Tennessee Dace - Sampling Methods

Sampling Methods

For future management purposes, further population monitoring needs to be conducted. In one study, a simple dip net was found to be the best method to collect Tennessee dace. They were very productive because the species usually inhabits very small streams. Dip nets can be placed at the down stream side of a pool, and moved to the upstream side. In the larger pools and streams, a seine net was used. Seining was conducted using the standard seine method, blocking one end of a pool or sample area and kicking into the seine. An electro shocker could be helpful in larger streams, but it is unnecessary in most streams. In the same survey, minnow traps were used and proved ineffective. On separate occasions, both Tennessee dace and common creek chub were captured in minnow traps. Ten minutes later, the Tennessee dace were absent. It is assumed that they were consumed by the larger creek chub.