Reservoir Fisheries - Methods for Fish Stock.
Reservoirs are complex artificial environmental and biological systems. Geologically.
speaking, reservoirs are relatively infant systems, tending to change more rapidly than.
other aquatic ecosystems. The flora and fauna that populate reservoirs evolved in lakes or.
rivers and thus are not well adapted to live in these human-made environments. These.
complexities make reservoirs fascinating systems that present a challenge in understanding.
and managing the natural resources within them. .
Reservoirs also support important recreational activities, accounting for nearly 48% of all.
freshwater fishing activity in the U.S. and 45% of Mississippi freshwater fishing. Almost.
$80 million is spent annually on fishing Mississippi reservoirs. With this in mind,.
substantial research has taken place to monitor reservoir fish populations and to evaluate.
habitat management techniques and fishing regulations.
Sampling designs, gear development and computer software have been developed to.
enable data analyses and interpretations. Investigations into life-history patterns of.
important reservoir fishes, such as largemouth bass, crappie, and shad, have provided.
insight needed to understand and manage fish populations within different reservoirs.
Research shows how habitat management practices, such as water level and aquatic plant.
manipulations, can be powerful tools for restructuring fish populations and enhancing.
fisheries. Computer models also have been developed to help understand fish population.
dynamics and to predict potential effects of harvest restrictions on recreational fishing.
