Abiotic Factors Effect on Summertime Fish Sampling

Authors

Kyle Oxley

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Fish surveys are vital in understanding various information about a fishery. Surveys lay the groundwork to how an agency views the status of the fishery, are used to set appropriate regulations, and manage stocking. Understanding which areas of a fishery holds the greatest density of fish is key to achieving the most accurate sample that reflects the fishery. The objective of this study was to track fish densities throughout the summer of 2021 and establish if there is a relationship between high fish density locations and specific water column characteristics. Fish density, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were measured bimonthly at various depths on St. Olaf Lake. Fish were most abundant in Late May through early June with 3-13 fishes per 3-m circumference, with highest densities found in 0.5-3 m of water. Densities during mid-July ranged from 2-6 fishes per 3-m circumference with highest densities found in 1-3 m of water. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were stratified from 23 May 2021 until 23 October 2021. Dissolved oxygen was highest in the epilimnion and peaked at 11.90 mg/L on 23 May 2021. Dissolved oxygen was never present above 0.50 mg/L below 5 m after 6 June 2021 until lake turnover. Temperature peaked at 28.0° C on 4 July 2021. Hopefully, these results will help area fishery managers better understand trends in this lake.

Publication Date

2021

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Oxley, Kyle, "Abiotic Factors Effect on Summertime Fish Sampling" (2021). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 14.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/14