Assessment of an Unexploited Paddlefish Population in the Alabama River, AL

In the early 1980’s, increased commercial fishing pressure occurred on the paddlefish population in the Alabama River, AL.  This increased effort resulted in a decline of paddlefish abundance and size.  Therefore, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources placed a moratorium on the capture and possession of paddlefish in Alabama waters in November 1988, where this moratorium is still in effect today.  Due to recent increases in market prices and demand for caviar, recent inquiries into the status of paddlefish in the Alabama River and the potential to open the fishery have occurred.  Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the current population characteristics of paddlefish in the Alabama River, and develop recommendations to mange the fishery if it was opened.  A total of 530 paddlefish were collected from 2005 - 2008.  Results indicated the current population is skewed towards larger size classes and an older age distribution compared to earlier studies just after the moratorium went into effect.  Nearly 68% of the females collected were gravid in April compared to March.  Simulation modeling using FAST^® indicated sustainable harvest can be achieved as long as a controlled management program is in place.