Evaluation of shoreline rotenone application to control Largemouth Bass recruitment in small impoundments

Abstract

Abstract Reducing Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides recruitment and therefore population density could benefit recreational fisheries in small impoundments by improving individual growth rates and increasing the average size and condition of Largemouth Bass. To achieve these effects, methods of Largemouth Bass recruitment control should avoid reducing the productivity of their primary prey species, Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus . We tested this hypothesis by evaluating the effects of shoreline rotenone application on Bluegill and age‐0 and age‐1 Largemouth Bass density, growth, and survival in 15 Alabama small impoundments. Following treatment, Largemouth Bass age‐0 densities declined and mean age‐1 length increased, whereas Bluegill populations were not significantly reduced. Our study indicates that shoreline rotenone application may be a valuable method for reducing Largemouth Bass recruitment and increasing Largemouth Bass age‐1 growth in small impoundments. However, further research is needed to understand the effects of treatment on non‐target fishes and better assess the effects of factors such as impoundment surface area and treatment frequency and duration on the ultimate utility of the approach.