Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1978

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Abstract

A mail survey was sent to owners of 220 ponds which had received hatchery fish. Based on 187 pond owner responses, at most 45 (24%) of the ponds still contained the fishes stocked. Pond dryness and/or winterkill attributed to the failure of 121 (65%) of the ponds. A subsequent field survey of 30 ponds identified fish populations of recreational value. Attempts were made to identify important pond parameters that contributed to successful fish populations. Aᵼ (percent harvestable fish), F/C (forage to carnivore ratio), balance (in or out), and a scale of balance were the dependent variable used to describe successful fish populations. Statistical analysis of the field survey data identified several significant (P .10) correlations. Alkalinity was negatively correlated with Aᵼ (percent harvestable fish). That is, as alkalinity levels increased, Aᵼ estimates decreased. Estimated pond size and secchi disk visibility were positively correlated with a scale of balance. That is, as estimated pond size increased or the depth to which the secchi disk was visible increased balance improved.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Fish stocking -- South Dakota
Fish ponds -- South Dakota

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 29-32)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

62

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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