Temporal responses of coastal hypoxia to nutrient loading and physical controls

The incidence and intensity of hypoxic waters in coastal aquatic ecosystems has been expanding in recent decades coincident with eutrophication of the coastal zone. Worldwide, there is strong interest in reducing the size and duration of hypoxia in coastal waters, because hypoxia causes negative effects for many organisms and ecosystem processes. Although strategies to reduce hypoxia by decreasing nutrient loading are predicated on the assumption that this action would reverse eutrophication, recent analyses of historical data from European and North American coastal systems suggest little evidence for simple linear response trajectories. We review published parallel time-series data on hypoxia and loading rates for inorganic nutrients and labile organic matter to analyze trajectories of oxygen (O<sub>2</sub>) response to nutrient loading. We also assess existing knowledge of physical and ecological factors regulating O<sub>2</sub> in coastal marine waters to facilitate analysis of hypoxia responses to reductions in nutrient (and/or organic matter) inputs. Of the 24 systems identified where concurrent time series of loading and O<sub>2</sub> were available, half displayed relatively clear and direct recoveries following remediation. We explored in detail 5 well-studied systems that have exhibited complex, non-linear responses to variations in loading, including apparent "regime shifts". A summary of these analyses suggests that O<sub>2</sub> conditions improved rapidly and linearly in systems where remediation focused on organic inputs from sewage treatment plants, which were the primary drivers of hypoxia. In larger more open systems where diffuse nutrient loads are more important in fueling O<sub>2</sub> depletion and where climatic influences are pronounced, responses to remediation tended to follow non-linear trends that may include hysteresis and time-lags. Improved understanding of hypoxia remediation requires that future studies use comparative approaches and consider multiple regulating factors. These analyses should consider: (1) the dominant temporal scales of the hypoxia, (2) the relative contributions of inorganic and organic nutrients, (3) the influence of shifts in climatic and oceanographic processes, and (4) the roles of feedback interactions whereby O<sub>2</sub>-sensitive biogeochemistry, trophic interactions, and habitat conditions influence the nutrient and algal dynamics that regulate O<sub>2</sub> levels

Year-End Individual Taxation Report

Several actions by Congress and the IRS aimed to reduce improper claims of the earned income tax credit by increasing preparer penalties and due diligence procedures. * Litigation over restricted stock-based compensation focused on the proper date of the stock\u27s market valuation and the effect of company and SEC restrictions on disposition of the stock. * The Tax Court applied the IRS\u27s recent practice of allowing professional gamblers to deduct ordinary and reasonable nonwagering business expenses over their gambling winnings, overturning a 1951 case holding. * The Tax Court also held that limited partners of a limited partnership who perform services for the partnership in their capacity as partners may be liable for self-employment taxes despite a general statutory exemption from self-employment income for limited partners\u27 income. Reprinted by permission of the publisher

Illinois Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations W-43-R-62 Annual Progress Report Period: 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2015

This study addresses the following objectives: 1)Inventory abundance and distribution of waterfowl and other waterbirds (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration at a minimum of 40 sites along the Illinois and central Mississippi rivers; 2) Investigate the ecology of canvasback and lesser scaup during spring migration in the central Illinois River valley (IRV) and Pool 19 of the Mississippi River; 3) Estimate waterfowl and other waterbird population sizes (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration using an aerial quadrat survey in the IRV for comparison with aerial inventories (Objective 1); 4) Determine breeding bird use of a minimum of 10 moist-soil wetlands managed for waterfowl during summer in central Illinois; 5) Investigate the breeding ecology of sandhill cranes during spring and summer in northeastern Illinois; 6) Distribute our findings to site managers and biologists, make recommendations for future management, and draw conclusions relevant to regional conservation planning during the project period as appropriate and requested.Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: RC09-13FWUIUCunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Wetland Management Strategies that Maximize Marsh Bird Use in the Midwest: Annual Performance Report Period: 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017

