Fish sampling in Argentine freshwater environments: lessons from 50 years of research and monitoring

BAIGÚN, C. R. M.; COLAUTTI, D. C.; MINOTTI, P.; BALBONI, L.; MAIZTEGUI, T.; GARCIA DE SOUZA, J. R.; LLOMPART, F.; SOLIMANO, P. J.; BRANCOLINI, F.

Busan

Congreso; 7th World Fisheries Congress; 2016

The 7th World Fisheries Congress, Busan 2016 Secretariat

Standardized sampling methodologies are extremely important for assessing fish populations, particularly when they support valuable fisheries and therefore are required to evaluate how fish population changes over time to adopt management measurements. Attempts to standardize fish populations assessment in South America has been pioneered in Argentina since 1960. In this study we discuss observed results of several sampling programs by the application of different gears in lakes, reservoirs, marshes and floodplain lagoons across the country. Based on observed results we analyze to what extent standardized sampling methods have been properly used for sampling different waterbody types across Argentina. We also examine species vulnerability according to used gears including the main salmonid and non-salmonid species and discuss the application of standardized methods such as length structure indices and catch per unit effort estimations according to waterbody typology, trophic status and species characteristics. In addition, common standardized gears used in northern hemisphere lakes are compared with those applied in Argentina and their potential applicability is discussed. Based on reviewed benefits and limitations of standardized samplings performed in Argentina, we provide guidelines for applying standardized fishing methods in other South American countries with similar freshwater waterbodies.