, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF FISH COLLECTED FROM THE LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER, MAY-SEPTEMBER 1994, 1995,

AND 1997-2004.

SPECIES

1994

1995

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

_ J___ __X___ ____#

__ ___%__

#_ %_

#_

%_ #_

%_ #_ X_

#_

Y._

#_

X_

11_

X_

#_ X_

LONGNOSE GAR

--

7 0.16

13

0.17

15 0.14

2 0.03

11 0.14

15

0.14

15 0.12

26 0.09

8

0.07

SHORTNOSEGAR

--

--

--

--

--

--

UNID GAR

1 0.03

--

--

3 0.04

--

--

1 0.01

BOWFIN--

--

1 0.01

--

--

-- --

UNIDCLUPEIDAE

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

-- 152 0.52

--

--

SKIPJACK HERRING

3

0.09

2 0.03

5

0.05

5

0.08

2 0.02

15

0.14

10 0.08

--

--

6 0.05

ALEWIFE--

-- --

-- --

--

1

0.01 -- --

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

GIZZARD SHAD

812

24.59 393

9.17 2,244

29.77 1,950 17.60

1,308 21.37

1,543 18.98 2,982 27.69 3,265

25.16 1,665

5.72

1,183

10.51

THREADFIN SHAD

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

18 0.29 132 1.62

72 0.67

62 0.48

261 0.90

85

0.76

UNIDDOROSOMA

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

-- 2,823 9.70

--

--

GRASS PICKEREL

--

--

2

0.03

3 0.03

2

0.02

4 0.04

1

0.01

--

--

1 0.01

NORTHERN PIKE

--

--

2 0.05

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

--

--

CENTRAL STONEROLLER

2

0.06

--

--

3 0.04

2 0.02

1

0.02

--

--

18 0.17

--

--

9 0.03

GOLDFISH

5

0.15

5 0.12

5 0.07

3 0.03

4

0.05

5

0.05

4 0.03

7 0.02

GRASSCARP

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

3

0.03

1 0.01

1 0.00

--

--

COMMON CARP

243 7.36

222 5.18

553 7.34 431 3.89 279 4.56 299 3.68

447 4.15 296 2.28

275 0.94

198 1.76

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

44

1.33

52 1.21

104 1.38

82 0.74

36

0.59

32

0.39

22 0.20

18 0.14

15 0.05

4 0.04

BIGHEADCARP

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

--

--

--

--

HORNYHEADCHUB

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

1 0.01

3 0.01

--

--

GOLDEN SHINER

15

0.45

2

0.05

17

0.23

15

0.14

2 0.03

8 0.10

11

0.10

14 0.11

52 0.18

13 0.12

PALLIDSHINER

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

2

0.02

--

--

2 0.02

30 0.10

32 0.28

EMERALD SHINER

288 8.72

59

1.38

669 8.88

1,640 14.80 395

6.45 214 2.63 611

5.67 1,504 11.59 1,063

3.65

275 2.44

GHOST SHINER

5

0.15

2 0.05

1

0.01

9

0.08

4

0.07

--

--

3 0.03

4 0.03 104

0.36

4

0.04

STRIPED SHINER

22

0.67

2

0.05

5 0.07

7

0.06

--

--

21 0.20

40 0.31

66

0.23

12

0.11

(JJ

BIGMOUTH SHINER

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

1

0.02

--

__

--

--

1 0.01

1 0.00

--

--

SPOTTAIL SHINER

205 6.21

174

4.06

62

0.82 222 2.00

27 0.44 281 3.46 507 4.71

159 1.23

466 1.60

45 0.40

.4. RED SHINER

--

--

--

--

--

--

3

0.03

--

--

1

0.01

1

0.01

1

0.01

--

--

--

--

ROSYFACESHINER

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

15 0.05

--

--

SPOTFIN SHINER

14 0.42

21 0.49

36 0.48

59

0.53

54 0.88

73

0.90 130 1.21 171

1.32 574 1.97 272 2.42

SAND SHINER

16

0.48

8 0.19

16 0.21

23 0.21

5 0.08

10 0.12

28 0.26

42 0.32 100 0.34

12 0.11

REDFIN SHINER

--

--

1

0.02

1 0.01

3 0.03

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

1 0.01

--

--

1

0.01

MIMICSHINER

9

0.27

5 0.12

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

49 0.17

--

--

CHANNEL SHINER

--

--

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

UNID NOTROPIS

1

0.02

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

9 0.03

--

SUCKERMOUTH MINNOW

--

--

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

1

0.02

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

802 24.29

1,637 38.20

1,501

19.92 2,076 18.74 575 9.40

841 10.34

