Let's hear from the Biologist

[Crappie Chatt]

The changes in the creel limits. How do you feel? <*)}}}><

[Craig Johnson]

The changes in the creel limits. How do you feel? <*)}}}><

What creel changes are you referring to Chatt? I didn't have any creel changes in my District for 2013...

[Crappie Chatt]

I know that Craig. The changes @ Glen. I've heard there is just a not enough data on any lake to determine the affects good or bad. <*)}}}><

[Craig Johnson]

I know that Craig. The changes @ Glen. I've heard there is just a not enough data on any lake to determine the affects good or bad. <*)}}}><

Chatt,

If Scott is happy then I'm happy.

I talked with Scott very briefly several months ago about the possible crappie harvest regulation changes at Glen Elder and we mainly talked about lakes that I have had that have special crappie harvest restrictions. I haven't seen all of the Glen data as it is not one my lakes but I'm sure that Scott has looked A LOT of data from multiple years to come to the decision to propose the 20/day creel.

[Crappie Chatt]

Craig, I think it would be very good for all to see just what is involved in determining how a fish population is checked. Thanks for all of the work the KDWP&T has done. <*)}}}><

[Craig Johnson]

Craig, I think it would be very good for all to see just what is involved in determining how a fish population is checked. Thanks for all of the work the KDWP&T has done. <*)}}}><

Chatt,

While biologist require the same information about varying fish species populations, methods used to sample those populations may vary (i.e. electrofishing vs. trap netting vs. gill netting). In Kansas, we use trap nets to sample crappie. The crappie sampling is completed during October/November. Although crappie are seen during electrofishing and gill netting, the most reliable data comes from trap nets. Each crappie that is caught is measured to the nearest millimeter and weighed to the nearest gram. Scales or otoliths are collected if an age and growth study is occurring. The results of the data collection from the trap net sampling is entered in to the KDWPT ADAS (Aquatic Data Analysis System) database. Once all trap net data has been entered, the biologist is able to generate reports containing all the pertinent information that describes the crappie population for that particular lake. Trend tables can be produced which show multiple years of data for the same lake and comparisons of population characteristics overtime can easily be made.

Monitoring a fish population over time yields data. The more data one has the easier it becomes to identify trends in the population. Once high or low years are identified other factors such as prey availability, recruitment, competition, water level fluctuations, habitat quality, harvest and so on can all be investigated to see what role they may have played in affecting the population either positively or negatively.

Data of interest include length and weight of individuals, catch per unit of effort (number of crappie per trap net), size structure, recruitment, natural mortality, angler mortality, growth rate, and exploitation. Some of these parameters are provided by regular population sampling but some of the others require more in depth studies such as angler creel census surveys, age and growth analysis, tagging/exploitation studies. Biologists can opt for these more in depth studies as needed. The in depth studies are not completed as frequently as fall trap netting due to large labor demands and greater expense.

Once all of the desired data is available it is examined to determine the overall condition of the population. Input from anglers obtained from creel surveys and also angler feed back is taken in to consideration. Angler harvest, catch composition, angler catch length/frequency, and angler catch satisfaction information is examined if available from creel census. Population information such as density, size structure, recruitment, growth rate, exploitation, mortality (including total mortality, natural mortality, and angler mortality) can be run through population modeling software that allows the biologist to predict the population parameters under varied harvest scenarios such as restrictive harvest regulations or no harvest regulations. Total yield of annual production and availability of size classes can be predicted and compared through a variety of harvest regulations which assists in identifying the best suited harvest regulation strategy.

It is the job of the biologist to collect, analyze, and interpret all of the available data for all sportfish populations present in the water body and formulate a management plan that provides the best and most productive fishing opportunities for anglers.

[ragnar]

ThanKS for taking the time to answer to help is understand. Why do people question the decision based on their limited knowledge about just a small idea of only one aspect of the lake. I think take out all bass so the crappie have less compition for food. (ha)