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- Title
Characterizing north temperate lake littoral fish assemblages: a comparison between distance sampling and minnow traps.
- Authors
MacRae, Pamela S. D.; Jackson, Donald A.
- Abstract
To determine which sampling method may be best employed to monitor changes in fish species composition in littoral areas of small north temperate lakes (≤50 ha), data were collected using distance sampling, based on the line transect method, and a traditional fish sampling method of baited minnow traps. These methods were independently biased in terms of their estimates of species presence and abundance. However, analyses of fish community structure indicated that minnow trap data alone provided a better measure of community structure than did distance sampling data alone. Distance sampling, although a powerful tool in estimating population density, is hindered by a multitude of environmental variables that do not preclude the use of minnow traps. Lakes with clear water containing few species with abundant individuals are best suited for distance sampling. Minnow traps proved to be a fast, efficacious sampling method capable of fairly accurately defining the littoral small-fish community structure in most lakes sampled. These traps are a reliable method for monitoring presence or absence and relative abundance of small-bodied fish species in north temperate lakes. However, the combination of minnow traps and some form of visual sampling will help to ensure that all species are detected in small north temperate lakes.
- Subjects
LAKES; FISHING; FISHING baits; MINNOWS; BAITFISH
- Publication
Canadian Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences, 2006, Vol 63, Issue 3, p558
- ISSN
0706-652X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1139/F05-240