KANSAS (Cont. ) 



3. Study of the Channel Catfish in Kansas. 



This project seeks infornriation leading to a sound basis for management of 

 the species, with specific aims as follows: Determination of ages attained 

 and growth rates, in particular lakes and streams, and as a state average; 

 reproductive success in lakes of various types and sizes; evaluation of results 

 of using stunted individuals from overpopulated lakes for stocking elsewhere; 

 experimentation with marking methods, and extensive application of the one 

 found most suitable; a check on the validity of aging techniques, using known-age 

 fish; comparison of the growth rates of stunted channel catfish and channel 

 catfish which have grown more rapidly when the two types are placed together 

 in new waters; potentialities of the channel catfish as a pond fish under various 

 conditions of stocking ratios, fertilization, and supplemental feeding. 



Forrestry, Fish and Game Commission cooperating; statewide; began 

 February 1954, planned for 3 years; $6,000; W. Jackson Davis, Leader. . 



Address inquiries to: Frank B. Cross, as in No. 1 above. 



4. Experiments in Pondfish Production. 



Eight small experimental ponds, a larger surface-water reservoir, and an 

 adjacent laboratory building have been constructed on the campus. The ponds were 

 constructed so as to be as nearly identical as possible, and so that water can be 

 added to or drained from each pond at any time, independently of all the others. 

 The purpose of the ponds is to obtain fundamental information on the biology of 

 small ponds in this region, and to seek methods for increasing production of 

 various food and ganne fishes. Channel catfish and largemouth bass, in combi- 

 nation with various other species, will be the objects of the original studies. 



Hdqrs. Lawrence; began June 1953, continuing; $40, 000 (cost of construction); 

 Frank B. Cross, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Frank B. Cross, as in No. 1 above. 



5. Fishes of Lake Wabaunsee and Mill Creek Drainage Basin. 



Objectives are to determine the kinds and relative abundance of fishes in the 

 150-acre Lake Wabaunsee, and in streams above and below this impoundment, to 

 the confluence of Mill Creek with the Kansas River; the size-distribution, growth 

 rates, and (grossly) food habits of principal species in the lake; and characteris- 

 tics of the habitat. Fishes are being collected by means of gill nets, hoop nets, 

 seines, and angling. Management recommendations will be presented, especially 

 for the lake, and comparisons will be drawn with other Kansas lakes and streams 

 which are under study. 



Lake Wabaunsee Sportsmen's Association and City of Eskridge cooperating; 

 Wabaunsee County; began February 1953, to close June 1954; $500; James W. 

 Booth, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Frank B. Cross, as in No. 1 above. 



Kansas State College 



1. Biology of Farm Ponds. 



Objectives of the project are: (a) To study the ecology of farm ponds, par- 

 ticularly those combinations of fishes which are best suited to Kansas ponds; 

 (b) to determine the fish production obtainable with chemical fertilizers; (c) to 

 control aquatic vegetation; and (d) to determine production and reproduction of 

 channel catfish. 



Forestry, Fish and Game Commission cooperating; vicinity of Manhattan; 

 began July 1953, indefinite; O. W. Tiemeier, Leader. 



Address inquiries to: Dr. O. W. Tiemeier, Department of Zoology, Kansas 

 State College, Manhattan, Kans. 



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