Determining regional benchmarks of fish productivity using existing electrofishing data from rivers : proof of concept / R.G. Randall ... [et al.].: Fs70-5/2017-018E-PDF

“Electrofishing data from streams and rivers in Newfoundland, the Maritime Provinces, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia showed regional differences in fish productivity. The existing electrofishing data were originally collected by different agencies for various reasons, including the determination of stock status of harvested species, the investigation of fish habitat associations, and the investigation of the status and life history characteristics of Endangered fish species. Despite being targeted for specific species, electrofishing catches of all cohabiting species at the sites were recorded, providing estimates of total density (fish m-2) and biomass (g m-2) of the fish community. The datasets varied in duration and spatial extent from ‘snapshots’ (< 5 years and a small number of sites) to time series (> 10 years and spatially extensive). For each site, a Habitat Productivity Index (HPI) was also estimated as an index of production. Estimates of region-dependent fish productivity were proof of concept and demonstrated the feasibility of using existing electrofishing data to determine spatial differences in productivity in the rivers and streams of Canada. Also, differences in productivity are likely predictable from readily-available landscape drivers such as air temperature and location. Existing fishing areas or zones are a possible spatial unit for aggregating the data. Limitations of using existing electrofishing data included uncertainty of fish capture probability and unknown status of resident and migratory species in terms of carrying capacity"--Abstract, p. iv.

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