Western Kentucky University
Comparison of Creel Survey Data to Traditional Sampling Techniques in Pit-Lake Fisheries of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky
Abstract
dc:description.abstract<p>Populations of largemouth bass, <em>Micropterus salmoides</em>, and bluegill, <em>Lepomis macrochirus</em>, were evaluated from five pit-lakes in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, to determine if accurate proportional stock density (PSD) data can be obtained from a mandatory creel survey. It was hypothesized that the proportion of stock-to-quality (300-400mm) and quality (+400mm) largemouth bass from four years (2007-2010) of creel survey data would be statistically similar to those generated through on-site sampling in 2011. Fish were collected via a combination of gill netting, seining, hook-and-line fishing, and boat-mounted electro-fishing. In two of the pit-lakes, the sampling-generated length frequency data was not significantly different from the creel survey data (Pump G<sub>adj[1]</sub>=0.03, P=0.8629, Goose G<sub>adj[1]</sub>=0.76, P=0.3850). There were significant differences between creel and sampling data for the other pit-lakes (Big Reno<sub> </sub>G<sub>adj[1]</sub>=5.74 P=0.0166, Airstrip G<sub>adj[1]</sub>=14.3 P=0.0002, Lime G<sub>adj[1]</sub>=9.81 P=0.0017). At least one of the lakes likely demonstrated significances because of low sample size (Airstrip and/or Lime). Changes in population structure due to modified harvest regulations may be responsible for the significant differences (Big Reno and Lime). Population structures were verified with relative weight, length-at-age, and an assessment of five years of largemouth bass and bluegill PSD data. It appears that creel survey data does accurately reflect that of simple sampling techniques and can help guide management decisions.</p>
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Department of Biology
- Year
- 2012
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Rupert, Derek L.
- Contributors dc:contributor
-
- Dr. Phil Lienesch (Director), Dr. Steve Huskey, Dr. Scott Grubbs
Subjects
dc:subject × 10Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Repository record dc:identifier
- https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1138
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-2142