Research and Analysis of Fisheries in Illinois Annual Report 1 June 2010 – 30 June 2011

Fisheries managers are charged with understanding the interaction between sport fish populations and anglers using a wide array of information to make resource management decisions that support and promote healthy fisheries. Fundamental to this mission is easy access to long-term fisheries data, analytical tools and metrics that offer insight into the quality of a fishery and an understanding of the factors that influence fish population dynamics. Equally important is the need to communicate this scientific knowledge and promote angling opportunities to the public.Project F-69-R has three overall goals: (1) conduct a wide variety of research studies that elucidate patterns of variation in sport fish populations and the mechanisms that drive those patterns, (2) communicate research findings and basic assessments of sport fish populations to the angling public, and (3) organize, manage, analyze and deliver sport fisheries data to researchers, sport fish managers, and the angling public.Basic and applied research studies, public outreach efforts, and data management activities all work in concert to create a better understanding of the restoration and conservation needs of sport fish populations in Illinois.