Reproductive characteristics and spawning potential ratio modeling of a vulnerable riverine specialist in the lower unchannelized Missouri river, USA

Abstract

Reproductive characteristics for populations of imperiled, non-game species are not regularly studied but may be important for identifying factors associated with their population sustainability. Understanding reproductive traits of vulnerable species, particularly long-lived species, may provide insight for implementing management actions to respond to potential overharvest. This study aimed to assess the reproductive characteristics of a stable population of long-lived blue suckers (Cycleptus elongatus) in the unchannelized Missouri River in South Dakota. We obtained demographic information and gonads from 182 blue suckers collected in trammel nets in March 2021 and 2022. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess length and weight relationships with gonadosomatic index (GSI) and fecundity and used spawning potential ratios to model the influence of four minimum length limit scenarios. Total lengths of sampled fish ranged from 560 to 821 mm. Female GSI increased with length to ∼730 mm before declining, and male GSI remained consistent across lengths. Fecundity increased linearly with weight and with length to around 750 mm, after which the rate of increase slowed. Using a recent natural mortality estimate for this population, the spawning potential ratio under current no-limit regulations decreased rapidly as fishing mortality approached 0.10 but implementing a minimum length limit (e.g. 610- or 660 mm) could prevent the spawning potential ratio from falling below acceptable limits (0.2–0.3) at moderate-to-high fishing mortality values. This study provides necessary information about the reproductive characteristics of vulnerable, non-game species and demonstrates how spawning potential ratio modeling can be used for species that receive less management focus.