AUTHORS: Authors: Augustus McAnally1, Taher Fletcher2, Jeremy Pritt3, Stephen Matter1, and Michael T. Booth4 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati 2U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Lake Champlain Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office 3Ohio Division of Wildlife 4U.S. Geological Survey, Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
ABSTRACT: Abstract: Understanding the effects of habitat on sportfish population characteristics in reservoirs is important for management, however, comprehensive habitat data are rarely available. More recent developments, using side-scan sonar, provide means to create high-resolution habitat data. Most habitat assessments occur within single systems; few have compared habitat metrics among reservoirs to determine the effects of habitat on sportfish populations. Applying a recently developed habitat assessment protocol, we used recreational side-scan sonar to quantify littoral aquatic habitat in sixteen inland reservoirs across Ohio. Aquatic vegetation, large woody debris, and substrate type were manually classified for the entire accessible littoral zone of each reservoir. Currently, we are performing analyses to understand whether reservoir-wide habitat metrics explain variation in catch rates and size structure of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans) collected during standard spring electrofishing surveys. The study aims to evaluate whether variation in the amount of habitat among reservoirs affects Largemouth Bass populations and determine if aquatic vegetation and other habitat features can be utilized to manage sport fish populations in reservoirs.
