James M. Long, PhD
Unit Leader - Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
In 2009, moved to Oklahoma as an Assistant Unit Leader and became Unit Leader in 2016. Jim's research focuses on management-driven questions related to the process of fisheries management, social dimensions, early-life history of fishes, and effects of invasive species on aquatic communities. Over the past decade, Jim has been particularly engaged in issues related to black bass diversity, highlighting the conservation needs of these endemic and iconic species. Jim uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and side-scan sonar technology to address research needs in a wide variety of aquatic ecosystems. Jim is also actively engaged in applying novel tools to better understand otolith morphology and composition to elucidate age, growth, and development in fishes. Jim teaches a graduate level course in Social Dimensions in Aquatic Ecology.
Jim grew up in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri and received a PhD from Oklahoma State University in 2000. Afterward, he went to South Carolina as a Fisheries Research Biologist investigating fish community structure in tidal freshwater wetlands. From 2002 to 2009, Jim worked with the National Park Service as the Fishery Biologist for the southeast region.
Professional Experience
Unit Leader, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 2019-
Assistant Unit Leader, Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 2009-2019
Education and Certifications
PhD, Oklahoma State University, 1996
MS, Missouri State University, 1993
BS, Missouri State University, 1987
Science and Products
Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018
Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub were estimated from counts of rings in lapilli otoliths. Lapilli were mounted to glass slides with thermoplastic cement and sanded to the core with 2000 grit sandpaper to expose daily rings. To improve clarity, sanded otoliths were polished with 0.3 μm alumina powder and a polishing cloth prior to viewing. To estimate daily age, counts of rings in otoliths w
Filter Total Items: 91
Factors associated with Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) restoration success in Oklahoma
The Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) has been extirpated from portions of its native range due to anthropogenic habitat degradation and fragmentation, most notably the impoundment of rivers. To mitigate some of these losses in Oklahoma, Paddlefish have been stocked into reservoirs throughout the state, with variable success in establishing self-sustaining populations. Two factors thought to contribu
Authors
Ryan A. Gary, James M. Long, Brian T. Eachus, Andrew R. Dzialowski, Jason D. Schooley
Assessing potential spawning locations of Silver Chub in Lake Erie
ObjectiveSilver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana, a predominately riverine species throughout its native range, exists within Lake Erie as the only known lake population. Its population declined in the 1950s and never fully recovered. Canada has listed Silver Chub in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River as endangered and has initiated a recovery plan that recognized the identification of spawning areas
Authors
Jorden R. McKenna, Anjanette Bowen, John R. Farver, James M. Long, Jeffrey G. Miner, Nathan D. Stott, Patrick M. Kočovský
Limited hybridisation and introgression despite stocking among endemic Interior Highlands black basses (Centrarchidae: Micropterus)
Aim: Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu; SMB) are globally popular among anglers and have been widely introduced (i.e. stocked) for population management and sportfishing. Importantly, stocking was prevalent before cryptic diversity within the SMB complex was known, which now includes three newly elevated species: Neosho Bass (M. velox; NB), Little River Bass (M. sp. cf. dolomieu Little River;
Authors
Joe C. Gunn, Andrew T. Taylor, Jeff J. Buckingham, Aaron I. Kern, James M. Long
Using down-scan capabilities from recreational-grade side-scan sonar systems to sample paddlefish and evaluate depth use in a reservoir
Recreational-grade side-scan sonar (SSS) has only recently been applied to estimate abundance of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, a large pelagic planktivore, in reservoirs. Current recreational-grade SSS units also have a dedicated down-scan channel, which may be useful for detecting Paddlefish in reservoirs because the range of depths they inhabit. We investigated the utility of down-scan images us
Authors
James M. Long, P. Joyce, L. Bruckerhoff, Robert Charles Lonsinger, W. Wolfenkoehler
Validation and comparison of age estimates for Smallmouth Buffalo in Oklahoma based on otoliths, pectoral fin rays, and opercula
With an increased interest in nongame fishes such as buffalofishes (Catostomidae, Ictiobus), there is a need for better foundational data on their life history. Bigmouth Buffalo I. cyprinellus, for example, have been found to live for more than a century. Age estimates for other sucker species have similarly suggested long life spans, but validation studies as reference points are often lacking. W
Authors
James M. Long, Richard A. Snow, Daniel E. Shoup, Jory B. Bartnicki
Dietary comparison of age-0 sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus sp.) between upper and lower Missouri River basins
Understanding potential limiting factors affecting population growth of the endangered pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus, is important in the upper (UMOR) and lower Missouri River (LMOR) basins. The UMOR is upstream of several reservoirs and generally has more natural habitat features, whereas the LMOR is downstream of these reservoirs and has been channelized to support navigation. In both se
Authors
Alin González, James M. Long, Nathan J.C. Gosch, Anthony P. Civiello, Todd R. Gemeinhardt, Jerrod Hall, Patrick Braaten
