recruitment variability

Abstract: Commonly, fisheries management decisions are based on one-time samples, which are generally adequate for assessing key rate functions, such as age and growth, but are of limited value for assessing recruitment. Recruitment variability has not been indexed for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Further evaluation of practical recruitment indexing methods from single sampling events and identification of potential drivers in recruitment variability could provide biologists with additional information needed for improved management of channel catfish ...

We explored whether increased river flows negatively affected growth of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in the lower Ouachita River, Arkansas. To test this hypothesis, largemouth bass (n = 460) were collected during 2008-2010 from the Felsenthal Reservoir region of the river. Largemouth bass were aged and annual growth increments were calculated using standard back-calculation techniques. Growth of largemouth bass was relatively rapid in the Ouachita River, with von Bertalanffy growth model parameters determined as L_∞ = 513 mm, K = 0.324, and t_ο = -0.314;...

Crappies (Pomoxis spp.) are popular sportfish, but can be difficult to manage due to erratic recruitment and variable growth. In this study, we document the population dynamics of a white crappie (P. annularis) population in a small impoundment characterized by low predator density and abundant populations of several forage species. White crappies (n=301) were collected by electrofishing in October 2012. Relative abundance as indexed by electrofishing catch per unit effort of crappie was high (103.3 fish h^-1 ± 18.7 SD). A sub-sample was aged (n = 153) and growth was described...