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Project T-142-R1

Project Title: Developing a Standard Sampling Protocol to Monitor Small Fish Species in Greatest Conservation Need in Large Rivers of Illinois

Community and/or Species Focus: Fish

Goals/Objectives:

  1. Compile the historic and current occurrence records of 19 small fish SGCN
  2. Test a variety of sampling methods and select sampling sites
  3. Assess physical habitat, water-quality, and flow characteristics at sampling sites
  4. Compare sampling efficiencies of different sampling gears for each SGCN species
  5. Identify the most effective sampling method for individual and multiple SGCN
Achievements:
  1. Create maps showing locations where each species was recorded previously and during project
  2. Identify abundances and sizes per sampling unit
  3. Identify habitat preferences for targeted SGCN
  4. Determine sampling efficiency ranks of different methods for targeted species
  5. Recommend sampling protocol

Post-Project Survey (if applicable): n/a

Project Period: 1/1/23 - 12/31/25

Principle Investigator(s): Yong Cao (Illinois Natural History Survey)

Final Report: Project is currently underway; "Achievements" are projections of what is to be accomplished.