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Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
2000
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Wildlife and Fisheries Science
First Advisor
David W. Willis
Abstract
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) implemented a 23-cm (9-in) minimum length limit for black Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white P. annularis crappies in 36-ha Lake Alvin , South Dakota beginning 1 January 1996. Both relative abundance [catch per unit effort (CPUE)] and size structure [e .g., proportional stock density (PSD)] increased following implementation of the length limit. However, these changes were more related to recruitment patterns than to regulation effects. Age structure and harvest of both crappie populations increased slightly after the regulation was enacted . However, relative weight (Wr) values declined with increasing length for both species, likely indicating limited prey availability for larger fish. Growth of both species declined after implementation of the length limit. In 1999, incremental growth of 6- to 19-cm fish was similar to or faster than growth from pre-treatment samples. However, annual growth increments of 20-cm and mortality will likely negate any benefits of the regulation. Harvest of legal-sized crappies has declined from 1998 to 1999, indicating that slowed growth has resulted in fish being unavailable to anglers. Therefore, the regulation was removed 1 January 2000 to allow anglers the opportunity to catch and harvest crappies that were "stockpiling" just below 23 cm.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Crappie fishing--South Dakota--Alvin, Lake
Fishery management--South Dakota--Alvin, Lake
Black crappie
White crappie
Description
Includes bibliographical references (pages 60-70)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
97
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright 1989 Timothy J. Bister. All Rights Reserved.
Recommended Citation
Blister, Timothy J., "Evaluation of a 23-cm (9-in) Minimum Length Limit for Black and White Crappies in Lake Alvin, South Dakota" (2000). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 294.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/294