Comparing commercial and recreational harvest characteristics of paddlefish Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792) in the Middle Mississippi River

摘要: Summary Here we contrast the relative influence of commercial and recreational harvest sectors on Middle Mississippi River paddlefish Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792) population. We performed a creel survey randomly selected fishers anglers to gather characteristic information make comparisons between sectors. found that sector harvested predominately large, mature paddlefish. Conversely, tended greater proportion small, immature Because these are harvesting different portions population, dynamic rate functions potential conflict must be taken into account for fishery management decisions. One approach would increase minimum length limit, allow equal Ultimately, this will both same portion as well reproductive Additionally, obtaining an accurate assessment catch effort is imperative allocation shared resource.