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On October 4th, 2019, an angler caught and released a single northern snakehead (Channa argus) in a private pond in Gwinnett County, Georgia, USA. Pictures of the specimen were reported to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division, Fisheries Management Section (DNR), and subsequent investigations by the DNR including electrofishing and rotenone surveys resulted in the capture and removal of 34 individuals from the area. Genetic analyses of fin clips from 33 specimens indicated the population consisted of a combination of juveniles from a breeding pair of captured adults and other unsampled adults. This discovery constitutes the first record of this non-native species in Georgia, and the results demonstrate how genetic analyses can facilitate effective understanding of invasion dynamics during rapid response operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Creel surveys are valuable tools in recreational fisheries management. However, multiple‐impoundment fisheries of complex spatial structure can complicate survey designs and pose logistical challenges for management agencies. The Marben Public Fishing Area (PFA) in Mansfield, Georgia, is a multi‐impoundment fishery with many access points, and these features prevent or complicate use of traditional on‐site contact methods, such as standard roving or access‐point designs, because many anglers may be missed during the survey process. Therefore, adaptation of a traditional survey method is often required for sampling this special case of multi‐lake fisheries to develop an accurate fishery profile. Accordingly, a modified nonuniform probability roving creel survey was conducted at the Marben PFA during 2013 to estimate fishery characteristics relating to fishing effort, catch, and fish harvest. Monthly fishing effort averaged 7,523 angler‐hours (SD = 5,956) and ranged from 1,301 angler‐hours (SD = 562) in December to 21,856 angler‐hours (SD = 5,909) in May. A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine that angler catch and harvest rates were significantly higher in the spring and summer than in the other seasons but did not vary by fishing location. Our results demonstrate the utility of modifying existing creel methodology for monitoring small, spatially complex, intensely managed impoundments that support quality recreational fisheries; these results also provide a template for the assessment and management of similar regional fisheries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypical manifestations of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) include asthma, chest pain, cough and hoarseness. The effectiveness of antireflux surgery for these symptoms is uncertain. The present study compared symptomatic response rates for typical and atypical GOR symptoms after fundoplication. Methods: Between October 1991 and January 1998, 324 patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication at Emory University Hospital and returned postoperative questionnaires. Severity of typical (heartburn) and atypical (asthma, chest pain, cough and hoarseness) GOR symptoms was reported by patients on a 0–4 scale before surgery, and at 6 and 52 weeks after operation. Patients were stratified based on preoperative symptoms into three groups: group 1 (severe heartburn/minimal atypical symptoms), group 2 (severe heartburn/severe atypical symptoms) and group 3 (minimal heartburn/severe atypical symptoms). Results: In group 1 (n = 173) heartburn improved in 99 per cent and resolved in 87 per cent. In group 2 (n = 95) heartburn improved in 95 per cent and resolved in 76 per cent, and atypical symptoms improved in 94 per cent and resolved in 42 per cent. In group 3 (n = 56) atypical symptoms improved in 93 per cent and resolved in 48 per cent. Although all symptoms were improved by fundoplication, resolution was more likely for heartburn than for atypical symptoms. Conclusion: Atypical symptoms of GOR are improved by fundoplication, but symptom resolution occurs in fewer than 50 per cent of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]