A Length-Categorization System to Assess Fish Stocks

A length-categorization system was developed to assess structure of fish stocks with greater precision than is possible using Proportional Stock Density (PSD). Three new size categories - preferred, memorable, and trophy - were developed to accompany previously established stock and quality lengths. Like minimum stock and quality lengths, minimum lengths for the new categories are defined as percentage lengths of the all-tackle, world-record fish. Length ranges from or near which minimum stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy lengths should be selected were computed for all freshwater fish species having a world-record length listed by the International Game Fish Association in 1982. Minimum lengths corresponding to each of the five size categories are proposed for several species. By arraying samples of fish population data or angler catch data according to the five size-group categories, a length-frequency distribution can be easily assessed and verbalized. Relative Stock Density (RSD) or models for catch rates also can be developed to set management objectives that are easily understandable, yet reflect recruitment, mortality, and growth functions of fish populations and communities. Desirable percentages and catch rates for size-group categories may differ among individual waters or geographic regions depending upon management objectives and the capacity to produce the species of interest.