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AUTHORS: Brett T. Miller, Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney; Casey W. Schoenebeck, Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Kearney and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Glenwood Area Fisheries Office; Keith D. Koupal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Fisheries Division
ABSTRACT: The goal of this study was to develop a standardized sampling protocol for juvenile Walleye Sander vitreus and White Bass Morone chrysops by investigating the gear-and season specific catch rates from July to September using bag seines, boat electrofishing, and small-mesh gill nets. The five criteria evaluated for this proposed protocol was total catch, mortality, operational effort, variability, and size distribution. Our objectives of this study was to 1) compare total catch and variability among gears and months, 2) calculate and compare operational effort for each gear and month, 3) calculate and compare mortality for each gear, and 4) compare length frequencies for each gear by month. The importance of creating of standardized protocol will enable fisheries managers to better document catch data, mortality, variability, and size distribution along with determining the amount of employee effort required to complete standard surveys. Significant differences in juvenile Walleye and White Bass total catch and length were observed between gears and months. Boat electrofishing in July and August and small-mesh gill nets in September are most suitable for collecting juvenile Walleye. Bag seines in July and boat electrofishing in August and September are most suitable for collecting juvenile White Bass. Mortality rates were highest for small-mesh gill nets. Bag seines required the most amount of effort in July, boat electrofishing in August, and small-mesh gill nets in September. Bag seines caught a smaller length distribution compared to small-mesh gill nets that seemed to target larger age-0 fish while boat electrofishing provided a better representation of the year class by having an extended size distribution compared to the other two gears.
Monday February 6, 2017 3:20pm - 3:40pm CST
Garrat