2,003 18.60 1,303

10.04 8,481

29.14 2,376

21.11

FATHEAD MINNOW

--

--

3 0.07

1 0.01

2

0.02

1 0.02

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

25 0.09

1 0.01

BULLHEAD MINNOW

59 1.79

199 4.64

182 2.41

352 3.18 181 2.96

247

3.04 366 3.40 104

0.80 337 1.16 334 2.97

CREEKCHUB

--

--

1 0.02

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

RIVER CARPSUCKER

12 0.36

17

0.40

45

0.60

23 0.21

20 0.33

22 0.27

20 0.19

19

0.15

12

0.04

24 0.21

QUILLBACK

10

0.30

17

0.40

31 0.41

16 0.14

10 0.16

15 0.18

17 0.16

9 0.07

8 0.03

21 0.19

HIGHFINCARPSUCKER

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.01

UNIDCARPIODES

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

1

0.01

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.00

--

--

WHITE SUCKER

9 0.27

20 0.47

3

0.04

7 0.06

2 0.03

2 0.02

4 0.04

2 0.02

12 0.04

4 0.04

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

25 0.76

43

1.00

98

1.30

88 0.79 112 1.83

86 1.06

116 1.08 120 0.92 100

0.34

111 0.99

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

--

--

2

0.05

8 0.11

3 0.03

4 0.07

5 0.06

3

0.03

7 0.05

3

0.01

3

0.03

BLACK BUFFALO

4

0.12

2

0.05

--

--

3 0.03

3 0.05

5 0.06

3

0.03

1 0.01

10

0.03

1

0.01

SPOTTED SUCKER

--

--

--

--

2

0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

1 0.01

--

--

1

0.01

SILVER REDHORSE

2

0.06

3

0.07

1

0.01

4 0.04

1 0.02

1

0.01

2 0.02

3 0.02

2

0.01

3 0.03

RIVERREDHORSE

1

0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.00

--

--

BLACKREDHORSE

--

--

-- --

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

--

--

GOLDEN REDHORSE

6 0.18

20

0.47

28 0.37

27

0.24

12 0.20

2

0.02

4 0.04

23

0.18

50

0.17

23

0.20

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

28 0.85

25 0.58

25 0.33

20 0.18

13 0.21

23 0.28

13 0.12

8 0.06

10

0.03

2 0.02

UNIDMOXOSTOMA

1

0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

UNIDICTIOBINAE

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

--

--

BLACK BULLHEAD

4 0.12

1

0.02

--

--

5

0.05

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

1

0.00

1

0.01

YELLOW BULLHEAD

3 0.09

2 0.05

10 0.13

6

0.05

12 0.20

26 0.32

6

0.06

28

0.22

24 0.08

17 0.15

CHANNEL CATFISH

27 0.82

34

0.79 120

1.59 119 1.07

84

1.37 105 1.29 119 1.11

150 1.16 263

0.90 253

2.25

UNIDAMEIURUS

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.02

--

--

1 0.01

--

--

--

--

--

--

---

TABLE 6 (cont.)

SPECIES

1994

1995

•?

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

#_

7._ 11_ 3/4_

#_

X_

#_ %_ #_ %_ #_

X_

ti_ °X_ ti_

%_

-ii-

X_

ii_

X_

TADPOLE MADTOM

FLATHEAD CATFISH

--

--

1

--

0.02

--

3

1

0.04

0.01

1

1

0.01

0.01

--

--

--

3

2

0.04

0.02

2

1

0.02

00.01

2

2

0.02?

1

0.02

?

8

0.00

0.03

1

4

0.01

0.04

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

10

0.30

4

0.09

10 0.13

16 0.14

16 0.26

26

0.32

12 0.11

18 0.14

67

0.23

79

0.70

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

--

--

--

--

--

--

3 0.03

1 0.02

8

0.10

4 0.0

4 0.03

7 0.02

21 0.19

BROOK SILVERSIDE

14

0.42

23 0.54

7 0.09

1 0.01

4

0.07

4

0.05

9

0.08

17 0.13.

50 0.17

45 0.40

WHITE PERCH

--

--

1

0.02

1

0.01

1 0.01

4 0.07

6

0.07

5 0.05

5 0.04

5

0.02

--

--

WHITE BASS

1 0.03

--

--

4 0.05

5 0.05

4

0.07

5

0.06

6 0.06

14

0.11

14

0.05

6 0.05

YELLOW BASS

--

--

3

0.07

1 0.01

1 0.01

5 0.08

3

0.04

2 0.02

1 0.01

2 0.01

4 0.04

UNIDMORONEHYBRID

MORONE

21

0.060.03

--

--

----

----

--1

0.01--

11 0.020.02

----

----

2

0.0

--

--

1 0.00

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

ROCK BASS

--

--

--

--

--

-- --

3 0.04

3 0.03

3 0.05

7

0.09

7 0.07

6 -?