Viability of side-scan sonar to enumerate Paddlefish, a large pelagic freshwater fish, in rivers and reservoirs
Recreational-grade side-scan sonar (SSS) has become an invaluable tool for inland fisheries, particularly when characterizing underwater habitat, but it is being increasingly used for enumerating large-bodied (> 1 m total length [TL]) aquatic fauna. We used SSS in river and reservoir environments to evaluate methods for identifying and counting Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, a large pelagic plankti
Authors
Wyatt Wolfenkoehler, James M. Long, Ryan Gary, Richard A. Snow, Jason D. Schooley, Lindsey Ann Bruckerhoff, Robert Charles Lonsinger
Genomic divergence, local adaptation, and complex demographic history may inform management of a popular sportfish species complex
The Neosho Bass (Micropterus velox), a former subspecies of the keystone top-predator and globally popular Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu), is endemic and narrowly restricted to small, clear streams of the Arkansas River Basin in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) ecoregion, USA. Previous studies have detected some morphological, genetic, and genomic differentiation between the Neosho and Smallmou
Authors
J.C. Gunn, L.K. Berkman, J. Kopplelman, A.T. Taylor, Shannon K. Brewer, James M. Long, L.S. Eggert
Factors affecting interannual variation in diet and body lipid content of age-0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon in the lower Missouri River, USA
The ability of young fish to find and consume food during early life history is an important factor affecting survival and recruitment. While dietary assessments for age-0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon (shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon) in the Missouri River, USA have received increased attention over the last 15 years, there is currently limited information available to evaluate long-term trends
Authors
A. González, James M. Long, N.J.C. Gosch, A.P. Civiello, T.R. Gemeinhardt
Modern reporting methods for angler tag-return studies:Trends in data quality, choice of method, and future considerations
Angler tag-return studies are a cornerstone of fisheries research, providing insights into individual movements and estimates of exploitation, among many other applications. However, the data generated from these studies is dependent upon effective communication between anglers and scientists. As technological advances are adopted by anglers, little research has been directed at the potential bene
Authors
A.T. Taylor, A.M. Pepper, B. Chapagain, O. Joshi, James M. Long
A conservation-oriented SNP panel for Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), with emphasis on Interior Highlands lineages
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu; SMB) is a widely distributed black bass species, but the southwestern edge of the species range within the Interior Highlands contains some of the most divergent ecotypes. The Neosho subspecies (M. d. velox) inhabits tributaries of the Arkansas River within the Ozark Mountains and a second lineage is reported from drainages of the Ouachita Mountains. We s
Authors
James M. Long, A. T. Taylor, V. Buonaccorsi
Estimating the effects of fish quality and size on the economic value of fishing in Oklahoma streams and rivers: A revealed preference and contingent behavior approach
Fishing in Oklahoma’s rivers and streams provides a unique experience for anglers in the state. Despite its popularity, information on total demand and economic benefits associated with stream fishing is limited in the state. Research on the role of site quality indicators, such as fish size and quantity, on recreational fishing has shown mixed results. Whether fish size or quantity plays an impor
Authors
O. Joshi, B. Chapagain, James M. Long, B. York, A. T. Taylor
Science and Products
Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub from western Lake Erie, 2017-2018
Daily ages of young-of-year Silver Chub were estimated from counts of rings in lapilli otoliths. Lapilli were mounted to glass slides with thermoplastic cement and sanded to the core with 2000 grit sandpaper to expose daily rings. To improve clarity, sanded otoliths were polished with 0.3 μm alumina powder and a polishing cloth prior to viewing. To estimate daily age, counts of rings in otoliths w
Filter Total Items: 91
Factors associated with Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) restoration success in Oklahoma
The Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) has been extirpated from portions of its native range due to anthropogenic habitat degradation and fragmentation, most notably the impoundment of rivers. To mitigate some of these losses in Oklahoma, Paddlefish have been stocked into reservoirs throughout the state, with variable success in establishing self-sustaining populations. Two factors thought to contribu
Authors
Ryan A. Gary, James M. Long, Brian T. Eachus, Andrew R. Dzialowski, Jason D. Schooley
Assessing potential spawning locations of Silver Chub in Lake Erie
ObjectiveSilver Chub Macrhybopsis storeriana, a predominately riverine species throughout its native range, exists within Lake Erie as the only known lake population. Its population declined in the 1950s and never fully recovered. Canada has listed Silver Chub in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River as endangered and has initiated a recovery plan that recognized the identification of spawning areas
Authors
Jorden R. McKenna, Anjanette Bowen, John R. Farver, James M. Long, Jeffrey G. Miner, Nathan D. Stott, Patrick M. Kočovský
Limited hybridisation and introgression despite stocking among endemic Interior Highlands black basses (Centrarchidae: Micropterus)
Aim: Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu; SMB) are globally popular among anglers and have been widely introduced (i.e. stocked) for population management and sportfishing. Importantly, stocking was prevalent before cryptic diversity within the SMB complex was known, which now includes three newly elevated species: Neosho Bass (M. velox; NB), Little River Bass (M. sp. cf. dolomieu Little River;
