TAR 2017 Fish Community Templates

Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Northern Hogsucker (2, last collected in 2006), Bluegill (9, last collected in 2006), and Yellow Bullhead (first collection at this
location). Species lost since 2012 - Pirate Perch (1 collected in 2012), Creek Chubsucker (4 collected in 2012), Notchlip Redhorse (1 collected in 2012),
Blacktip Jumprock (2 collected in 2012), Roanoke Bass (Sig. Rare, 1 collected in 2012), Bull Chub (2 collected in 2012), Mimic Shiner (Sig. Rare, 4 collected
in 2012), Creek Chub (4 collected in 2012), and Glassy Darter (1 collected in 2012, and in most other previous samples).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Fishing Creek drains central Granville County, including the town of Oxford. This site is located about 3.5 miles upstream of the creek's
confluence with the Tar River. Habitat - The riparian corridor at this location is mature and provides good shading given the >10 meter width of this stream.
Instream habitats are high quality, extremely rocky Carolina Slate Belt types including frequent pools of mixed sizes and velocities, frequent shallow rocky
riffles, and rocky runs. No apparent changes in instream or riparian habitats since the last basin monitoring cycle. 2017 - Moderate species diversity and
abundance was observed. However, 2017 showed the lowest number of species at this location (n=17, same as 1997), with 6 fewer collected than in 2012.
However, all lost species were represented by 4 or fewer individuals in 2012. Late season sampling at this site may be contributing to the slightly lower total
species number due to post-spawn seasonal movement of some species out of this 600 foot reach. The total NCIBI score would have advanced to 54 (rating
of Excellent), with just a few more individual fish collected. No disease was observed and the only young of year collected in 2017 were Largemouth Bass.
1992 - 2017 - This location has been sampled six times over the last 25 years, alternating between Good and Excellent NCIBI ratings. Overall, the fish
community at this location on Fishing Creek indicates good water quality as it remains robust and trophically balanced. The few noticeable changes in fish
species composition in 2017 are unlikely related to changes in water quality.
Most Abundant Sp.Satinfin Shiner (136, 24%).Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish (71), and Bluegill (9).
04/14/97 97-22 17 52 Good
04/07/92 92-06 18 42 Good-Fair
05/18/06 2006-52 22 56 Excellent
04/08/02 2002-02 20 50 Good
06/19/17 2017-02 17 52 Good
04/18/12 2012-08 23 56 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid Substrates Gravel, cobble, boulder, sand, and silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)91
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)5
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)186 330 168
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.7 7.5
Temperature (°C)15.6 18.1 25.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.4 7.4 7.7
1.4 0.8 0.2
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 47.8 18.5 4.3 20.1 11.2
2006 48.9 18.1 4.1 20.5 10.1 1.3 0.8 0.2
2001 50.1 17.8 3.9 21.0 8.8 1.4 0.8 0.1
Wetland Water Barren
1992 62.1 12.4 no data 23.1 no data 1.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.9 0.1
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
Oxford Waste Water Treatment Plant (~6 miles upstream)NC0025054 3.5
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Outer Piedmont 44.1 12 0.5
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
GRANVILLE 03020101 36.223112 -78.575604 307 No
FISHING CR SR 1643 OF17 06/19/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FRANKLIN 03020101 36.148984 -78.341263 203 No
LYNCH CR SR 1235 OF27 06/29/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Outer Piedmont 23.7 6 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 69.0 1.3 no data 26.6 no data 2.5
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.6 0.0
2001 53.8 5.9 1.0 23.7 12.8 2.5 0.7 0.6
2006 53.7 6.3 1.1 23.1 13.2 2.4 0.7 0.6
2.5 0.7 0.4
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 51.5 6.4 1.1 22.5 16.0
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)70 88 85
pH (s.u.)6.8 6.0 6.8
Temperature (°C)8.1 21.0 20.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.4 6.2 6.5
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)64
Bank Erosion (7)7
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid Substrates Sand, silt, clay, and gravel.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/29/17 2017-05 22 46 Good
04/17/12 2012-06 20 50 Good
04/10/07 2007-11 25 50 Good
05/24/99 99-35 19 46 Good
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Bluespotted Sunfish (4), Chain Pickerel (1), Green Sunfish (1), Bluegill (4), Largemouth Bass (4), Notchlip Redhorse (2), and Bull
Chub (10). Species lost since 2012 - Creek Chubsucker, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Pinewoods Shiner, Bluehead Chub, and Golden Shiner.
