Development and Implementation of a Catch and Effort Data Collection System for Monitoring Trends in Fishing Success on Virginia's Artificial Fishing Reefs, 1987-1988

摘要

Recreational fishing opportunities in Virginia for species associated with hard bottom habitats such as natural oyster reefs and man-made structures have been enhanced since the early 1970's through an artificial reef construction program coordinated by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). As more interest developed in establishing reef sites there became a growing need for state assistance in coordinating permits and the placement of reef materials on subaqueous bottoms under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth and the federal government. Virginia's growing artificial reef program led the VMRC to contract with Old Dominion University (ODU) for a three year study (1983-85) of potential reef sites in Chesapeake Bay and offshore waters. The study effort provided an assessment of two test reefs established inside Chesapeake Bay and one site offshore Wachapreague on the Eastern Shore. The project is intended to complement the previous studies, establishing a data base of recreational fishermen's catch success rates on major reef and other popular 'wreck fishing' sites.