We determined marsh bird use across a wide range of wetland types (e.g., emergent, non-vegetated, riparian), hydrologic regimes (e.g., temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent), management practices (e.g., active, passive, unmanaged), and past disturbance regimes (e.g., natural and restored, impounded and unimpounded) in Illinois during late spring and early summer in 2015–2017. Our objectives were to 1) compare marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 2) determine characteristics of wetlands and the surrounding landscape that influence marsh bird use of restored and natural wetlands, 3) compare marsh bird use of wetland impoundments managed for waterfowl across a continuum of management intensities and strategies to predict how these actions can increase use by both waterfowl and marsh birds. Additionally, we surveyed marsh birds using the standard protocols on wetlands concurrently surveyed within the Illinois Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP) for comparison of methodologies. We will provide marsh bird and other wetland-associated bird data to the Midwest Avian Data Center and the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) and other conservation partners.Our data will be used as a basis for establishment of multi-group management strategies for marsh birds in the Midwest. These data will be especially useful as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) finalizes their Wetlands Campaign and Conservation Strategy as part of the Illinois Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan and Strategy (i.e., wildlife action plan; ICWCPS). Moreover, our research addresses several priorities outlined in the Midwest bird monitoring framework outlined by Koch et al. (2010), including furthering understanding of the ecology and conservation priorities for migrating birds, evaluating effectiveness of conservation actions such as wetland restoration, and increasing access to bird data relative to landscape characteristics for use in conservation planning.Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: F14AP00485unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Illinois Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations W-43-R-64 Annual Progress Report FY2017 Period: 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2017

Objectives 1) Inventory abundance and distribution of waterfowl, shorebirds, and other waterbirds (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration at a minimum of 30 sites along and nearby the Illinois and central Mississippi rivers, 2) Estimate waterfowl and other waterbird population sizes (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration using an aerial quadrat survey in the central Illinois River Valley for comparison with aerial inventories (Objective 1), 3) Investigate movement and population ecology of lesser scaup, canvasback, and other diving ducks by trapping and leg-banding a minimum of 1,000 individuals during spring migration along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, 4) Investigate the ecology of American green-winged teal and gadwall by radio-marking a minimum of 40 individuals of each species during spring migration in and nearby the central Illinois River Valley, 5) Investigate movements and home range size of a minimum of 10 Canada geese during winter in and near the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area (GCMA) of Illinois, 6) Determine habitat quality of a minimum of 50 wetland and deepwater polygons during spring, summer, and early autumn for migrating dabbling ducks, breeding wetland birds, and migrating shorebirds in Illinois, and 7) Distribute results and findings to site managers and biologists of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and other state agencies, the Mississippi Flyway Technical Section, the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region (UMRGLR) Joint Venture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, other scientists and collaborators as requested, and the general public through oral presentations, popular articles, technical reports, and peer reviewed publications; make recommendations for future wetland management practices and research needs based on results and related research; contribute to regional conservation planning efforts during the project period as appropriate and requested.Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: RC09-13FWUIUCunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

True Metabolizable Energy of Two Southern Aquatic Plants

In order to improve the accuracy of energetic models used to set habitat objectives, estimates of energy availability and metabolizability for a variety of aquatic plants are needed. While true metabolizable energy (TME) values are available for many species of moist-soil seeds, hard mast, agricultural grains, and invertebrates, few TME values exist in the published literature for submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV), despite SAV being a significant food item of many dabbling and diving duck species. Moreover, neither of the two plant species previous analyzed (i.e., shoalgrass [Halodule wrightii], Ballard et al. 2004; widgeon grass [Ruppia maritime], Coluccy et al. 2015) have values near means of other natural foods (Kaminski et al. 2003). Thus, there may exist significant energetic tradeoffs in managing wetland for SAV as opposed to moist-soil or agricultural crops. Moreover, TME values for both native and non-native species such as wild celery (Vallisneria americana) and hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) have not been previously published and are needed to assess the value for ducks and the 3 energetic tradeoffs of their control. Orth et al. (2017) suggested that scientists critically evaluate the ecosystem services provided by invasive vs native species before undertaking substantial efforts to manage an invasive. Therefore, we developed the following objectives aimed at estimating the TME of hydrilla for two waterfowl species and providing a comparison native vegetation for ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). Objectives 1)Estimate true metabolizable energy of hydrilla shoots and tubers for mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and 2)Estimate true metabolizable energy of hydrilla and wild celery shoots for ring-necked ducks.Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration FoundationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Illinois Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations W-43-R-63 Annual Progress Report FY2016 Period: 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016

