Gamefish Bycatch and Mortality in Hoop Nets in the St. Johns River, Florida

An intensive hoop net study was conducted on the St. Johns River, Florida, to: (1) estimate commercial hoop net effort, bycatch and initial gamefish mortality; (2) determine delayed mortality of game fish caught in hoop nets; and (3) estimate riverwide gamefish mortality in hoop nets. A survey of all known hoop net fishers revealed 38 fished 2,386 hoop nets for 794,300 net-days of effort in 1993. Between July 1992 and June 1993, 1,053 commercially-fished hoop nets were observed that were fished 7,320 net-days. Catfish (Ictaluridae) comprised 95% of the 87,278 individuals captured, while game fish comprised 2.3% of the total catch. Estimated riverwide hoop net-induced mortality in 1993 was 1 black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus)l9.1 ha and 1 Lepomis spp./10.5 ha. We felt these low mortality estimates did not threaten gamefish populations on the St. Johns River, and recommended allowing the continued use of hoop nets.

Publication date
Starting page
216
Ending page
223
ID
20924