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Author

Tracy D. Hill

Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

1992

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

First Advisor

David W. Willis

Keywords

largemouth bass, popualtion density, electrofishing

Abstract

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.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Largemouth bass
Fish populations -- South Dakota -- Measurement
Electric fishing

Description

Includes bibliographical references (page 36-43)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

53

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

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

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