Data Analysis
Watershed - Drains northwest Franklin and southeast Vance counties. This site is located about 1.1 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the Tar
River. Habitats - The riparian floodplain here is wide, mature, and intact with coastal plain characteristics on account of it's close proximity to the Tar River
(stream was out of its banks into the floodplain on June 20, 2017). Instream habitats are primarily sandy runs with abundant woody debris, frequent snag pools
(some scoured at channel bends), no gravel/cobble riffles, but infrequent stick riffles and a few log chutes. No noticeable changes in riparian or instream
habitats since last basin monitoring cycle. 2017 - The fish community continues to exhibit high diversity and abundance at this location and is dominated by
insectivorous species (95%) including two intolerant darters (Chainback Darter and Roanoke Darter), which have been present during all DWR assessments.
A majority of the 22 fish species showed multiple age classes in 2017 including 11 species with young of year cohorts. 1992 - 2017 - The fish community here
continues to be dominated by intermediately tolerant insectivorous fish species, and only two exotic species ever collected. This site has shown similar metric
scores and consistent Good bioclassifications in the last five basin assessments. Overall, Lynch Creek continues to support a stable fish community and
shows no changes in water quality since the last basin cycle.
Most Abundant Sp.Satinfin Shiner (30%)Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish and Bluegill
04/15/97 97-25 24 48 Good
06/18/92 92-20 15 36 Fair
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - White Sucker (2, last collected in 2007), Warmouth (1, last collected in 2007), Largemouth Bass (4, last collected in 2007), and
Chain Pickerel (1, first collection here). Species lost since 2012 - Creek Chubsucker (23 collected in 2012), V-Lip Redhorse (3 collected in 2012), Mountain
Redbelly Dace (1 collected in 2012), and Rosyside Dace (14 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - The Middle Creek catchment is located just west of Franklinton and drains northwestern Franklin County. This site is about 0.3 miles upstream
of the creek's confluence with the Tar River. Habitat - The riparian corridor at this location is mature and wide, and provides good canopy and shading to the
stream. Instream habitats are primarily lower quality shallow sandy runs, side undercut pools under trees, and gravel riffles and chutes. A moderate amount
of woody debris is also mixed into the shifting sandy channel. There are no apparent changes in instream or riparian habitats since 2012. 2017 - A highly
diverse and relatively abundant fish community was collected here in 2017 including 3 insectivorous species considered to be intolerant to pollution
(Pinewoods Shiner, Chainback Darter, and Roanoke Darter). Most of the 22 species collected here showed multiple year classes including seven that were
also represented by young of year cohorts. The total NCIBI score of 52 is at the upper end of Good and would likely be advanced to Excellent (metric score
of 54 - 60) with the occurrence of one more species such as the V-Lip Redhorse (sucker species present in 2012). 2002 - 2017 - Beginning in 2002, Middle
Creek has been sampled at this location during 4 consecutive basin cycles and has rated either Good or Excellent each time indicating stable, high quality
water.
Most Abundant Sp.Bluehead Chub (174, 40%).Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish (7), and Bluegill (23).
04/09/07 2007-09 25 56 Excellent
04/08/02 2002-01 19 50 Good
06/28/17 2017-03 22 52 Good
04/17/12 2012-04 22 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Sand, gravel, and silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)67
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)6
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)14
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)83 98 89
pH (s.u.)7.3 6.1 6.7
Temperature (°C)9.8 17.2 18.3
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)11.1 7.7 8.2
0.6 0.2 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 70.0 4.8 0.4 12.9 11.5
2006 72.0 4.5 0.4 13.2 9.4 0.6 0.2 0.1
2001 74.0 4.5 0.4 12.2 8.3 0.6 0.2 0.2
Wetland Water Barren
1992 89.7 0.1 no data 9.5 no data 0.6
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.1 0.0
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Outer Piedmont 9.0 5 0.3
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
FRANKLIN 03020101 36.171944 -78.487500 228 No
MIDDLE CR SR 1203 OF28 06/28/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Blacktip Jumprock (1, first record), Mud Sunfish (1, first record), Yellow Bullhead (4, first records) and Flat Bullhead (1, last
collected here in 2007). Species lost since 2012 - Creek Chubsucker (3 collected in 2012), Largemouth Bass (2 collected in 2012), Highfin Shiner (1 collected
in 2012), and Creek Chub (1 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Red Bud Creek drains northeastern Franklin and northwestern Nash counties and is a tributary to Sandy Creek eventually Swift Creek. Habitat -
Riparians are wide and intact at this location, providing good canopy and shading to the stream. The right riparian appears to be in regrowth following logging
activities that occurred in the early 2000's. The stream channel in this reach of Red Bud Creek is straight with primarily shallow runs and several bedrock veins
that create short cascade riffles. There have been no apparent changes in habitats since the 2012 fish community assessment. 2017 - A relatively diverse and
moderately abundant community of fish was collected, with similar species composition as in past assessments including the presence of three intolerant
species (Pinewoods Shiner, Chainback Darter, and Roanoke Darter). The trophic structure continues to be skewed towards a high percentage of insectivores,
as in 2002 and 2007. Three species were collected here for the first time in 2017 during the site's 4th assessment (see below). Metric scores and the overall
rating of Good in 2017 would have been advanced to Excellent with just a few more total fish collected. 2002 - 2017 - The fish community continues to exhibit
good diversity and stability with three of four fish-community-based water quality assessment ratings of Good. No apparent changes in water quality are
occurring in this regional reference site.
