An Expert Survey of Information Needs for Ohio River Sport and Commercial Fishes

Abstract

Forty-eight Ohio River fishery managers from six states were surveyed to assess the relative importance of sport and commercial fisheries data gaps on the Ohio River. Twenty-two experts responded to the complex survey, which asked respondents to judge the need for 40 data types for each of seven taxa. Among taxa, information needs were highest for white bass and hybrids (Morone spp.) and buffalofishes (Ictiobus spp.), and lowest for bass/sunfish (Micropterus/Lepomis spp.) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Among data types, information needs were highest for natural and fishing mortality rates, and lowest for fecundity. Among life stages, information needs were highest for larval fishes, and lowest for adults during spawning season and summer. Expert opinions on information needs can be used to direct research and monitoring studies to highest priority needs and to avoid duplicative studies.