Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

public education efforts highlighting the permanent repercussions and costs
associated with illegal fish stocking events.
23.1.1.11 Conduct habitat surveys of the Penobscot mainstem from Milford to
Howland to determine the spatial distribution, quantity and quality of habitat
patches necessary for upstream pike dispersal.
23.1.1.12 Design and implement a stratified random survey for non-natives in
the drainage
Sampling natural systems for management requires unbiased and spatially
distributed sampling, with samples spaced relatively evenly in space. Sampling
must balance trend and status data collection goals. In addition, sampling should
allow for greater emphasis (sampling) effort within certain areas depending on needs
of biologists and managers. Finally, sampling must be flexible to allow un-sampled
sites to be accounted for, and to add sites as needed. This requires a probability
sampling approach. Without probability sampling we cannot understand how
samples represent the “real world’ and are likely to collect biased data that may
result in incorrect conclusions and inform poor management decisions. Clearly, this
is vital for effective adaptive management. Furthermore, collecting data under a
unified probability sampling plan with standardized protocols will greatly increase
statistical power for the same level of sampling effort, allowing biologists to more
powerfully analyze large spatial and temporal trends and status. Finally, the
sampling plan for the Penobscot should be integrated with a larger state-wide
sampling plan to increase statistical power and optimize the value of limited
sampling capacity.
23.1.1.13 LIDAR survey for gradient to get better data on potential movement
of pike and location of additional natural barriers.
23.1.2 Conduct a risk assessment for Northern pike in the rest of the drainage
Replicate the process that was undertaken on the Piscataquis drainage, particularly
in the area above West Enfield.
23.1.3 and 24.1.1 and 24.1.2 Identify the need for risk assessments for other
non-native species of concern
Since 1983, black crappie, green sunfish, largemouth bass, central mudminnow,
white catfish and northern pike have been illegally introduced into the Penobscot
basin. Classify species-specific threats based on scientific literature to prioritize risk
and conduct assessments where the literature fails to provide information.
23.2.1 Hold an annual meeting between IFW and DMR about limiting stocking
of non-natives throughout the drainage
24.1.3 and 24.1.4 Document dispersal following smallmouth bass
introductions and following the illegal introduction of white perch in
Moosehead Lake, Spencer Bay
PRFP Page 100