Black Crappie Population Demographics in Relation to Connectivety in Minnesota River Backwaters

Population dynamics of black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus are influenced by various abiotic factors. Black crappie recruitment is variable, making the management of populations difficult. Connectivity to backwater and floodplain habitat is thought to impact black crappie river populations. In the Minnesota River Basin, channel incision and floodplain development continue to threaten connectivity to backwaters. The objective of this study was to assess black crappie population demographics in three backwaters of the Minnesota River (Anderson, St. Peter, and Harris), each with differing connectivity. Black crappie (N=200) were captured from backwaters using trap nets during the summer of 2012. Black crappie population demographics will be evaluated against multiple hydrological variables produced by the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration program. Linear regression models will allow for inferences on the impacts of varying degrees of connectivity with the main channel. As a result, this study could be used to identify relationships between black crappie demographics and hydrology in the Minnesota River. This will facilitate insight on management of black crappie populations in Minnesota River backwaters