Fish Populations along Natural and Revetted Banks on the Lower Mississippi River

Abstract

Fish populations along two natural and two revetted banks on the Lower Mississippi River near Greenville, Mississippi, were investigated during 1979. Collections were made during April, June, September, and November with hoop nets and electroshocking. The number of species taken in the habitats were similar: 24 species were collected from natural banks; 27 from the revetted banks. The relative abundances of the species were different for the two habitats. Six species (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus, Cyprinus carpio, Ictalurus punctatus, Stizostedion canadense, and Cycleptus elongatus) were more abundant on revetted banks and four species (Aplodinotus grunniens, Pylodictis olivaris, Lepomis macrochirus, and Alosa chrysochloris) were more abundant on natural banks. Percentage composition by weight showed the greatest difference between habitats. Species of sport or commercial value were more abundant by weight on revetted banks. Mean catch per effort in numbers and weight were greater on natural banks during June but greater on revetted banks at other times. Habitat type and proximity of the areas appeared to be important factors that affect fish distribution. The fish populations of the two natural banks were similar at all seasons, while populations along the two revetted banks showed greater variability.