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AL – Freshwater Public Waters Sport Fisheries Surveys and Monitoring

 Need

There is a need for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) to collect fisheries population information in order to effectively manage and conserve its public waters sport fisheries.  In 2011, data from the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation indicated over 683,000 anglers fished (freshwater and saltwater) in Alabama for a total of 10.9 million angler-days.  These anglers expended over $456 million per year in trip and equipment related expenditures.

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Purpose

The purpose of this grant project is to survey Alabama’s sport fish populations in public waters in order to document changes in fish populations and adjust management actions to promote sustainable fisheries.

Objective

The objective of this grant is to:

(1)    Conduct 240 surveys by June 30, 2017Conduct 240 investigations by December 31, 2018.  (NOTE: TRACS strategy - Research, Survey, Data Collection & and Analysis)

Results and Benefits Expected

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Objective 1 – Conduct 240 surveys investigations by June 30December 31, 20172018.

The state of Alabama is comprised of four separate regional fisheries units (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, and Southeast).  Each regional fisheries office is charged with overseeing, surveying, monitoring, and managing the public waters sport fisheries that occur within its region.  Each regional office is comprised of a regional fisheries biologist, assistant regional fisheries biologist, fisheries biologist, and a fisheries technician.

Sport fish populations in public waters will be surveyed and monitored annually at the locations listed in in Table 1.  The ADCNR has developed lake specific fisheries management plans that govern the agencies management strategies for each target sport fish species.  Population metrics that will be calculated include, but are not limited to: (1) growth; (2) mortality; (3) recruitment; (4) abundance (i.e. CPUE); (5) weight-length relationships (i.e. Wr); (6) stock density relationships (i.e. PSD/RSD).  All data will be analyzed using the appropriate statistical tests.  Sport fish species will be sampled as follows:

Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass) are sampled twice annually.  During spring (water temperatures = 55-65^oF), black bass are sampled using either daytime or nighttime shoreline boat electrofishing.  Each shoreline electrofishing sample is comprised of a continuous 30-minute sample, during which only black bass are collected.  All sizes of black bass are collected during each sample.  Fish are held in large aerated livewells and fresh lake water is constantly pumped into the livewell during the entire 30 minute period.  At completion of each sample, all fish are identified to species and measured for total length (TL, mm).  All fish are then released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained for age-and-growth analysis.  The total number of electrofishing samples will be up to the biologist’s discretion and is based upon the size of waterbody.  When conducting age-and-growth analysis, a total of ten fish per inch-class are retained and returned to the district office where otoliths (inner ear bones) are removed in order to determine age.  During fall, (water temperatures = 60-75^oF) black bass are sampled using daytime or nighttime shoreline electrofishing.  Each shoreline electrofishing sample is comprised of a continuous 30-minute sample, during which only black bass are collected.  All sizes of black bass are collected during each sample.  At completion of each sample, all fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All fish are released following measurement.  A total of 64 black bass surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Panfish (bluegill and redear sunfish) are sampled annually during the spring (water temperatures = 65-75^oF) using daytime shoreline electrofishing.  Each shoreline sample is comprised of a continuous 10-minute sample, during which only panfish are collected.  All sizes of panfish are collected during each sample.  Fish are held in large, aerated livewells and fresh lake water is constantly pumped into the livewell during the entire 10 minute period.  At completion of each sample, all fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All fish are then released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained and returned to the district office where otoliths are removed in order to determine age.  A total of ten fish per inch-class are retained for age-and-growth analysis.  Similar to black bass, the total number of electrofishing samples will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  A total of 33 panfish surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Crappie (white and black crappie combined) are sampled annually during the fall (water temperatures = 50-65^oF) using trapnets.  The lead on each trapnet is 30 m long x 1.3 m deep.  The mesh is ½” bar mesh.  Trapnets are fished for 24-hrs consecutively before being checked for fish.  Trapnets are fished perpendicular to the shoreline with the pot end resting in water no shallower than 6 feet.  All sizes of crappie are collected during each sample and fish are held in large, aerated livewells.  At the completion of each sample, all fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All fish are released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained for age-and-growth analysis.  The total number of trapnets fished will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  When conducting age-and-growth analysis, a total of ten fish per inch-class are retained and returned to the district office where otoliths are removed in order to determine age.  A total of 40 crappie surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Morone (striped bass, white bass, and hybrid striped bass) are sampled annually during the fall (water temperatures = 50-65^oF) using gillnets.  White bass and hybrid striped bass will be sampled using experimental 300 foot x 8 foot gillnets (each 50 foot panel; bar mesh size ½”, ¾”, 1”, 1-1/2”, 2”, and 2-1/2”).  Striped bass will be sampled also using experimental 300 foot x 8 foot gillnets (each 50 foot panel; bar mesh size 1”, 1-1/2”, 2”, 2-1/2”, 3”, and 3-1/2”).  Gillnets will be fished for 24-hrs consecutively before being checked for fish.  Gillnets will be fished on flats adjacent to river channels.  All sizes of Morone are collected during each sample.  Fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All live fish are then released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained for age-and-growth analysis.  A total of ten fish per inch-class are retained for age-and-growth analysis.  The total number of gillnets fished will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  A total of 23 Morone surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Sander (walleye and sauger) are sampled annually during the fall (water temperatures = 45-60^oF).  Sander will be collected using either gillnet or nighttime electrofishing, depending upon the biologist’s discretion.  Gillnets will be similar to those used to sample white bass and electrofishing will follow protocols similar to black bass.  All sizes of Sander are collected during each sample.  Fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All live fish are then released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained for age-and-growth.  A total of ten fish per inch-class are retained for age-and-growth analysis.  The total number of gillnets/electrofishing will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  A total of 10 Sander surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Catfish (channel and blue catfish) are sampled annually during summer/early fall (water temperatures = 70-80^oF).  Channel catfish will be collected using tandem hoopnets baited with commercially prepared cheese bait.  Tandem hoopnets are a series of three hoopnets tied together in parallel.  Hoopnets are fished for three consecutive days before fish are collected.  Blue catfish will be collected using either low-pulse electrofishing or trot lines.  All sizes of catfish are collected during each sample.  Fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All live fish are then released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained for age-and-growth.  A total of ten fish per inch-class are retained for age-and-growth analysis.  The total number of hoopnets, trot lines, or electrofishing will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  A total of 51 catfish surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Muskellunge are sampled annually in the spring (water temperatures = 40-55^oF) using daytime, shoreline electrofishing.  Each shoreline sample is comprised of a continuous 30-minute sample, during which only muskellunge are collected.  All sizes of muskellunge are collected during each sample.  Fish are held in large, aerated livewells and fresh lake water is constantly pumped into the livewell during the entire 30-minute period.  At the completion of each sample, all fish are identified to species and measured for TL (mm) and weighed (g).  All fish are released, unless a subsample of fish is desired to be retained and returned to the district office where cleithrum (jaw bones) are removed in order to determine age.  The total number of fish retained for age-and-growth analysis, as well as the total number of electrofishing samples will be up to the biologist’s discretion.  A total of 11 muskellunge surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

