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OBJECTIVE 4 <br />APPROACH <br />This objective is being accomplished by conducting a focused creel survey in the Platte <br />River approximately from the Ak -Sar -Ben aquarium downstream to the mouth of the Platte. <br />Emphasis is being placed in the area near the Shilling Wildlife Management Area. From <br />previous sampling we know that sturgeon fishers congregate in this area of the river (Holland and <br />Peters 1994). The creel surveys is following a stratified multi -stage probability sampling regime <br />designed using Win Fin the computer programs produced by the Nebraska Game and Parks <br />Commission. The river is being surveyed monthly between March and June. A total goal of 10 <br />survey days is being performed each month, with the number of creel days per month stratified <br />between weekdays and weekends/holidays. Each creel day is being further stratified into four <br />time periods and count times are randomized within these time periods. During each count the <br />creel clerk records the number of bank anglers, boats and boat anglers present. Clerks interview <br />anglers to collect information on fishing effort, number and type of fish captured and harvested, <br />and all sturgeon in the creel are being examined and barbel clips are being collected. This is a <br />primary way of obtaining tissue specimens for DNA analysis of the genetic makeup of the <br />sturgeon population in lower Platte. In addition, each angler is asked to identify photos of pallid <br />and shovelnose sturgeon. The creel survey also ties to the development of educational materials <br />for anglers and the general public by providing a venue to test these materials(Objective 5). <br />ACCOMPLISHMENTS <br />The creel survey commenced on April 1, 2002. Anglers who are selecting to fish for <br />sturgeon are being asked to complete monthly fishing diaries to supplement information we <br />20 <br />