0.05

6

0.02

3 0.03

GREEN SUNFISH

169 5.12

98

2.29 360 4.78

961

8.67

697 11.39 957

11.77

513

4.76 1,167

8.99 2,501

8.59 1,325

11.77

PUMPKINSEED

3

0.09

1 0.02

--

--

16

0.14

9 0.15

1

0.01

--

--

6

0.05

13 0.04

3 0.03

WARMOUTH

--

--

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

1 0.01

--

- -

3

0.03

ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH

97

2.94

163 3.80 387 5.13 1,219 11.00

470

7.68 277

3.41 137

1.27 734 5.66

1,777

6.11 376

3.34

BLUEGILL

43 1.30 176 4.11

450 5.97 866 7.82

1,051 17.17

2,088

25.68

1,944 18.05

2,779

21.42

5,595 19.23

2,552

22.67

LONGEAR SUNFISH

7 0.21

1 0.02

7

0.09

4

0.04

1 0.02

28 0.34

36

0.33

29 0.22

42 0.14

15 0.13

REDEAR SUNFISH

--

--

--

--

. --

--

HYBRID SUNFISH

4

0.12

3 0.07

27 0.36

--78

0.70-- 162-- 2.65-- 129--

1.59--

--63

0.59--

1253

0.020.96

6614

0.0102.27

402--

3.57

--

UNID LEPOMIS

88 2.67

111

2.59

1 0.01

--

--

1 0.02

3

0.04

30

0.28

8

0.06 136

0.47

49

0.44

L,,,,

SMALLMOUTH BASS

25 0.76

32 0.75

53

0.70

69 0.62

31 0.51

26

0.32

45 0.42

94 0.72

153

0.53

103

0.92

1

?

LARGEMOUTH BASS

77 2.33 572 13.35 231 3.06

421 3.80 372

6.08 410

5.04

245 2.28

406 3.13 729

2.50

683

6.07

't7

.

7.1

UNID MICROPTERUs

--

--

8

0.19

5 0.07

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

WHITE CRAPPIE

6

0.18

--

--

1 0.01

8

0.07

4 0.07

7

0.09

3 00.02

6

0.02

5

0.04

BLACK CRAPPIE

--

--

2 0.05

6 0.08

15 0.14

9 0.15

13 0.16

3 0.03

18 0.14

13 0.04

19 0.17

JOHNNY DARTER

2 0.06

43 1.00

--

--

--

--

1 0.02

1

0.01

--

--

13 0.04

6

0.05

ORANGETHROATDARTER

-- --

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.00

1

0.01

YELLOWPERCH

2 0.03

3 0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

LOGPERCH

1

0.03

4

0.09

41

0.54

18

0.16

12 0.20

9

0.11

11 0.10

15 0.12

13

0.04

12 0.11

BLACKSIDE DARTER

--

--

--

--

1

0.02

--

--

1

0.01

--

--

9 0.03

6 0.05

SLENDERHEAD DARTER

1 0.01

1

0.01

1 0.02

2

0.02

2 0.02

1

0.00

--

SAUGER--

--

--

WALLEYE--

-- -- -- --

--

-- --

--

-- --

1

0.01

-- --

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.00

5

0.04

FRESHWATER DRUM

75 2.27

57

1.33

144

1.91 134 1.21

89 1.45 116

1.43 109

1.01

118 0.91

121

0.42

134

1.19

ROUNDGOBY

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.01

1 0.01

46

0.16

67

0.60

TOTAL FISH

3,302

100.00 4,285

100.00 7,537 100.00 11,078 100.00

6,120

100.00

8,131 100.00

10,769

100.00

12,975 100.00 29,102

100.00

11,256

100.00

TOTAL SPECIES

42

46

51

59

50

51

56

62

62

57

NOTE: DATA COMPARED ARE FROM ELECTROFISHING AND SEINING DURING THE PERIOD OF MAY-SEPTEMBER AT THE SAME LOCATIONS, EXCEPT THAT LOCATION 405 IN THE UPSTREAM 1-55 SEGMENT

WAS NOT SAMPLED DURING 1997-2000. DATA FROM THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS (AND YEARS) ARE EXCLUDED: LOCATION 404A (2001-2004) AND LOCATION 409 (1994 AND 1995).

0.00 DENOTES VALUES LESS THAN 0.05.

---

(Table 7). Data compared in Tables 6 and 7 are from the same seasons (i.e., spring and summer)

and the same locations, except that Location 405 in the Upstream 1-55 segment was not sampled

during 1997-2000. Therefore, data from the following locations (and years) are excluded:

Location 404A (2001-2004) and Location 409 (1994 and 1995). In addition, October/November

data collected in 1994, 1995, and 1999 are also omitted from the analyses.

For segments combined, the total number of species collected in 2004 decreased to 57 from

highs of 62 species in 2002 and 2003 (Table 6). The lower species richness value during 2004

was primarily due to a decrease in the number of cyprinid species (including grass carp and

bighead carp). In both 2002 and 2003, 19 cyprinid species were collected compared to 13 in

2004.

The total number of fish collected in 2004 (11,256), was noticeably lower than that collected in

2003 (29,102) and higher or similar to the number of fish collected during the other eight study

years (Table 6). The decrease in the 2004 catch from the substantially higher 2003 catch was

largely due to decreases in the numbers of gizzard shad and threadfin shad (including

Dorosoma

sp.),

bluntnose minnow, green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, and bluegill. The 2003 data

suggested that the high catches for many of these species were due to inordinately successful

spawns in 2003 and/or recruitment of 2002 year classes (EA 2004).

