The ability to compare data over time and space; via standard sampling, indices and comparison methods; has revolutionized inland fisheries science, contributing to baseline knowledge of fish populations and ecology, their conservation and management, and fisheries education. Conversely, inability to compare such data has hampered fisheries planning, trend monitoring, and collecting adequate sample sizes for useful conclusions. Continent-wide standards for fish sampling continue to progress. A new edition of the American Fisheries Society’s Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, supported by AFS, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now available. Here we (1) describe updates in the 2nd edition, (2) present examples of how such methods can be used by managers and researchers, and (3) provide short overviews in other topics relevant to freshwater fish sampling standardization. Most of the session will be in “speed presentation” format.
Organizer: Scott Bonar, USGS Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, [email protected]
Co-organizers: Norman Mercado-Silva, Kevin Pope
Supported by: American Fisheries Society, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service