Creel surveys are also implemented annually in order to gather data concerning angler catch rates, satisfaction, harvest, and fishing pressure.  The proposed creel surveys are roving type creel surveys and are implemented beginning in March through October.  Two lakes from each region receive a creel survey annually.  Each month, the creel clerk will work a total of 13 week-days and 5 weekend-days.  Anglers are interviewed on the water (incomplete trips) and at the boat ramp (completed trips).  Each daily creel will last six hours.  During interviews, the creel clerk will ask each angler a series of questions and obtain TL (mm) of all fish held in the angler’s creel.  A total of 8 creel surveys (investigations) are to be completed during the period of performance (Table 1).

(NOTE: TRACS actvity tags for reporting purposes.)

          TRACS Activity Tag 1: Fish and wildlife population analysis          TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Abundance determinationspecies data acquisition and analysis (# of investigations)

            TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Age, size and sex structure

          TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Population assessment

          TRACS Activity Tag 1: Utilization analysis

          TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Harvest

          TRACS Activity Tag 2 (optional): Human dimensions

Additional activities that will be funded under this grant include:

1: Utilization data acquisition and analysis (# of investigations)

Additional activities that will be funded under this grant include:

• Attending public meetings/workshops in order to disseminate the results of funded sport fisheries surveys.
• Answer telephone/email requests from the public concerning survey data and management of public water sport fish populations.
• General administrative functions (timesheets, developing reports, employee evaluations, record retention).
• Acquisition and maintenance of survey equipment and gear.

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This project will occur statewide.  Please see Table 1 for  for a list of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs that will be sampled.

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Program Income

None.

Budget Narrative

                Federal Share:   $    825,000 (75%) – Sport Fish Restoration subprogram (9514)

                State Share:       $    275,000 (25%) – ADCNR restricted Fish and Game Fund

                Total Project:     $ 1,100,000

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Relationship with other Grants

None.

Timeline

January 1, 2017 2018 – March 31, 20172018:

• Acquire any needed sampling gear and supplies.
• Coordinate spring sampling schedules (locations, dates, crews).
• Survey public water “cool-water” (walleye, sauger, and musky) species.
• Analyze survey data (abundance, age/growth, recruitment, and mortality) and compile into fisheries management reports.

April 1, 2017 2018 – June 30, 20172018:

• Survey public water “warm-water” (black bass, panfish, crappie, catfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass, and striped bass) species.
• Analyze survey data (abundance, age/growth, recruitment, and mortality) and compile into fisheries management reports.
• Attend meetings concerning public water sport fisheries.

July 1, 2017 2018 – September 30, 20172018:

• Coordinate fall sampling schedules (locations, dates, crews).
• Survey public water “warm-water” (catfish) species.
• Analyze survey data (abundance, age/growth, recruitment, and mortality) and compile into fisheries management reports.

October 1, 2017 2018 – December 31, 20172018:

• Survey public water “warm-water” (black bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass, and striped bass) species.
• Survey public water “cool-water” (walleye, sauger, and musky) species.
• Analyze survey data (abundance, age/growth, recruitment, and mortality) and compile into fisheries management reports.
• Complete annual performance reports.

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NOTE: 50 CFR 80.82 (c) requires that a project statement must include information pertaining to 13 data elements.  Element 13 requires that information be included in the project statement that (a) shows that the proposed activities are eligible for funding and substantial in character and design and (b) enables the Service to comply with applicable requirements under NEPA, ESA, and NHPA, and other laws, regulations, and policies.  If information is not provided in the project statement, please attach additional documentation regarding NEPA, ESA, and NHPA compliance.    

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Related Pages

Sport Fish Restoration Eligible Activities

Sport Fish Restoration Program Apportionments

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Resources

Project Statement - Statewide Fish Surveys and Monitoring (Word file)

WSFR_Quick Reference_SFR

Sport Fish Restoration Funding diagram

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References

§ 50 CFR 80.51 What activities are eligible for funding under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act?

§ 50 CFR 80.82 What must an agency submit when applying for a project-by-project grant?

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