8143

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8143
• Author: Sousa, R. J., F. P. Meyer and R. A. Schnick.
• Title: Better Fishing Through Management\
• USFW Year: n.d.
• Copyright Material: NO

The management of fishery resources is not unlike
managing a forest; the only real difference is that we are
dealing with water rather than with land. In a forest, if
too many mature trees are removed, the seed-producing
sources are seriously diminished. If there is not an
adequate re-seeding of the forest bed by desirable species,
undesirable types of plants will take over. When this
occurs, it may be necessary to remove or reduce the
unwanted species so that the land can be re-seeded of
replanted with the types of trees that are needed or
desired. The removal of unwanted tree species can be
accomplished by clear-cutting, burning, or the use of
herbicides.
In fisheries, the removal of too many of the large
predators often leads to a reduction in their reproduction
This is followed by explosions among populations of
forage and non-game fishes. If these species are not
controlled, they soon dominate the pond, lake or stream
Fishing success declines and other undesirable situations
may follow.
The first remedial action in such cases is to do
supplemental stocking of game fish from hatcheries in
hope that they will be able to consume the excess forage,
re-establish the needed predator population and, at the
same time, provide the desired fishing success. In many
instances, however, stocked fish are unable to compete
with the excessive numbers of undesired fish already
present and they are unable to develop the size and
numbers needed to restore desirable "balance" among the
fish species. In such situations, managers must resort to
more drastic measures. It may be necessary to remove
most of the competing fish populations so that stocking
can be successful. This is not unlike clear-cutting,
burning or herbiciding in forest management so that
seedling trees can be planted.
Fishery managers have several alternatives they can
consider. If the circumstances permit, a pond or lake can
be drained to remove the fish. However, in streams and
in many lakes, this is not a viable option. The most
commonly used approach in these situations is to apply a
chemical fish control agent to kill most or all of the
existing population and then to restock as soon as
possible. Prompt restocking is an important part of
re-establishing a good population of game fish.
To be acceptable, a fish control agent must work
quickly, break down in a short time, and leave no