Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference 2017

Organizer(s)/Convener(s): 
Dr. Joseph D. Conroy, Fisheries Biologist, Inland Fisheries Research Unit, Division of Wildlife, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Co-Chair, Reservoir Technical Committee, North Central Division, American Fisheries Society. joseph.conroy@dnr.state.oh.us
Rebecca M. Krogman, Large Impoundments Research Biologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Co-Chair, Reservoir Technical Committee, North Central Division, American Fisheries Society, rebecca.krogman@dnr.iowa.gov 

Abstract: Reservoirs in the Midwest—and throughout the United States—offer important recreational opportunities, in addition to providing essential services such as flood control, water supply, irrigation, navigation, and hydropower. Most Midwestern reservoirs were built in the last century, with the most rapid construction during the 1960s. Following an initial period of high productivity following filling, these reservoirs have experienced habitat degradation, eutrophication, sedimentation, and water regime manipulation, with concomitant changes in fish community composition, fishery characteristics and quality, and angler use. Recently, however, water controlling authorities, fisheries management agencies, local municipalities, and non-governmental organizations (i.e., angler clubs and lake management groups) have recognized the challenges associated with reservoir aging. In response, these groups have initiated habitat restoration and intensive monitoring of extra- and intra-reservoir processes including many different approaches to fisheries assessment. With this symposium we seek, generally, (1) to promote communication between fisheries professionals in the Midwest regarding approaches to habitat restoration and fisheries assessment, and (2) to provide a venue to disseminate information about “what works” when confronting reservoir habitat and fisheries issues.