Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2001
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Department
Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
Committee Chair
Kyle J. Hartman.
Abstract
On October 20, 1998 the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources stocked adult and intermediate size hatchery reared largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) into two Ohio River embayments in an attempt to supplement existing populations. Prior to stocking each fish was fitted with an anchor tag and a visible implant elastomer mark to help ensure recognition as a hatchery-origin fish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this stocking event for enhancing largemouth bass populations and improving angling opportunities in Ohio River embayment areas. A multifaceted sampling approach was incorporated to: (1) evaluate the persistence and return of stocked bass to anglers' creel relative to that of wild largemouth bass, (2) estimate fidelity of stocked largemouth bass to embayment release sites, and (3) compare return rates and cost effectiveness of the two size classes used for stocking.;Data suggest that fall stocking of largemouth bass into Ohio River embayments in this manner only provided limited, short-term benefit to the Ohio River largemouth bass fishery. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
Recommended Citation
Janney, Eric C., "Evaluation of a fall stocking of adult and intermediate largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) into two Ohio River embayments" (2001). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1254.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1254