Long-term Survey and Assessment of Large-River Fishes in Illinois, 2015

Jason A. DeBoer, Mark W. Fritts, Edward F. Culver, Benjamin J. Lubinski, Jerrod L. Parker, Daniel K. Gibson-Reinemer, Andrew F. Casper, Yong Cao, John H. Chick, John E. Epifanio

Research output: Book/Report/Conference proceedingTechnical report

Abstract

This report presents a summary of those data collected during segment 26 (2014-15) of the Long-term Survey and Assessment of Large-River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF), an annual survey executed by members of the Illinois Natural History Survey with funds administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Sampling for the LTEF program was conducted on: six reaches of the Illinois River Waterway, six segments or pools of the Mississippi River, and navigable portions of the Iroquois and Kankakee Rivers. In all segments of the LTEF program, all fish species collected were accurately identified, tallied, measured, and weighed. The catch rates of sportfish species were calculated as the number of individuals collected per hour (CPUEN± standard error). Structural indices [Proportional Size Distribution (PSD) and Relative Weight (Wr)] were also calculated for species of interest to regional managers. Catch rates and species richness varied greatly among all sampling locations and sampling periods. Emerald Shiners and Gizzard Shad comprised the majority of the individuals caught, and Silver Carpand Common Carp accounted for the greatest proportion of the biomass collected in most sampling areas of the survey. The analysis of CPUEN and PSD trends in sportfish populations sampled by the program may indicate inter-annual recruitment patterns or long-term trends in sportfish populations around the state. Shovelnose Sturgeon was the species most commonly encountered in the gill net surveys; sampling was substantially reduced during the 2015-2016 winter season relative to previous years due to moderate to major flooding during the majority of the field season.
Original languageEnglish (US)
PublisherIllinois Natural History Survey
StatePublished - Jun 30 2016

Publication series

NameINHS Technical Report 2016 (30)
No.30

Keywords

  • INHS

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