Mike Bessert and Chenhong Li (Nebraska): "Conservation Genetics of the
Plains Topminnow (Fundulus sciadicus)." The objectives of this work are to
establish conservation strategies, population genetic and demographic
information such as effective population size, population growth and decline
rates, and extant genetic variation within and between populations in
Nebraska and Missouri. The researchers hope to provide a foundation for
plans to protect the plains topminnow in Nebraska and Missouri (if
warranted) ad provide a template for the development of regional
conservation plan for species with similar habitat, range, and life history
patterns.
Jenjit Khudamrongsawat (Alabama): "Life History Study of vermillion darter
(Etheostoma chermocki) from Turkey Creek, Jefferson County, Alabama, and
warrior darter (E. ballator) from Gurley Creek, Blount County, Alabama." The
Endangered vermillion darter is only found in one 11 km stretch of a creek
in suburban Birmingham, AL. Anthropogenic activities such as altered
riparian vegetation, modified flow patterns, increased silt loading and
other pollutants may threaten the viability of this species. Many questions
remain about the life history of Eth. chermocki, especially relating to
spawning habits and movement dynamics. To better understand these habits,
research involving mortality of individuals will be done on the closely
related Eth. bellator as a surrogate. These studies will emphasize fecundity
and feeding of Eth. bellator.
NANFA is proud to support this important research. And I'd like to thank the
other members of this year's review committee, Todd Crail and Jeremy
Tiemann, for taking the time to evaluate the many excellent proposals we
received this year.
--Bruce Stallsmith
along the sunny Tennessee
Huntsville, AL, US of A
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