Analysis of catchable trout fisheries management by computer simulation.
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Although strategies to meet most management objectives are relatively clearcut in single-species catchable trout programs, strategies become much more complex when two or more species are involved. A difficult problem that must be faced in evaluating catchable trout fisheries management strategies is defining management objectives. One approach to testing alternative management strategies in complex resource systems, such as catchable trout fisheries, is systems simulation. A computer-implemented catchable trout fishery simulator (CATS) was developed to evaluate fishery response under various management strategies in a multi-species stocking program. The user of CATS can select alternative management strategies and functions which generate predictions of fishing pressure on a particular fishery. To evaluate the effect of each system component, CATS was exercised over a wide range of potential system component alterations. Predominant stocking of brook trout appreciably increased average catch per angler hour and percentage return to creel. Altering the stocking ratio to favor brown trout substantially increased the number of angler hours. Stocking predominantly rainbow trout reduced the effects caused by stocking predominantly brook or brown trout. Estimates of expected angling pressure ru1d catchability coefficients of each species stocked are of primary importance because of their considerable effect on other system components. A user must have a sound objective before deciding where, when, which species, and how many fish to plant. The primary utility of CATS is to enable the user to evaluate management strategies prior to implementation.
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