2003 Annual Report 4.What were the most significant accomplishments this past year? D. Progress Report This report serves to document research conducted under a reimbursable agreement between ARS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the parent CRIS 6225-31630-003-00D Year-Round Production of Hybrid Striped Bass and Control of Bird Predation and Trematodes in Fish. Modifications to the nonlethal physical barrier technique resulted in maintaining effectiveness yet decreasing the cost of materials to about $20 per 15-acre pond. The improved barrier technique is both practical and affordable. Our specific research question addressed the effectiveness of this technique at private fish farms. Ten commercial catfish farms incorporated this technique during 2003. Findings will provide fish farmers with alternative methods for controlling bird depredation on commercial fish farms.