The Effects of Tropical Storm Agnes on Fishes in the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers of Virginia

Authors

Walter J. Hoagman, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Woodrow L. Wilson, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Files

Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1976

Role

Project Coordinator, Jackson Davis (VIMS) | Volume Coordinator, Beverly Laird (VIMS)

Book Title

The effects of Tropical Storm Agnes on the Chesapeake Bay Estuarine System

Publisher

Chesapeake Research Consortium

Series

Chesapeake Research Consortium publication ; no. 54

Abstract

Intensive trawl surveys during and after Tropical Storm Agnes were mounted on the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers to measure the effects of the floodwaters on the distribution and abundance of fish. The direct effect of Agnes on the fish populations was minor and temporary. The normal zone was extended downriver. A substantial portion of the lower-river (marine) species was also displaced downstream and into Chesapeake Bay, but had returned by the follow-up surveys. No adult mortalities due to Agnes were detected. Although we know vast quantities of fish larvae and other plankton were swept into Chesapeake Bay, the overall impact on all fish appears to have been slight.

Recommended Citation

Hoagman, Walter J. and Wilson, Woodrow L., "The Effects of Tropical Storm Agnes on Fishes in the James, York, and Rappahannock Rivers of Virginia" (1976). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 76.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/76