Objectives 1) Inventory abundance and distribution of waterfowl and other waterbirds (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration at a minimum of 30 sites along the Illinois and central Mississippi rivers of Illinois, 2) Estimate waterfowl and other waterbird population sizes (a minimum of 10 species and guilds) during autumn migration using an aerial quadrat survey along the central Illinois River for comparison with aerial inventories (Objective 1), 3) Investigate the ecology of up to 50 gadwall and 50 American green-winged teal during spring migration in and near the central Illinois River valley of Illinois, 4) Determine breeding bird use of and nest density in a minimum of 10 moist-soil wetlands managed for waterfowl during summer in central Illinois, 5) Investigate the breeding ecology of a minimum of 50 sandhill cranes during spring and summer in northeastern Illinois consistent with an ongoing research project, 6) Investigate movements and home range size of a minimum of 10 Canada geese during winter in and near the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area of Illinois, and 7) Determine habitat quality of a minimum of 100 wetlands and deepwater habitats during spring, summer, and early autumn for migrating dabbling ducks, breeding wetland birds, and migrating shorebirds in Illinois.Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: RC09-13FWUIUCunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

True metabolizable energy of submersed aquatic vegetation in semi-permanent marshes for dabbling ducks in the upper Midwest

Our primary objectives were to 1) estimate true metabolizable energy of common species of submersed aquatic vegetation in semi-permanent marsh habitats of the Upper Midwest for gadwall and mallards during autumns 2015–2017, and 2) use current and historic estimates of semi-permanent marsh vegetation communities during autumn within the IRV to document the net change in energetic carrying capacity for dabbling ducks and compare with habitat use by waterfowl using long-term aerial surveys of the Illinois Natural History Survey. We assayed seven species of SAV common in the Midwest that have been documented as waterfowl foods: coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), wild celery (Vallisneria americana), Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis),southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis), Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima), and sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinate; Anderson 1959, Stewart 1962, Bergman 1973, Havera 1999, Benedict and Hepp 2000, Hitchcock 2009, Baldassarre 2014). Understanding the energetic value of SAV for dabbling ducks will allow wetland managers to accurately evaluate wetland management practices and conservation planners to develop more accurate energetic carrying capacity models. We predicted that the energetic carrying capacity of semi-permanent marshes containing SAV will be slightly less than if the same wetlands were managed for moist-soil vegetation (Bowyer et al. 2005). We hypothesized that the TME of SAV per unit biomass will be less than that of moist-soil seeds and agricultural grains. Further, we hypothesized that the TME of SAV will be independent of sex and trial week.Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service Contract Number: F15AP00687unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

Illinois Waterfowl Surveys and Investigations W-43-R-65-B Annual Progress Report FY2018