Although more fish and species have been collected the past few years, the data also shows that

the fish community has typically been dominated by the same species each year (Table 6). For

example, gizzard shad, common carp, emerald shiner, bluntnose minnow, bullhead minnow,

green sunfish, orangespotted sunfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass have ranked among the 15

most abundant species collected each year. In addition, channel catfish, and freshwater drum

have ranked among the 15 most abundant species in nine of the past ten study years and spottail

shiner in eight of the last ten years. The only major difference, with respect to community

dominants, is that the relative abundance of bluegill during the past six years (17.2-25.7 percent)

has been markedly higher than during 1994-1998 (1.3-7.8 percent).

Compilation of the 2004.data by segment revealed that fish abundance (i.e., catch-per-gear-

effort) was higher in the Downstream 1-55 segment, species richness (i.e., total number of

species) values were similar between the two segments, and that highly tolerant taxa composed a

higher percentage of the catch upstream of I-55 than downstream of it. The trend with respect to

fish abundance occurred during eight of the previous nine study years and species richness was

similar between segments during six of the previous nine study years, whereas the trend with

respect to the percent abundance of highly tolerant taxa has been consistent among all ten study

years:

2004

2003 2002 2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1995

1994

Catch-Per-Gear-Effort

Upstream 1-55

60

142

79

75

44

50

90

46

44

46

Downstream 1-55

96

277

104

77

83

60

83

72

123

80

Total Number of Species

Upstream 1-55

50

54

55

55

45

45

50

43

36

36

Downstream 1-55

49

53

45

41

44

37

47

42

38

36

Percent Highly Tolerant

Upstream 1-55

38

54

28

35

35

36

41

44

54

62

Downstream 1-55

32

29

16

20

22

17

22

25

45

23

3-16

---

ABLE 7. SPECIES COMPOSITION, NUMBER, AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF FISH COLLECTED WITHIN TWO SEGMENTS OF THE LOWER DES PLAINES RIVER, MAY-SEPTEMBER 1994, 1995, AND 1997-2004.

UPSTREAM 1-55

1994

?

1995

?

1997

?

1998

?

1999?

2000

SPECIES

#

%

#__

LONGNOSE GAR

--

--

1

UNID GAR

1

0.07

BOWFIN

--

--

SKIPJACK HERRING

ALEWIFE

1

--

0.07

--

--

--

GIZZARD SHAD

87

6.31 191

THREADFIN SHAD

--

--

--

GRASS PICKEREL

--

--

--

NORTHERN PIKE

CENTRAL STONEROLLER

--

2

--

0.15

2

--

GOLDFISH

4 0.29

4

GRASS CARP

--

--

--

COMMON CARP

156 11.31

180

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

26 1.89

28

HORNYHEADCHUB

--

--

--

GOLDEN SHINER

2 0.15

--

PALLIDSHINER

--

--

--

EMERALD SHINER

109 7.90

35

GHOST SHINER

3

0.22

--

STRIPED SHINER

19 1.38

1

BIGMOUTH SHINER

--

--

--

SPOTTAIL SHINER

113 8.19

93

RED SHINER

--

--

--

SPOTFIN SHINER

2 0.15

8

SAND SHINER

16

1.16

8

REDFIN SHINER

--

--

--

-i--)

MIMIC?SHINER

I?

CHANNEL SHINER

,.....,UNID?

