@article{cope_kwak_black_pacifici_harris_miller_raley_hallerman_2021, title={Genetic Structure and Diversity of the Endemic Carolina Madtom and Conservation Implications}, volume={41}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10589}, DOI={10.1002/nafm.10589}, abstractNote={Abstract Identification and conservation of genetic diversity within and among freshwater fish populations are important to better manage and conserve imperiled species. The Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus is a small, nongame catfish that is endemic to the Tar and Neuse River basins of North Carolina. Genetic structure has not been studied in the species, and given recent population declines in both basins, identification of remaining genetic diversity within the species is vital for informing conservation efforts. To assess the status and trends of Carolina Madtom genetic structure, we analyzed genetic markers from 173 individuals to (1) define population genetic structure, (2) assess intra‐ and interbasin genetic differentiation in the Tar and Neuse River basins, and (3) present management implications to guide conservation efforts. Using 10 microsatellite primers developed for the related Yellowfin Madtom N. flavipinnis , we observed low genetic diversity in Carolina Madtoms. Genotype frequencies within samples were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, with a deficit of heterozygotes that could be due to family structure, inbreeding, or segregation of null alleles. Mean (±SD) M ‐ratios for the Tar River (0.414 ± 0.117) and Neuse River (0.117 ± 0.102) basin collections indicated that both populations have experienced recent demographic bottlenecks, with that in the Neuse River basin population being more severe. Effective population size estimates for the respective populations were small, on the order of tens of individuals, driving low genetic diversity within populations. However, the multilocus population differentiation metrics (mean ± SE = 0.135 ± 0.031) and D EST (0.125 ± 0.029) were significantly different from zero ( P < 0.001), indicating significant genetic differentiation between the Tar and Neuse River basin populations. Our findings will inform managers on the status of genetic variation in the Carolina Madtom and will guide conservation toward protective listing and management decisions to maintain the viability of this important endemic species.}, number={S1}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Cope, W. Robert and Kwak, Thomas J. and Black, Tyler R. and Pacifici, Krishna and Harris, Sheila C. and Miller, Caitlin M. and Raley, Morgan E. and Hallerman, Eric M.}, year={2021}, month={Oct}, pages={S27–S41} }
 @article{cope_kwak_black_pacifici_2019, title={Evaluation of Artificial Cover Units as a Sampling Technique and Habitat Enhancement for Madtoms in Rivers}, volume={39}, ISSN={["1548-8675"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1002/nafm.10317}, DOI={10.1002/nafm.10317}, abstractNote={Abstract Instream habitat degradation and loss are major threats to freshwater fishes and critical conservation issues among nongame species due to a lack of research and knowledge concerning their habitat requirements. Instream physical cover is an important component of fish habitat, especially for benthic species that require cover for reproduction and shelter from predators. One such species is the Carolina Madtom Noturus furiosus , a small, imperiled, nongame catfish that is endemic to the Neuse and Tar River basins of North Carolina. To enhance understanding of instream cover dynamics, we constructed artificial cover units from terra cotta materials and deployed them in rivers to (1) evaluate whether they could be an effective passive‐sampling technique to estimate detection and occupancy of the Carolina Madtom and (2) determine their potential to enhance habitat in systems where instream cover has been lost. Artificial cover units were deployed at eight sites in the Neuse and Tar River basins, and the units collected 30 Carolina Madtoms at two sites in the Tar River basin. Occupancy modeling estimated a Carolina Madtom detection probability of 0.92 using artificial cover units. Compared to other standardized sampling methods, artificial cover units were an efficient passive‐sampling technique for detecting Carolina Madtoms. Observations also revealed that artificial cover units were occupied by Carolina Madtoms for reproduction. These findings provide an additional means by which natural resource managers can assess the status of this imperiled species via an inexpensive passive‐sampling device that can provide spawning habitat and protection from predators as well as helping to mitigate the effects of instream habitat degradation.}, number={4}, journal={NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Cope, W. Robert and Kwak, Thomas J. and Black, Tyler R. and Pacifici, Krishna}, year={2019}, month={Aug}, pages={778–787} }