Authors
Joe C. Gunn, Andrew T. Taylor, Jeff J. Buckingham, Aaron I. Kern, James M. Long
Using down-scan capabilities from recreational-grade side-scan sonar systems to sample paddlefish and evaluate depth use in a reservoir
Recreational-grade side-scan sonar (SSS) has only recently been applied to estimate abundance of Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, a large pelagic planktivore, in reservoirs. Current recreational-grade SSS units also have a dedicated down-scan channel, which may be useful for detecting Paddlefish in reservoirs because the range of depths they inhabit. We investigated the utility of down-scan images us
Authors
James M. Long, P. Joyce, L. Bruckerhoff, Robert Charles Lonsinger, W. Wolfenkoehler
Validation and comparison of age estimates for Smallmouth Buffalo in Oklahoma based on otoliths, pectoral fin rays, and opercula
With an increased interest in nongame fishes such as buffalofishes (Catostomidae, Ictiobus), there is a need for better foundational data on their life history. Bigmouth Buffalo I. cyprinellus, for example, have been found to live for more than a century. Age estimates for other sucker species have similarly suggested long life spans, but validation studies as reference points are often lacking. W
Authors
James M. Long, Richard A. Snow, Daniel E. Shoup, Jory B. Bartnicki
Dietary comparison of age-0 sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus sp.) between upper and lower Missouri River basins
Understanding potential limiting factors affecting population growth of the endangered pallid sturgeon, Scaphirhynchus albus, is important in the upper (UMOR) and lower Missouri River (LMOR) basins. The UMOR is upstream of several reservoirs and generally has more natural habitat features, whereas the LMOR is downstream of these reservoirs and has been channelized to support navigation. In both se
Authors
Alin González, James M. Long, Nathan J.C. Gosch, Anthony P. Civiello, Todd R. Gemeinhardt, Jerrod Hall, Patrick Braaten
Viability of side-scan sonar to enumerate Paddlefish, a large pelagic freshwater fish, in rivers and reservoirs
Recreational-grade side-scan sonar (SSS) has become an invaluable tool for inland fisheries, particularly when characterizing underwater habitat, but it is being increasingly used for enumerating large-bodied (> 1 m total length [TL]) aquatic fauna. We used SSS in river and reservoir environments to evaluate methods for identifying and counting Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, a large pelagic plankti
Authors
Wyatt Wolfenkoehler, James M. Long, Ryan Gary, Richard A. Snow, Jason D. Schooley, Lindsey Ann Bruckerhoff, Robert Charles Lonsinger
Genomic divergence, local adaptation, and complex demographic history may inform management of a popular sportfish species complex
The Neosho Bass (Micropterus velox), a former subspecies of the keystone top-predator and globally popular Smallmouth Bass (M. dolomieu), is endemic and narrowly restricted to small, clear streams of the Arkansas River Basin in the Central Interior Highlands (CIH) ecoregion, USA. Previous studies have detected some morphological, genetic, and genomic differentiation between the Neosho and Smallmou
Authors
J.C. Gunn, L.K. Berkman, J. Kopplelman, A.T. Taylor, Shannon K. Brewer, James M. Long, L.S. Eggert
Factors affecting interannual variation in diet and body lipid content of age-0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon in the lower Missouri River, USA
The ability of young fish to find and consume food during early life history is an important factor affecting survival and recruitment. While dietary assessments for age-0 Scaphirhynchus sturgeon (shovelnose sturgeon and pallid sturgeon) in the Missouri River, USA have received increased attention over the last 15 years, there is currently limited information available to evaluate long-term trends
Authors
A. González, James M. Long, N.J.C. Gosch, A.P. Civiello, T.R. Gemeinhardt
Modern reporting methods for angler tag-return studies:Trends in data quality, choice of method, and future considerations
Angler tag-return studies are a cornerstone of fisheries research, providing insights into individual movements and estimates of exploitation, among many other applications. However, the data generated from these studies is dependent upon effective communication between anglers and scientists. As technological advances are adopted by anglers, little research has been directed at the potential bene
Authors
A.T. Taylor, A.M. Pepper, B. Chapagain, O. Joshi, James M. Long
A conservation-oriented SNP panel for Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), with emphasis on Interior Highlands lineages
The Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu; SMB) is a widely distributed black bass species, but the southwestern edge of the species range within the Interior Highlands contains some of the most divergent ecotypes. The Neosho subspecies (M. d. velox) inhabits tributaries of the Arkansas River within the Ozark Mountains and a second lineage is reported from drainages of the Ouachita Mountains. We s
Authors
James M. Long, A. T. Taylor, V. Buonaccorsi
Estimating the effects of fish quality and size on the economic value of fishing in Oklahoma streams and rivers: A revealed preference and contingent behavior approach
Fishing in Oklahoma’s rivers and streams provides a unique experience for anglers in the state. Despite its popularity, information on total demand and economic benefits associated with stream fishing is limited in the state. Research on the role of site quality indicators, such as fish size and quantity, on recreational fishing has shown mixed results. Whether fish size or quantity plays an impor
Authors
O. Joshi, B. Chapagain, James M. Long, B. York, A. T. Taylor