Most Abundant Sp.Redbreast Sunfish (41, 20%)Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish (9), and Bluegill (9).
04/11/07 2007-13 22 50 Good
04/09/02 2002-06 16 50 Good
06/29/17 2017-06 22 52 Good
04/19/12 2012-09 22 58 Excellent
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Bedrock, gravel, and slate cobble
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)4
Total Habitat Score (100)82
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)6
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)12
Pool Variety (10)4
Riffle Habitat (16)14
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)80 102 57
pH (s.u.)6.1 6.4 6.3
Temperature (°C)10.8 16.1 21.8
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.1 6.2 6.9
4.3 0.4 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 61.0 4.1 0.6 22.6 7.4
2006 60.9 4.1 0.6 23.0 7.2 4.3 0.4 0.1
2001 60.8 4.1 0.6 23.3 6.7 4.5 0.4 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 70.6 0.5 no data 22.5 no data 4.8
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 1.3
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Outer Piedmont 18.9 7 0.2
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
NASH 03020101 36.116111 -78.021111 163 Yes
RED BUD CR SR 1407 OF33 06/29/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Pirate Perch (2, last collected here in 2006), Pumpkinseed (1, last collected here in 2006), Redear Sunfish (1, last
collected here in 1997), and Chainback Darter (1, last collected here in 1999). Species lost since 2012 - Golden Shiner (1 collected here in 2012),
Chain Pickerel (2 collected here in 2012), and Brown Bullhead (1 collected in 2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Shelton Creek is located in the Tar River headwaters just west of Oxford, NC and drains west-central Granville County. This site is about
3 miles upstream of the creek's confluence with the Tar River. Habitat - The riparian corridor at this reference location is mature, intact, and provides
a good canopy and shading to the stream. Instream habitats are primarily pools and runs of varying sizes and depths with infrequent, short, shallow
riffles. No noticeable changes in instream or riparian habitats since the 2012 assessment. 2017 - The fish community here showed relatively high
diversity in 2017 including two sucker species, six sunfish species (although 3 of 6 are non-native), largemouth bass, four minnow species (including
the intolerant Pinewoods Shiner), one catfish species, and three darter species (including the intolerant Roanoke and Chainback Darters). The fish
community here retains good trophic balance with the NCIBI showing only 3 of 12 metrics with less than maximum possible scores. 1992 - 2017 -
Water quality remains high in this primarily forested headwater catchment, and there no apparent shifts in the fish community since 2012. NCIBI
scores and ratings have remained stable here over the past 25 years, with 5 of 6 fish community ratings of Excellent.
Most Abundant Sp.Bluehead Chub (51, 18%), and White Shiner (50,
17%).
Non-Native Sp. Bluegill (17), Green Sunfish (30), and Redear
Sunfish (1).
