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Population Dynamics of a Lightly Exploited Channel Catfish Stock in the Powder River System, Wyoming–Montana
Author(s) -
Gerhardt David R.,
Hubert Wayne A.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1991)011<0200:pdoale>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - ictalurus , catfish , fishing , fishery , population dynamics of fisheries , stock (firearms) , population , channel (broadcasting) , fish <actinopterygii> , latitude , environmental science , geography , biology , demography , engineering , archaeology , geodesy , sociology , electrical engineering
The population dynamics of a lightly exploited stock of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were assessed in the Powder River system, Wyoming–Montana, with special emphasis on evaluation of changes that may occur if the harvest is increased. The samples contained a substantial proportion of large fish, but growth rate was similar to that in other areas at lower elevations and latitudes. Fish up to 21 years old were collected. Annual exploitation was estimated to be only 1.9–2.0%. Maximum yield was predicted to occur at 18–22% annual fishing mortality, but this level of exploitation would be expected to cause a shift toward smaller sizes of fish and virtually eliminate fish in the large size‐classes (>50 cm total length), which are the principal attraction for the current anglers.