Steven Ingram holds a largemouth bass in Arizona reservoirs

"Steven Ingram, Master's student, Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, in collaboration with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), are calibrating gear, and testing new fish sampling techniques (hydroacoustics, electrofishing boat operation) in Western canyon-bound reservoirs.  This is being done to compare current AZGFD sampling protocols with American Fisheries Society (AFS) standard methods; facilitate AZGFD’s adoption of AFS standard sampling techniques they are not already using; and to help inform the next edition of AFS’ Standard Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes, a sampling guide being used by fisheries biologists across North America. Standardization of fisheries sampling across North America has many positive benefits.  These include ability to measure large-scale effects of climate change and increasing water demand; larger sample sizes to test effects of regulations, habitat improvements or other management techniques; reliable means to check for species presence; easier communication among fisheries professionals and the general public; and simpler data sharing across state and provincial boundaries." Julie Meka Carter Aquatic Wildlife Branch Chief, and Andy Clark Statewide Sportfish Program Supervisor, Arizona Game and Fish Department.