04/14/97 97-20 24 58 Excellent
04/07/92 92-04 19 54 Excellent
05/17/06 2006-49 18 50 Good
04/06/99 99-01 19 56 Excellent
06/19/17 2017-01 19 54 Excellent
04/16/12 2012-02 18 54 Excellent
Water Clarity Slightly Turbid Substrates Sand, gravel, cobble, boulder
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
Left Riparian Score (5)5
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)77
Bank Erosion (7)5
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)10
Bottom Substrate (15)6
Pool Variety (10)9
Riffle Habitat (16)7
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)5
Instream Habitat (20)18
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)73 75 75
pH (s.u.)6.0 6.9 6.9
Temperature (°C)14.2 22.9 22.9
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)8.5 6.9 6.9
2.3 0.3 0.3
Water Quality Parameters 2006 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 61.3 2.9 0.3 18.1 15.0
2006 64.3 2.9 0.3 18.5 11.5 2.2 0.3 0.3
2001 64.1 2.9 0.3 18.5 11.8 2.2 0.3 0.3
Wetland Water Barren
1992 80.0 0.4 no data 17.8 no data 1.4
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.2 0.1
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Carolina Slate Belt 22.4 9 0.5
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
Reference Site
GRANVILLE 03020101 36.312973 -78.721157 407 Yes
SHELTON CR US 158 OF38 06/19/17 Excellent
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
FISH COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Waterbody Location Station ID Date Bioclassification
04/15/97 97.23 25 56 Excellent
Reference Site
VANCE 03020101 36.182222 -78.455833 216 No
TABBS CR SR 1100 OF41 06/28/17 Good
County 8 digit HUC Latitude Longitude Elevation (ft)
Upstream NPDES Dischargers (≥ 1 MGD or < 1 MGD and within 1 mile)NPDES Number Volume (MGD)
None ----
Level IV Ecoregion Drainage Area (mi2)Stream Width (m)Stream Depth (m)
Northern Outer Piedmont 70.3 10 0.5
Wetland Water Barren
1992 76.7 5.6 no data 15.0 no data 2.3
Landuse (%)Forest Developed Impervious Cultivation Grass/Herb/Shrub
0.3 0.0
2001 61.7 11.4 2.0 15.6 8.4 2.1 0.3 0.4
2006 58.8 11.8 2.1 15.8 10.9 2.1 0.3 0.3
2.1 0.3 0.1
Water Quality Parameters 2007 2012 2017 Site Photograph
2011 58.0 11.9 2.2 15.2 12.5
Specific Conductance (µS/cm)101 138 114
pH (s.u.)6.3 6.4 6.7
Temperature (°C)8.2 16.9 20.7
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)10.3 7.4 7.1
Bottom Substrate (15)3
Pool Variety (10)10
Riffle Habitat (16)3
Habitat Assessment Scores (max score)2017
Channel Modification (5)4
Instream Habitat (20)16
Left Riparian Score (5)4
Right Riparian Score (5)5
Total Habitat Score (100)68
Bank Erosion (7)6
Bank Vegetation (7)7
Light Penetration (10)10
Water Clarity Clear Substrates Sand, gravel, and silt.
Sample Date Sample ID Species Total NCIBI Score NCIBI Rating
06/28/17 2017-04 23 48 Good
04/19/12 2012-10 22 46 Good
04/10/07 2007-10 20 48 Good
10/14/99 99-65 21 46 Good
Species Change Since Last Cycle
Species gained since 2012 - Pumpkinseed (3, last collected here in 1997), Largemouth Bass (1, last collected here in 2007), Black Crappie (first collection
here), Chain Pickerel (1, last collected here in 1999), Flat Bullhead (first collection here), and Glassy Darter (11, last collected here in 2007). Species lost
since 2012 - White Sucker (1 in 2012), Northern Hogsucker (1 in 2012), Warmouth (7 in 2012), Mimic Shiner (1 in 2012), and Eastern Mosquitofish (33 in
2012).
Data Analysis
Watershed - Drains southwestern Vance and western Granville counties including the I-85 and US-1 corridors. This site is about 1.7 miles upstream from
the creek's confluence with the Tar River. Habitat - Mature, forested riparians provide good shading to this reach of Tabbs Creek. Moderate quality instream
habitats including mostly shallow sandy runs and pools with an abundance of coarse woody debris in the channel, including several large logs. The habitat
score was diminished mostly due to the dominant sand substrates and lack of functional riffles in the sample reach. However, no noticeable changes to the
riparian or instream habitats in the last 5 years. 2017 - The fish community showed high species diversity and abundances, including good numbers for three
intolerant species, and no diseases observed. About 70% of the fish collected in 2017 were represented by multiple age classes, and four species included
young of year cohorts (including Chainback and Roanoke Darters, both intolerant). 1992 - 2017 - Tabbs Creek continues to be dominated by tolerant
insectivorous fish species. However, consistent NCIBI metric scores and ratings of Good have been repeated here over several basin cycles. Good water
quality remains noticeably unchanged in this Tar River headwater catchment.
Most Abundant Sp.Satinfin Shiner (101, 31%)Non-Native Sp. Green Sunfish (11), and Bluegill (37).
06/24/99 99-55 21 48 Good
04/09/99 99-05 21 50 Good
04/08/92 92-07 24 56 Excellent