Population Dynamics of Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) in Six Major Rivers Spanning Illinois

Sabina Berry, James T. Lamer, Jason DeBoer, Andrya Whitten, Benjamin Lubinski, Cassi Carpenter, Robert Columbo, Neil Rude, Jerrod Parker, Greg Whitledge

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) are two common North American sportfishes occupying a similar ecological niche/role in many river systems across the Midwestern United States. Comparison of historically validated ageing structures and length frequency data can reveal demographics of fish populations, including their recruitment, mortality, and individual growth patterns. While many studies focus on a single region, this collaborative project covers reaches of six major rivers and tributaries spanning Illinois, including the Wabash, Kankakee, Iroquois, Illinois, Ohio, and Pools 19, 20, 21, and 25 of the upper Mississippi river. All fish were caught in June through October of 2017 using DC electrofishing gear at randomized sites as part of a long term survey for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Otoliths from freshwater drum and pectoral spines from channel catfish were removed, sectioned, and aged from up to 250 individuals in each region from each species and mean length at age and growth was characterized and compared between all locations. Comparing and understanding population dynamics of two predatory fish commonly found in Illinois waterways are essential for creating potential management strategies.
Original languageEnglish (US)
StatePublished - 2018
Event2018 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference - Milwaukee, United States
Duration: Jan 28 2018Jan 31 2018
Conference number: 78

Conference

Conference2018 Midwest Fish and Wildlife Conference
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityMilwaukee
Period1/28/181/31/18

Keywords

  • INHS

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