Fisheries, Subsistence, and Habitat
Publications Searchable Database
Search Again| Division: | Sport Fish |
| Title: | Operational Plan: Kenai Peninsula nonnative fish control, monitoring, and native fish restoration. |
| Author: | Massengill, R., R. N. Begich, and K. Dunker. |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Report ID: | Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Regional Operational Plan ROP.SF.2A.2020.18, Anchorage. |
| Abstract: | This project will investigate whether invasive northern pike (Esox lucius) and other nonnative fish are present in the Northern Kenai Peninsula Management Area (NKPMA) and evaluate the success of eradication efforts for these populations. Where northern pike have already been successfully eradicated, this project will supplement restoration and monitoring of native fish populations. Nonnative fish detection will be accomplished by gillnet surveys using a standardized protocol that adjusts netting effort to lake size. The prioritization of waterbodies selected for surveys will be founded on a risk assessment evaluation. At select waterbodies, gillnet surveys may be undesirable, and environmental DNA (eDNA) detection methods may be used alone or in tandem with reduced gillnetting efforts. When an invasive fish species is detected in a waterbody, this project will initiate the collection of baseline environmental and biological data necessary for informing a response action plan. Native fish populations will be restored, as applicable, to waters where nonnative fish have been removed. This is typically accomplished by collecting wild fish from a nearby source and stocking them in the affected waters, particularly where natural recolonization of native fish populations is unlikely to occur rapidly. Restored native fish populations will be assessed periodically using gillnet and minnow trap catch per unit effort (CPUE) and length frequency distributions. |
| Keywords: | Northern pike, Esox lucius, restoration, CPUE, invasive, rotenone, eDNA. |