Blacknose Shiner
| Scientific Name | Notropis heterolepis |
|---|---|
| General Description | Grows to a length of 3 ½ inches. Compressed body. Black lateral line entire length of body with crescents within it. Olive to straw colored on top with lighter sides and belly. Scales outlined below lateral line. |
| Status | Year-round resident. |
| Abundance | Rare. |
| Primary Habitat | Primarily found in vegetated pools that are part of a stream system. |
| Federal Status | None. |
| Reason for Designation | Extirpated from much of its historic range in North Dakota. Populations may be confined to only a few sites. |
Locations and Conditions of Key Habitat
Preferred Habitat
Prefer clear, vegetated pools within a stream system.
Key Areas for Blacknose Shiner in North Dakota
The Blacknose Shiner was last documented in spring-fed pools in a stretch of the Sheyenne River in Ransom County, although no individuals were found during the last survey. Historically, this species was also documented in the Forest and Maple rivers.
Problems Which May Affect this Species
Habitat
Degradation of quality habitat is recognized as the leading cause for decline in this species; specifically loss and destruction of riparian habitat along waterways caused by current land use practices.
Other Natural or Manmade Factors
The addition of dams to the Red River drainage has changed the flow regime and segmented populations. Poor water quality, due to runoff and sedimentation in many stretches of the Red River basin has contributed to the decline of this species.
Research and Survey Efforts
Current Research or Surveys
- There is no current research targeting this species.
- The North Dakota Department of Health conducts Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for all North Dakota’s watersheds. This will document all species encountered.
Previous Research or Surveys
- Red River basin streams were surveyed during the 1960s by the University of North Dakota (UND).
- In the late 1970s, Red River basin stream surveys were conducted by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Ecological Services Section (MDNR ECO).
- A survey was conducted on the Red River during 1983 and 1984.
- Investigations of stream fishes in the Red River basin occurred during 1993 and 1994 as a part of two major studies.
- Several sites throughout the basin have been sampled for fishes using electrofishing gear by the MDNR, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), North Dakota Department of Health (NDDH), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). These studies are a part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment program (Stoner et al. 1993) and the development of an index of biotic integrity for fishes in the basin (Goldstein et al. 1994).
- A survey of the Sheyenne River and its tributaries within the Sheyenne National Grasslands was conducted by Brooks in 2000.
- South Dakota State University surveyed the stream fish of the Red River and its drainages in 2008.
- South Dakota State University surveyed western North Dakota streams in 2010.
- A survey effort was conducted in the Sheyenne River by Valley City State University in 2012.
- A survey effort was conducted in Baldhill Creek by Valley City State University in 2013.
Additional Research or Surveys Needed
Develop a protocol to monitor stream fish.
Management Recommendations
- Protect rivers, streams, and riparian areas where possible (i.e. easements and/or acquisition).
- Work with partners to ensure Swampbuster provisions are maintained.
- Continue to use the Section 404 program to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with other federal agencies (i.e. FAA and FHWA) not covered by Section 404 or Swampbuster to ensure affected rivers and riparian areas are mitigated to replace form and function.
- Continue to work with NDSWC to develop minimum in-stream flow recommendations.
- Develop and promote incentive programs to restore riparian areas.
- Work with county zoning planning officials to designate areas in need of protective covenants
- Continue to work with ND 319 Task Force in prioritizing projects within impaired watersheds and implementing BMP’s.
- Develop and promote incentive programs for adjacent landowners to improve bank stability through land use changes (e.g. RRBRP).
- Promote non-traditional bank stabilization measures (i.e. root wads, willow waddles, vegetative slope).
- Implement intake conditions or recommendations (i.e. screening and velocity requirements).
- Work with the dam owners for potential removal or modification.
- Control noxious weeds through biological and chemical methods.
- Cooperate with Fisheries Division on state aquatic nuisance species plan.
- Survey areas of data gaps. Conduct research/surveys to establish baseline information on SCP.
- Continue to work with partners in promoting and distributing educational materials related to river, stream and riparian values and good stewardship.
Monitoring Plans
No monitoring plan has been identified for this species. The USFS monitors Iron Springs Creek for Blacknose Shiner. The North Dakota Department of Health conducts Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for all North Dakota’s watersheds. This will document all species encountered.
2005-2015 Progress
The Blacknose Shiner maintains its Level III Species of Conservation Priority ranking. SWG T-14-R Status of selected fishes with immediate conservation need in North Dakota provided the important information for this species. Follow up surveys to assess this species status are needed.
Note: A listing of works consulted when compiling the information on this page may be found in the 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.