Effects of Nutrient Enrichment and a Rough Fish Population (Carp) on a Game Fish Population (Smallmouth Bass)

Abstract

Abstract This experiment was conducted to test the effects of nutrient enrichment and a rough fish population, individually and in combination, on a game fish population. The rough fish and game fish species used were carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui Lacepede) respectively. Two fertility levels (low and high) were established in a series of artificial ponds. Low fertility ponds were undisturbed, while nitrogen and phosphorus were added biweekly (i.e., once every 2 weeks) to the high fertility ponds. Replicates of three fish population types were established at each fertility level: game fish only, rough fish only, and game and rough fish in combination. Physical, chemical and biological conditions in the ponds were measured regularly; the fish populations were censused after 15 months. Growth rate was used as an index of the status of the fish populations. The growth rate of each species was not significantly (p = 0.5) affected by species interactions at either fertilit...