Brent Murry, assistant professor of aquatic ecology in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources Design, and the U.S. Geological Survey's Eastern Ecological Science Center hope to uncover information about the distinct areas of hyperpigmentation--or black ink-like spots on the skin---in black bass populations.
With a grant from the USGS totaling $314,975, the team plans to look into the prevalence, distribution, seasonality, and potential risks and impacts that still are unknown. To do this, WVU and USGS are partnering with Angler's Atlas and Bass Pro Shops to have citizen scientists across the United States and Canada to help investigate the condition. They are interested in all species of black basses: smallmouth, largemouth, spotted, and related species.
In addition, a research grant from BPS and Cabela's Outdoor Fund is supported by customer roundups and used for conservation concerns, such as the unknown impact of blotchy-bass syndrome.
The movement, Blotchy Bass Bonanza, will be accessible via the Angler's Atlas' free MyCatch smartphone app. The months-long event started July 1 and continues through Nov. 30. Citizens and community members are asked to report all bass, whether blotchy or not, to help researchers better understand the distribution and prevalance of the condition in black-bass populations.
"Angler submissions will allow us to determine what states (and areas) are or are not harboring the disease, what season it becomes most common, and, finally, what percentage of the fish exhibit signs of it," said Murry. "We'll be able to share that information with state agencies, and we'll use the results to guide more specific next steps aimed at evaluating the impacts."
Recent research from the Eastern Ecological Science Center suggests an association between blotchy-bass syndrome and emerging viruses known as adomaviruses. Little is known about the prevalence of blotchy-bass snydrome across the United States and Canada.
"Is this bad? 'We don't yet know' is the short answer," Murry said. "It's becoming more common, and anglers have been increasingly alerting state fishery agencies. Those state fisheries biologists want answers to communicate to the public."
There have been reports from various states, but there has not been a comprehensive survey. With the information gathered, more pertinent questions can be pursued, such as which bass species are susceptible and which seem immune. The answers to these questions could change management and response activity. However, further investigation is based on obtaining a large data set with the Blotchy Bass Bonanza.
"Our results will be as strong as the degree of participation we get," said Murry.
Weekly prize drawings of $50 BPS gift cards will be randomly awarded to contributors. Additional drawings also will be available to people specifically submitting reports of blotchy bass. To participate, visit the Angler's Atlas website (https://www.anglersatlas.com/).
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