Exploitation of American Paddlefish in the Mississippi River

The American Paddlefish Polyodon spathula is a prehistoric species native to the Mississippi River and its larger tributaries. This species exhibits a unique combination of morphology, habits, and life history characteristics that sets it apart from most fishes swimming in our freshwater systems. It is these k-selective traits, coupled with extensive river modifications and overexploitation that have led to population declines from historic values. Concern over exploitation rates from sport and commercial fisheries has increased in recent decades with the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) now seeking information from the State of Missouri regarding its commercially harvested Paddlefish population and its sustainability. Beginning in 2014, the Missouri Department of Conservation along with students from Southeast Missouri State University began a 5 year study of Missouri’s Paddlefish population and the level at which it is exploited. Paddlefish were sampled during the late fall and early spring of 2014 through 2016 and tagged with an aluminum jaw band containing a unique identifier. Fishermen were then given a reward for every tag that they reported. To account for non-reporting, postage-paid postcards were mailed to 108 commercial fishermen in Missouri and neighboring states offering the same reward as returning a tag.