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Th-7,8-10 Using Population Dynamics and Biologic Metrics to Assess Effects of Exploitation on Yellow Perch in Lake Erie
Results from morphological, genetic, and yellow perch spawning behavior have indicated that there are fine scale localized stocks in, broader-scale Lake Erie Management Units (MUs). Evidence of both fine and broad scale exploitation can be examined using metrics from creel and commercial assessments and independent trawl surveys. Locales that exhibit higher exploitation have skewed length distributions and significantly fewer larger fish. MU1 was closed to commercial fishing for 2 years and exhibited a significant increase in mean age following the closure. Areas that had low effort were used for control sites. Following a reoccurrence of local commercial fishery, there were no significant differences in angler effort, harvest or catch rates, but, there was a significant difference seasonally in length distributions with a higher proportion of larger fish in the fall. Compared to a control site, we found no significant difference in length distributions. However, when comparing to a higher exploited site, we found significant differences from the control site and lower exploited sites. Independent trawl surveys have validated exploitation levels across sites and maybe applicable across the lake. Results from this study should enable managers to recognize fine scale levels of exploitation within and across MUs.