NOTROPIS

9

--

--

0.65

--

--

4

--

1

-....I SUCKERMOUTH MINNOW

--

--

--

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

552

40.03

408

FATHEAD MINNOW

--

--

3

BULLHEAD MINNOW

2

0.15

6

CREEKCHUB

--

--

1

RIVER CARPSUCKER

8

0.58

7

QUILLBACK

4 0.29

7

HIGHFINCARPSUCKER

-- --

--

UNIDCARPIODES

--

-- --

WHITE SUCKER

8 0.58

12

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

19

1.38

29

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

--

--

2

BLACK BUFFALO

4 0.29

--

SPOTTED SUCKER

--

--

SILVER REDHORSE

--

--

--

RIVER REDHORSE

1 0.07

--

GOLDEN REDHORSE

2 0.15

2

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

3 0.22

7

MOXOSTOMA

1 0.07

--

UNID ICTIOBINAE

BLACK BULLHEAD

--

1

0.07

--

--

1

YELLOW BULLHEAD

1

0.07

2

CHANNEL CATFISH

24 1.74

27

UNID AMEIURUS

--

--

--

TADPOLE MADTOM

--

--

FLATHEAD CATFISH

--

--

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

9 0.65

1

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

--

--

BROOK SILVERSIDE

WHITE PERCH

WHITE BASS

1

0.07

--

YELLOW BASS

1

--

--

--

ROCK BASS

--

--

--

GREEN SUNFISH

103 7.47

82

PUMPKINSEED--

-- --

WARMOUTH

--

--

2001

2002

2003

2004

--

--

--

--

----

--

--

--

_

--

- -

--

--

--

--

--

- -

--

--

0.01

--

--

--

2 0.04

%

0.32

0.04

--

0.04

--

19.14

0.88

0.07

--

--

0.14

--

6.64

0.92

--

0.04

--

6.11

--

--

0.49

--

0.99

0.35

--

_

--

--

9.25

--

0.42

--

0.39

0.39

--

--

0.04

1.69

0.11

0.07

--

0.04

--

0.04

0.42

0.04

2.58

8:2

--

--

0.07

0.39

0.21

0.04

0.18

0.14

0.07

--

0.11

17.37

--

%__

#

%__

#__

%__

#__

%__

#__

0.08

5 0.17

10 0.17

2

0.07

9

--

--

--

--

--

1

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

--

0.03

--

2

1

0.03

0.02

2

--

0.07

--

1

--

14.37

400

13.71 747

12.99 580 20.83

542

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

25

--

1 0.03

--

--

--

--

2

0.15

--

--

2

--

0.07

1

2

0.02

0.03

--

1

0.04004

--

--

0.30

3 0.10

2

0.03

--

--

4

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

13.54 411 14.08 310 5.39

195 7.00 188

2.11

87 2.98

72 1.25

32

1.15

26

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

12 0.21

1

0.04

1

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

2.63 402 13.78 1,424

24.77 318 11.42

173

--

1

0.03

2 0.

1

0.04

0.08

--

--

6

0.10

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.02

1

0.04

7.00

14 0.48

86 1.50

13

0.47

14

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0.60

9 0.31

29

0.50

13

0.47

28

0.60

9 0.31

23

0.40

5

0.18

10

--

--

--

2

0.03

--

--

0.3030

--

0.08

--

1

--

--

0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

- -

--

--

--

2 0.03

1

0.04

--

30.70 554

18.99 1,228

21.36

266

9.55

262

0.23

--

0.03

1

0.04

--

0.45

14

0.48

26

0.45

3

0.11

12

0.08

1 0.03

--

--

--

--

--

0.53

21 0.72

8 0.14

11

0.40

11

0.53

18 0.62

11

0.19

4

0.14

11

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.03

1

0.02

--

--

--

0.90

3 0.10

6 0.10

2

0.07

1

2.18

59 2.02

60 1.04

60 2.16

48

0.15

1

0.03

--

--

1

0.04

3

--

--

--

2

0.03

3

0.11

2

2

0.07

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

4 0.07

1

0.0

1

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

0.15

1 ' 0.03

3 0.05

2

0.0

1

0.53

13 0.45

6 0.10

7

0.25

12

--

0.08

--

----

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

5

--

0.09

--

--

--

_1_

0.15 7 0.24

3

0.05?

'

6 0.22

11

2.03

99 3.39 101

1.76

56 2.01

73

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

3 0.10

--

1

0.03

1 0.02

--

--

--

--

--

--

2

0.08

6 0.21

12 0.21

14 0.50

11

--

--

1 0.02

1 0.04

6

6

1 0.030.21

--

1 0.02--

4

1

0.140.04

5

1

--

3

0.10

4 0.07

3

0.11

4

0.08

--

--

--

--

3

0.11

2

HYBRD

MORONE

--

--

--

1 0.02 1

0.04

--

I

--

1 0.03

3 0.05

3

0.11

3

6.17 298 10.21

767

13.34 521

18.71 492

--

--

--

6

0.10

1

0.04

--

#__

%__

#__

%__

#__

%__

#

%__

12 0.21

8

0.13

22

0.19

8 0.16

--

1

0.02.02

--

1

--

0.02

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

7

0.12

6

0.09

4

0.08

--

--

--

--

--

1,571 27.02

1,754

27.72 520

4.56

647

12.97

6

1

1

0.

1

0.02

0.02

1

--

0.14

0.02

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

25

--

0.50

18

0.31

--

--

9 0.08

5

2

0.09

0.03

4

1

0.06

0.02

7

1

0.06

0.01

--

299

5.14 239

3.78 192

1.68

132

--

2.65

21

2

0.36

0.03

18

1

0.28

0.02

12

3

0.11

0.03

--

0.08

2 0.03

6 0.09

16

0.14

1 0.02

--

--

--

--

2 0.02

--

392

6.74

977

15.44

385 3.38

141 2.83

2

0.03

3

0.05

15

0.13

3 0.06

21

--

0.36

--

37

1

0.58

0.02

65

1

0.57

0.01

2

--

0.04

0.

