Development and Implementation of Fish Population and Recreational Fisheries Surveys Sample Clauses

Development and Implementation of Fish Population and Recreational Fisheries Surveys. Description: The shallow, eutrophic South Lake section of Lake Champlain favors warmwater species and is the primary area of concern for potential impacts from cable installation. An increase in turbidity due to construction activities is the main concern for the South Lake fish community. Eggs and larval and juvenile fish are the most susceptible life stages to increases in turbidity, therefore impacts to adult populations and sportfisheries resulting from construction activities may not be evident for several years. In order to gauge the potential impacts of cable installation on the Lake’s warmwater fish community, a comprehensive monitoring program for the lake, with an emphasis in South Lake, should be developed and implemented. The monitoring program should be comprised of studies focused on: 1) obtaining up to date angler xxxxx and opinion information; 2) assessing the characteristics and potential impacts of black bass tournaments; 3) the status of important sport- and panfish populations such as walleye, yellow perch, black bass, northern pike, and muskellunge; 4) the status and ecology of Species of Greatest Conservation Need such as sauger and mooneye; and 5) assessing the fish community dynamics for the lake, including assessments of forage and invasive fish populations. These studies will aid in the development and implementation of management recommendations for the 140 February 22, 2012 aforementioned species. The monitoring program will be consistent with the guiding principles, nearshore fish community sub-goals, and information priorities in the Strategic Plan for Lake Champlain Fisheries (Fisheries Technical Committee 2009).