An Integrative Evaluation of Florida Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) Stock Enhancement, a Responsible Approach

Stock enhancement can be a very effective fisheries management tool, but if it is used inappropriately there can be serious biological and socioeconomic repercussions. Therefore, it must be conducted responsibly. Here we use an integrative framework to review and synthesize the key components of the largemouth bass stocking program in the State of Florida. We then identify and discuss key uncertainties that must be addressed and provide management recommendations based on our findings.  Overall there is potential for largemouth bass stocking to be beneficial in Florida, but the specific role of the program cannot be defined without addressing certain knowledge gaps first. The aquaculture and genetic management components of the system have been well developed, but we find information about largemouth bass survival post-release, the angler effort response to stocking, and the economic impact of stocking is lacking. To move forward, the program could benefit from closing these knowledge gaps by identifying specific, quantifiable objectives that can be evaluated as a measure for success and educating scientists and stakeholders about the realities of largemouth bass stocking in Florida. We hope that this integrative assessment will promote responsible largemouth bass stocking practices and will result in more successful enhancements.