435

1 0.027.48

84

1

00.021.33

252--

2.21--

--23

0.46

80

1.38

90 1.42

290

2.54

114

2.29

26

0.45

41

0.65

94 0.82

11 0.22

2

0.03

1

0.02

0

--

--

1 0.02

--

--

--

--

7 0.06

--

--

--

--

--

==

==

--

--

1

0.02

--

--

--

1,290

1

22.180.02

747--

11.80--

4,6725

40.990.04

1,086-- 21.78

126 2.17

7

0.11

31

0.27

52

1.04

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

7 0.12

12

0.19

5

0.04

2 0.04

5

0.09

5

0.08

4 0.04

14 0.28

--

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.02

--4

0.07--

--2

0.03--

12

1 0.010.11

--

4 0.08

58 1.00

71

1.12

68

0.60

71 1.42

2

2

0.03

0.03

3

1

0.05

0.02

2

4

0.02

0.04

1

1

0.02

11

0.020.02

--3

0.05--

--

1 0.01

--

11

0.020.020.02

--

--

--

--

--

6

0.09--

6

1

0.05

0.01

--11

0.22

8

--

0.14

--

--

4

1

0.02

--

--

0.06

--

--

--1

--

-,-1-

0.02

i;

0.30

TO

0.09

1

13

0.02

0.26

86

11

0.021.48

98--

1.55--

203-- 1.78--

192-- 3.85

1

0.02

0.02

2

2

0.03

0.03.03

--

8

--

0.07

--

3 0.06

9

0.15

11

0.17

42

0.37

47 0.94

3

1

0.05

4

0.06

5

0.04

13 0.26

3

6

0.02

0.05

0.10

2

5

12

0.03

0.08

0.19

.

14

2

8

0.12

0.02

0.07

--

--

4

--

--

0.08

2

1

0.03

0.02

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.01--

--4

0.2

3985

6.840.09

7615

12.030.08

1,293

11.370.03

6882 13.80

0.04

--

--

--

---

TABLE 7

(cont.)

UPSTREAM 1-55 (cont.)

1994?

1995?

1997

?

1998 ?1999

?

2000

?

2001? 2002?

2003

?

2004

SPECIES

#?

%?

#?

%?

#?

% ?

% ?

% ?

% ?

%?

#?

%?

#?

%

ORANGESPOTTED SUNFISH

?3?

0.22?

7?

0.53?

57?

1.95?

63

?

1.10

?

51

?

1.83

?

29 1.02?

2?

0.03?

14 0.22?

76?

0.67?

45?

0.90

BLUEGILL?

11?

0.80?

36?

2.71?

122?

4.18

?

291?

5.06

?

212

?

7.61

?

404 14.27

?

572?

9.84?

733 11.58 1,688 14.81?

706 14.16

LONGEAR SUNFISH

? 5?

0.36?

1?

0.08?

6 0.21

?

3?

0.05?

1?

0.04?

25

?

0.88?

24 0.41?

26?

0.41?

36?

0.32?

9?

0.18

REDEAR

SUNFISH? --?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

2 0.03?

2 0.02?

--?

--

HYBRID SUNFISH

?

2?

0.15?

3

?

0.23

?

24

?

0.82?

74?

1.29?

147?

5.28?

98 3.46?

51?

0.88?

101

?

1.60?

610?

5.35?

361?

7.24

UNID

LEPOMIS?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

--

?

--

?

2 0.03

?

--?

--?

21?

0.18?

2 0.04

SMALLMOUTH BASS

?

10

?

0.73?

10?

0.75?

29?

0.99?

41?

0.71?

22?

0.79?

7 0.25?

26 0.45?

63?

1.00?

96?

0.84?

59?

1.18

LARGEMOUTH BASS

?

28?

2.03

?

43?

3.24?

121?

4.15?

185?

3.22?

152?

5.46?

169?

5.97?

132?

2.27?

219 3.46?

416?

3.65?

324?

6.50

UNIDMICROPTERUS

? --?

--

?

8 0.60?

--?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

WHITE CRAPPIE?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

2?

0.03?

1?

0.04?

2?

0.07?

--?

--?

1?

0.02?

1?

0.01?

1?

0.02

BLACK CRAPPIE

?

1?

0.08?

1?

0.03?

9?

0.16?

4?

0.14?

4?

0.14?

2?

0.03?

9?

0.14?

6?

0.05

?

9?

0.18

JOHNNY DARTER

?

41?

3.09?

--

?

--?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

1?

0.04?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

11?

0.10?

1?

0.02

ORANGETHROATDARTER

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

1?

0.01?

1?

0.02

YELLOW

PERCH

?

--?

2 0.07

?

2 0.03?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

LOGPERCH?

3

?

0.10

?

1?

0.02?

2 0.07?

2

?

0.07

?

1?

0.02

?

3

?

0.05

?

--?

--

BLACKSIDE DARTER

?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--?

1?

0.02?

--?

--?

2?

0.02?

5?

0.10.

SLENDERHEAD DARTER--

?

--

?

1

?

0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--

SAUGER--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

--

?

1

?

0.02

?

--?

--?

--?

--

WALLEYE

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--

?

--?

--

?

3 0.06

FRESHWATER DRUM

?

27?

1.96?

25?

1.88?

94?

3.22?

82?

1.43?

52?

1.87?

91?

3.21?

71?

1.22?

87?

1.37?

82?

0.72?

85?

1.70

ROUND GORY

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

1 0.02

?

