Use of the AFS Standard Sampling Web Tool to Compare Length Frequency, Condition, and Catch per Unit Effort of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides

The recent development of North American standard fish sampling protocols allows for fish sampling data to be compared more precisely across local, state, and national borders. We incorporated data collected using standard AFS fish sampling methods from large and small Arizona lakes into the AFS standard sampling web tool (fisheriesstandardsampling.org). We used AFS standard core gill nets and boat electrofishing in a large reservoir (Theodore Roosevelt Lake, AZ) to sample fish populations. We used boat electrofishing to sample fish populations in 20 small (<200 ha) Arizona lakes. We identified, measured (mm total length [TL]), and weighed (grams [g]) all fish captured. Length, weight, and species data from all surveys conducted in Arizona was entered into the AFS standard sampling website tool to calculate length frequency, condition and catch per unit effort (CPUE). The calculated length frequency, condition, and CPUE of each Arizona lake is compared to national averages of other North American lakes similar in size and fish species composition. The comparison of widely used fish indices across North America provides a useful diagnostic of tool for fish health. This tool will greatly improve the ability of Southwestern fisheries biologists to diagnose fisheries problems specific to this region.