Fisheries and Limnological Studies on West Point Reservoir, Alabama-Georgia. Phase V.
Abstract
West Point Reservoir on the Chattahoochee River was impounded by a dam located 3.2 miles north of West Point, GA. Fishery and limnological studies began in Feb. 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 in 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 Oct 80 and Sep 81 indicate that mean phytoplankton standing crops were higher this year than 1979-1980. The higher standing crops resulted from increases in all three major algae divisions; Chrysophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanophyta. The increase in phytoplankton density should have a positive effect on the fishery since many of the fishes are plankton feeders. As for 1979-1980, mean total organic carbon levels varied little throughout the lake. The annual mean of 7.79 mg/l for the current year was higher than that reported for the previous four years. The mean of the quarterly samples of zooplankton was lower than any previous year which continued an apparent trend toward an overall decrease in zooplankton density in the lake. Harvest estimates on important sport fishes such as bass and sunfish show a decline.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA149945
Entities
People
- D. R. Bayne
- J. M. Lawrence
- S. P. Malvestuto
- W. D. Davies
- W. L. Shelton
Organizations
- Auburn University