1?

0.02?

45 0.39?

47 0.94

TOTAL FISH

?

1,379 100.00 1,329 100.00 2,918 100.00 5,749 100.00 2,784 100.00 2,832 100.00 5,815 100.00 6,328 100.00 11,398 100.00 4,987 100.00

CATCH PER GEAR EFFORT

?

46?

44?

46?

90? 50? 44? 75?

79? 142? 62

TOTAL SPECIES

?

36?

36?

43?

50? 45? 45? 55?

55? 54?

50

DOWNSTREAM 1-55

1994

?

1995?

1997?

1998

? 1999? 2000? 2001? 2002

? 2003? 2004

SPECIES

LONGNOSE GAR

SHORTNOSE GAR

UNID GAR

UNID CLUPEIDAE

SKIPJACK HERRING

GIZZARD SHAD

THREADFIN SHAD

UNID DOROSOMA

GRASS PICKEREL

CENTRAL STONEROLLER

GOLDFISH

GRASS CARP

COMMON CARP

CARP X GOLDFISH HYBRID

BIGHEAD CARP

GOLDEN SHINER

PALLID SHINER

EMERALD SHINER

GHOST SHINER

STRIPED SHINER

SPOTTAIL SHINER

RED SHINER

ROSYFACE SHINER

SPOTFIN SHINER

SAND SHINER

REDFIN SHINER

MIMIC SHINER

UNID NOTROPIS

BLUNTNOSE MINNOW

FATHEAD MINNOW

BULLHEAD MINNOW

#_ %__ #__ %__ #__ %__ #__ %__ #__ %__ #__ %__ #__ %__ #__ %?

#__ %__ #__ -%-

?

--?

6?

0.20?

8 • 0.17?

5?

0.09?

--?

--?

2?

0.04?

3?

0.06?

7?

0.11?

4?

0.02

?

?2

-

--

-

?

?

?

0.10

--

--?

?

?

--

--

?

? --

--

?

?

•

--

--

1?

?

?

0.02--

--

?

?

?

--

--

3

?

?

?

0.06

--

--

?

?

?

--3?

?

0.09--

?

?

1?

0.02?

8?

0.16?

4 0.06?

--?

--?

--

--

2

?

?

?

0.03

----

?

725 37.70?

202?

6.83 1,844 39.92 1,203 22.57

?

728 21.82 1,001 18.89 1,411 28.48 1,511 22.73 1,145?

6.47?

536?

8.55

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

1?

0.02?

18 0.54?

107 2.02?

66?

1.33?

53?

0.80?

261?

1.47?

60?

0.96

?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

-- 2,823 15.95

?

--?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

1?

0.02?

3 0.06?

3 0.06?

--

?

--

?

--

?

1?

0.02

?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

1 0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

1

?

0.05?

1?

0.03?

2 0.04?

1?

0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

1 0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--

?

87?

4.52?

42?

1.42?

142?

3.07?

121?

2.27?

84?

2.52?

111?

2.09?

148?

2.99?

57?

0.86

?

83

?

0.47?

66?

1.05

?

18?

0.94

?

24?

0.81?

17?

0.37?

10?

0.19

?

4?

0.12?

6?

0.11?

1?

0.02?

--?

--?

3?

0.02

?

--?

--

?

--

? --? --?

--? --? --? --? --? --? --? --?

--? --? --? 2 0.03?

--

?

--?

--?

--

?

13?

0.68

?

2?

0.07?

17?

0.37?

3?

0.06

?

1

?

0.03?

7?

0.13?

9?

0.18?

8?

0.12

?

36?

0.20?

12?

0.19

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

2 0.04?

--?

--?

2 0.03?

28 0.16

?

32 0.51

?

179?

9.31?

24 0.81?

267?

5.78?

216 4.05?

77 2.31?

41?

0.77?

219?

4.42?

527 7.93?

678

?

3.83

?

134?

2.14

?

2?

0.10?

2?

0.07?

--?

--?

7 0.13?

3?

0.09?

--

?

--

?

1?

0.02?

1?

0.02?

89?

0.50?

1?

0.02

?

3?

0.16?

1?

0.03?

5?

0.11?

1?

0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

3?

0.05?

1?

0.01?

10?

0.16

?

92?

4.78?

81?

2.74?

48?

1.04?

136

?

2.55

?

14

?

0.42

?

267

?

5.04?

72?

1.45?

75?

1.13?

214?

1.21?

22?

0.35

?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

3 0.06?

--

?

--?

1 0.02?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

15 0.?

--?

--

?

12?

0.62?

13?

0.44?

27?

0.58

?

30?

0.56?

41?

1.23?

45?

0.85?

50?

1.01?

81?

1.22?

284?

1.

08

60?

158

?

2.52

--?

--?

--?

--?

7 0.15?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

2 0.04?

1?

0.02?

6 0.03?

1?

0.02

?

1

?

0.03?

1?

0.02?

1?

0.02

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

--?

--

?

1

?

0.03?

--

?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--?

