Feasibility of Indexing Largemouth Bass Population Density Using Electrofishing Catch Rate and Water Conductivity Measurement

The purpose of this study was to develop an index to largemouth bass density using electrofishing catch per unit effort (CPUE, number of stock-length fish captured per hour of night electrofishing) and water conductivity measurements. Petersen population estimates were determined for largemouth bass in 14 small South Dakota impoundments during May and June of 1991 and 1992. Water conductivity values ranged from 410 to 1,700 uS/cm. A multiple regression model was developed to predict density from pulsed-DC CPUE and water conductivity measures (R2=0.75, P=0.001). When CPUE from pulsed-AC electrofishing was substituted into the model in place of pulsed-DC CPUE, the model R2 was 0.66 (P= 0.008). The AC CPUE values were always obtained during a second lap at each impoundment. Despite the fact that pulsed-DC CPUE values were obtained during the first electrofishing lap at each impoundment, AC values were significantly higher {P=0.003). It took an estimated 10.86 worker hours to catch 100 stock-length largemouth bass with pulsed DC compared to 5.36 worker hours for pulsed AC (mean for data from 12 impoundments). This study suggested that CPUE and conductivity can be used to more adequately predict the population density of largemouth bass in small South Dakota impoundments, and that pulsed AC is a more effective sampling tool for largemouth bass in high-conductivity waters.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Year

1992

Author dc:creator

• Hill, Tracy D.

Contributors dc:contributor

• David W. Willis

• largemouth bass
• popualtion density
• electrofishing
• Natural Resources and Conservation

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 1992 Tracey D. Hill. All rights reserved.

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/468

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1468