Fishing for Facts and Fiction
Poster Number
27
Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
Being an active fisherman of the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta, I have noticed that striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are not as numerous or as large as they once were. I wanted to figure out whether my perception is consistent with that of other local fishermen and of those in charge of managing our fishery. Since I am currently working part-time at a local fishing tackle store, I was able to talk with the local fishermen and discuss about their thoughts on the local fishery. The main goal of my research was to determine if the California Department of Fish and Game’s (CDFG) biological resource data matched up to what the local Delta fishermen were experiencing. CDFG data were accessed on their website. Interviews were then completed at a local fishing retail store, Outdoor Sportsman, to provide some insight to the perceptions of local fishermen. The interview questions focused on fishing background, habits, and their perception of the status of the striped bass population. CDFG data show that there has been an overall decrease in the abundance of striped bass over the past ten years. Out of the 12 fishermen interviewed, 10 stated that they noticed a decrease in size and abundance of striped bass. Despite their different backgrounds and fishing habits, the majority of fishermen agreed with the data collected by CDFG.
Location
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Start Date
1-5-2010 1:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2010 3:00 PM
Fishing for Facts and Fiction
DeRosa University Center, Ballroom B
Being an active fisherman of the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta, I have noticed that striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are not as numerous or as large as they once were. I wanted to figure out whether my perception is consistent with that of other local fishermen and of those in charge of managing our fishery. Since I am currently working part-time at a local fishing tackle store, I was able to talk with the local fishermen and discuss about their thoughts on the local fishery. The main goal of my research was to determine if the California Department of Fish and Game’s (CDFG) biological resource data matched up to what the local Delta fishermen were experiencing. CDFG data were accessed on their website. Interviews were then completed at a local fishing retail store, Outdoor Sportsman, to provide some insight to the perceptions of local fishermen. The interview questions focused on fishing background, habits, and their perception of the status of the striped bass population. CDFG data show that there has been an overall decrease in the abundance of striped bass over the past ten years. Out of the 12 fishermen interviewed, 10 stated that they noticed a decrease in size and abundance of striped bass. Despite their different backgrounds and fishing habits, the majority of fishermen agreed with the data collected by CDFG.