Structure and dynamics of unique bluegill populations
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"Introduction: The impetus for this research was the question of why there are so few small impoundments in the Midwest which produce bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) 20 cm and longer. Populations containing fish of this size in any reasonable numbers must be considered unique. In order to have the best fishing quality for any species, population structures providing appropriate numbers of an adequate range of quality sizes must be sustained. This study is basically a description of nine small impoundments which had a history of producing bluegills 20 cm and longer. The study objectives were: 1. to evaluate bluegill population structure and functional characteristics in small impoundments that have a history of producing fish 20 cm and longer in Missouri; 2. to characterize habitat conditions of such impoundments; 3. to assess the food habits of three bluegill size groups; and 4. to develop functional models for a largemouth bass and bluegill community, which would include some percentage of bass and bluegills greater than 38 and 20 cm, respectively. Bluegills are ubiquitous in all facets of small impoundment fisheries management and research endeavors. No efforts have focused upon characteristics that may distinguish populations which sustain fish of exceptional sizes. The fact that 20-cm bluegills are unique in midwestern small impoundments was supported by the results of the 1973-1974 Central States Pond Management Work Group project where only 5 of 38 ponds exhibited appreciable numbers of bluegills 20 cm and longer. The aim of this research was to answer why this is so and to postulate whether management can improve this situation."--Page 1.
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M.S.