We monitored cellular-collared Canada geese in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area, specifically their use of space near Midway International Airport(MWD).Extensions of runways 13 and 31 were intersected more frequently (13.26% of transitional movements, x = 225) than extensions of runways 4 and 22 (2.52% of transitional movements, x = 76). We recorded 18 instances of movements intersecting airspace over runways at MDW (0.60% of transitional movements).The majority of transmittered Canada geese bred within the range of the temperate-nesting, Mississippi Flyway Giant Population with the exception of one male that appeared to be part of the subarctic-nesting, Mississippi Valley Population based on timing of migration and movement pattern indicating nesting. On average, 24.6% of transmittered geese underwent molt migrations during 2015–2017.We monitored the chronology and distribution of shorebirds aerially in the IRV during autumn and spring migration. Total number of shorebirds peaked in the IRV during autumn 2017 at 18,120, and averaged 12,024 birds/flight. We noted a positive trend with shorebird abundance and mudflat availability as river levels decreased in the IRV during August 2017. We documented lower shorebird numbers during spring 2018 in the IRV with a peak of 3,320 birds and an average of 2,527 birds/flight.Fluctuating water levels during migration drastically reduced the availability of shorebird habitat in the IRV during spring.Aerial detection of shorebird flocks was 97% and aerial count bias was 89.1% (range 0–250%) for total shorebirds. Count bias averaged 101.1% for large shorebirds and 80.4% for small shorebirds.Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of WildlifeU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration W-43-R-65-Bunpublishednot peer reviewedOpe

True metabolizable energy of submersed aquatic vegetation in semi-permanent marshes for dabbling ducks in the Upper Midwest

We completed 186 TME assays with mallards (n = 72) and gadwall (n = 114) between 2015 and 2018. Bioavailable energy (i.e., TME) of submersed aquatic vegetation was highly variable among duck and vegetation species as supported by their interaction in the most parsimonious model (wi = 0.42; R2m = 0.33, R2c = 0.47). For gadwall, mean TME (± SE; kcal/g[dry]) was greatest for Eurasian watermilfoil (0.77 ± 0.32, n = 19), followed by Canadian waterweed (0.70 ± 0.31, n = 20), coontail (0.55 ± 0.28, n = 18), southern naiad (–0.61 ± 0.34, n = 17), wild celery (–0.98 ± 0.39, n = 20), sago pondweed (–1.07 ± 0.33, n = 20). Mallards assimilated greatest energy from Canadian waterweed (1.66 ± 0.26, n = 13), followed by coontail (1.51 ± 0.28, n = 8), southern naiad (1.37 ± 0.39, n = 14), sago pondweed (0.50 ± 0.22, n = 14), wild celery (0.05 ± 0.42, n = 11), and Eurasian watermilfoil (–0.13 ± 0.26, n = 12). There was evidence from a competing model (wi = 0.11; R2m = 0.34, R2c = 0.47) that females acquired 0.52 kcal/g (± 0.34) more energy from vegetation than males and that TME declined 0.20 kcal/g (± 0.16) for every 100 g increase in initial mass. We estimated energetic carrying capacity at 318 random points within 20 wetlands across three years (2015–2017) in the Midwest, USA (Simpson et al. 2017). Across all points, Ceratophyllum spp. was the most commonly encountered genera (n = 188) of submersed aquatic vegetation, followed by Myriophyllum spp. (n = 64), Najas spp. (n = 47), Elodea spp. (n = 41), and Stuckenia spp. (n = 36). These five genera comprised 91.5% of the total energy density across all points and years. Extrapolated energy density estimated at sample points ranged from 0 to 5,624 EUD/ha (̅ = 426 ± 52) and biomass estimates ranged from 0 to 2,340 kg/ha (dry) (̅ = 204 ± 22). Evidenced from the best supported model (wi = 0.68; R2m = 0.19, R2c = 0.27), energy density was 195 EUD/ha (85% CI = 39 – 964) greater at managed points than unmanaged points, decreased 2 EUD/ha (85% CI = 1 – 3) for every 100 cm increase in water depth, increased 9 EUD/ha (85% CI = 6 – 12) for every 100 cm increase in Secchi depth, and increased 3 EUD/ha (85% CI = 0 – 11) if emergent vegetation was present.Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Joint Venture U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, Contract Number F15AP00687unpublishednot peer reviewedOpe