Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/606672
accomplished with a variety of gear, including gill nets, trap nets and electrofi shing boats that temporarily stun fi sh. Biologists measure fi sh length, weight, abundance and age to understand the structure of aquatic fi sh communities. This then helps determine if Game and Parks needs to stock fi sh or make regulations to control the amount of fi sh harvested to ensure a healthy and fi shable population for all anglers. Biologists also investigate other aquatic community organisms such as frogs, crayfi sh, mussels, snails, clams, insects and zooplankton to determine their infl uence on fi sh populations. Aquatic habitats on lakes and in streams are monitored to ensure aquatic wildlife have the required living conditions to spawn, feed and take cover. Important components of habitat include vegetation and other structures that provide cover for fi sh, the depth of lakes or streams and the substrate (what the bottom and shorelines consist of (mud, sand, rock, etc.). The Fisheries Division will often empty an aging reservoir in order to make habitat changes that promote better sport fi sh communities and improve angler access. In 1997, an Aquatic Habitat Program was initiated to improve the condition of Nebraska lakes and streams. This program is funded by an Aquatic Habitat Stamp that is purchased by anglers whenever a Nebraska fi shing permit is purchased. Biologists monitor water quality to assess the appropriate amount of water for a lake or stream, the chemistry of the water to determine if the elements are appropriately positive (oxygen, pH) or detrimental (pollutants such as pesticides), and the amount of sedimentation from eroding shorelines and runoff. This work is often accomplished with the help and cooperation of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality and Natural Resource Districts. PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAAG 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 44 CHAPTER 9 ● MANAGEMENT