Characterization Of A Midwestern Fishery With Limited Exploitation
Andy Fowler, Iowa State University, 124 Science II. Ames, Iowa 50011-3221; (515) 294-1994; FAX (515) 294-7874; fowlera@iastate.edu
Joseph E. Morris, Iowa State University, 124 Science II. Ames, Iowa 50011-3221
Prior to 2001, Ada Hayden Memorial Park Lake in central Iowa was a privately-held gravel quarry. To preserve this reserve-water source for the municipality, as well as to develop the watershed as a low-impact recreational area, this 179-ha area, including 53 ha of water surface, was purchased by the city of Ames in December 2001. To date, this aquatic resource has not been managed as a fishery and has had little exploitation since its creation. The close proximity of the Skunk River has caused this area to periodically flood; thereby adding to the uncharacteristically rich fish fauna, 20+ fish species. On July 1, 2004, this facility will be open to public use whereby public fishing pressure is expected to dramatically increase fishing mortality. To date, we have researched the predator/prey dynamics using length/weight data, age and back-calculated growth rates derived from scale samples, and largemouth bass stomach samples to describe this unique fishery setting in context with other fisheries in the Midwest. Creel surveys are being implemented, as well, to estimate the new fishing pressure.