Effects of sampling techniques on population assessment of invasive round goby Neogobiusmelanostomus. Issue 6 (13th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brandner, J.; Pander, J.; Mueller, M.; Cerwenka, A. F.; Geist, J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 82:Issue 6(2013)
• Page Start: 2063
• Page End: 2079
• Publication Date: 2013-05-13
• Subjects: Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In this study, a comparison of point abundance sampling (PAS) electrofishing, angling with two different hook sizes and trap‐based fishing was performed in a non‐wadeable river to analyse their effects on catch per unit effort (CPUE) and population characteristics of invasive round goby <italic>Neogobius melanostomus</italic>. PAS electrofishing was identified as the most effective (mean ± <sc>s.e</sc>. CPUE = 57 ± 4 <italic>N. melanostomus</italic> min⁻¹) and least selective method in terms of size, feeding status and species composition. Angling had the second highest CPUE, but was more size selective and resulted in a higher proportion of males compared to electrofishing [overall sex ratio angling (female:male) = 1:0·92, electrofishing 1:0·65]. Owing to low CPUE (0·012 ± 0·004) and low frequency of occurrence, minnow traps were least suitable for <italic>N. melanostomus</italic> population assessment. The results of this study suggest that a higher degree of standardization and inter‐calibration is useful to achieve better comparability of population data of invasive <italic>N. melanostomus</italic> and other benthic fish species.</p> </abstract>