Fisheries and Limnological Studies on West Point Reservoir, Alabama-Georgia. Phase IV.
Abstract
West Point Reservoir on the Chattahootchee River was impounded by a Corps of Engineers dam located 3.2 miles north of West Point, GA. Fishery and limnological studies funded by the Corps began in February 1976 to (a) document changes in the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of West Point Lake over a period of years with emphasis on detection of those factors contributing to the expected decline sport fishing success, and (b) implement and evaluate fishery management practices aimed at improving the catch per unit of effort of sport fisherman. Limnological data collected between October 1979 and September 1980 indicate that the decline in photoplankton standing crop for the lake continued a trend that began the first sampling year (1976-1977). The decline continues to result from fewer numbers of yellow-green algae. Primary productivity annual mean was 559.4 mg C/M sq/day which was the lowest measured for the reservoir to date. This decline was not statistically significant but may represent a trend toward decreasing productivity. Mean total organic carbon varied little throughout the lake, but was the lowest measured to date which may represent additional evidence of productivity decline. Species diversity and equitability of zooplankton communities did not differ significantly from that reported the previous year. Observations on coverage and abundance of the most common aquatic macrophytes in the lake, alligator weed and smartweed, indicate a reduction in their prevalence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA141125
Entities
People
- D. R. Bayne
- J. M. Lawrence
- S. P. Malvestuto
- W. D. Davies
- W. L. Shelton
Organizations
- Auburn University