This summary and discussion covers four papers on current fishery management problems and programs in small ponds and community lakes, reservoirs, streams, and coastal and estuarine environments. Problems are classified in four major categories: economic, political, social, and biological. Biological problems are subdivided as either environmental (physical-chemical) or biotic. In discussing the goals and objectives of fishery management, a distinction is made between the terms harvest, catch and yield, and the goals of maximum sustained harvest and optimum sustained yield. Discussion of management of largemouth bass populations in reservoirs develops the hypothesis that bass biomass may amount to only one half to one sixth of the potential sustained carrying capacity in some waters. Calculations are made to project changes in biomass, production, catch and harvest that may result from the application of various protected-length regulations. The calculations suggest that under conditions as specified in the model, fishing quality and yield values may be much improved and closer to optimum with a minimum length limit as high as 18 inches. Achievement of values approaching optimum sustained yield in sport fishing will require research to test concepts and theories, development and implementation of improved management programs and enhancement of our professional credibility and compentence.