--?

--?

--?

42 0.24

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--

?

--

?

--

?

9 0.05?

--?

--

?

250 13.00 1,229 41.58

?

947 20.50?

848 15.91

?

309 9.26?

579 10.93?

713 14.39?

556?

8.36 3,809 21.51 1,290 20.58

--

?

--

?

--

?

--?

1

?

0.02?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

--?

20 0.11?

1?

0.02

?

57?

2.96?

193

?

6.53?

168?

3.64?

326 6.12?

178?

5.34?

235?

4.43?

240 4.84?

97?

1.46?

306?

1.73

?

282?

4.50

---

TABLE 7 (cont.)

DOWNSTREAM 1-55 (cont.)

SPECIES

1994

1995

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

#__

%

#

%

#

%__

#__

%

#__

%__

#__

%__

#__

%

#__

%__

#

%__

#__

%__

RIVER CARPSUCKER

4 0.21

10 0.34

24 0.52

15

0.28

9 0.27

11

0.21

13 0.26

7

0.11

7

0.04

22

0.35

QUILLBACK

6 0.31

10

0.34

13 0.28

5

0.09

6

0.18

4

0.08

12

0.24

4 0.06

4 0.02

7 0.11

WHITE SUCKER

1 0.05

8

0.27

--

SMALLMOUTH BUFFALO

6 0.31

14 0.47

39 0.84--

281 0.530.02

--52

1.56--

381

0.020.72

--58

1.17--

--49

0.74--

32--

0.18--

40--

0.64

--

BIGMOUTH BUFFALO

--

--

--

7 0.15

3 0.06

3

0.09

2 0.04

1 0.02

4

0.06

1 0.01

2 0.03

BLACK BUFFALO

--

--

2

0.07

--

--

1 0.02

--

--

3 0.06

1

0.02

--

--

6

0.03

--

--

SPOTTEDSUCKER

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

0.02

1

0.02

--

--

--

--

BLACK

SILVER REDHORSE

REDHORSE

2

--

0.10

--

3

--

0.10

--

1

--

0.02

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

1

--

0.02

--

--

1

--

0.02

1

--

0.01

--

2

--

0.03

--

GOLDEN REDHORSE

4

25

0.21

1.30

18 0.61

0.61

27 0.58

24

0.45

10

0.30

1 0.02

4

0.08

17

0.26

44

0.25

12

0.19

BLACK

SHORTHEAD REDHORSE

BULLHEAD

3 0.16

18

--

--

12

--

0.26

--

14

--

0.26

--

6

--

0.18

--

11

--

0.21

--

5

--

0.10

--

4

--

0.06

--

3

1

0.02

0.01

1

--

0.02

--

YELLOW BULLHEAD

2

3

0.10

--

--

3 0.06

3 0.06

6 0.18

15 0.28

5

0.10

9 0.14

14

0.08

4 0.06

UNID

CHANNEL CATFISH

AMEIURUS

--

0.16

--

7

--

0.24

--

21

--

0.45

--

18

--

0.34

--

28

1

0.84

0.03

32

--

0.60

--

33

--

0.67

--

52

--

0.78

--

60

--

0.34

--

61

--

0.97

--

TADPOLE MADTOM

1

0.03

--

--

1

0.02

--

--

3 0.06

1

0.02

--

--

1

0.01

1 0.02

FLATHEAD CATFISH

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

1

0.02

BLACKSTRIPE TOPMINNOW

1

0.05

3

0.10

4

0.09

4 0.08

2 0.06

15

0.28

3 0.06

7

0.11

25 0.14

32 0.51

WESTERN MOSQUITOFISH

--

--

--

--

2

0.04

--

2

0.04

1

0.02

--

--

2 0.01

8 0.13

WHITE

BROOK SILVERSIDE

PERCH

14 0.73

23

1

0.78

0.03

1

--

0.02

--

1

--

0.02

--

3

--

0.09

--

3

1

0.06

0.02

8

2

0.16

0.04

15

--

0.23

--

36

3

0.20

0.02

45

--

0.72

--

WHITE BASS

--

--

--

--

1 0.02

1 0.02

1 0.03

1 0.02

--

--

2

0.03

6 0.03

2 0.03

HYBRI

YELLOW BASS

D MORONE

--

1

--

0.05

2

--

0.07

--

1

--

0.02

--

1

--

0.02

--

2

--

0.06

--

1

--

0.02

--

--

1

--

0.02

1

--

0.02

--

2

--

0.01

--

2

--

0.03

--

UNIDMORONE

2 0.10 --

--

--

--

--

--

1 0.03

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

ROCK BASS

--

--

--

--

2 0.04

--

--

--

--

4

0.08

2 0.04

1 0.02

3

0.02

1 0.02

GREEN SUNFISH

66 3.43

16 0.54

62

1.34

194 3.64

176 5.28 465

8.78 115

2.32

406

6.11 1,205

6.81

637 10.16

wPUMPKINSEED

3 0.16

1

0.03

--

--

10

0.19