Background and Justification

Puerto Rico is widely known for its marine sport and commercial fisheries, but the freshwater habitats of the island also support a substantial number of fishes, many of which provide recreational, commercial, and subsistence fishery values. Many of the fishes known to occupy freshwater habitats are also found in estuarine or marine waters, and some are dependent upon movements between freshwater and marine habitats for their existence. Even with a great number of fishes found among the 1,200 streams and rivulets in Puerto Rico and their importance to humans, they have received relatively little attention by fisheries scientists. It has been suggested that Puerto Rico freshwater fish populations are influenced to varying degrees by the introduction of exotic fishes, the construction of dams, instream flow patterns, and water pollution, but that with proper management and protection of water quality, freshwater fishes may continue to be a valuable resource for Puerto Rico. However, such fishery management and habitat protection or enhancement actions require sound science to guide strategic planning and decision-making.

Objectives

We have initiated research to evaluate stream and river fish and habitat sampling techniques and to develop standardized sampling protocols for Puerto Rico stream and river fishery resources. Specific objectives are to

(1) obtain quantitative population estimates for stream fishes and gear comparisons among stream sites to determine effective and efficient sampling techniques; and

(2) describe patterns in occurrence and abundance of stream and river sport fish populations as related to physical habitat, including instream physical habitat, water quality, riparian attributes, and river regulation by conducting quantitative instream and riparian habitat surveys. Results of this ongoing research will provide components of information required to further develop management plans for Puerto Rico freshwater fish and fisheries.

Relationships between physical and biotic variables will be explored and quantified. Evaluation of fish sampling techniques and development of standardized protocols will allow quantitative sampling in these habitats to characterize the fishery resources. Such results are required to address ecological questions regarding changes of fishery resources over time, among watersheds, and related to human influences, such as water pollution and land-use patterns. Quantifying and understanding patterns and relationships between fish populations and their physical surroundings will allow discussion and strategic planning of potential management of stream and river sport fisheries.

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