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

5 - Fishery receives significant angling pressure (25% or more targeting
fish) with decent catch rate (numbers and size)
3 - Not principle fishery receiving 10% angling pressure with moderate
catch rate (numbers and size)
0 - Present but small fish with potentially large numbers of very small fish
and few year classes (struggling population)
2. Comparing the model classification to VanRiper 's ratings and trying to
improve the classification by changing the parameter weights.
3. Modifying the lake depth parameter by testing mean lake depth, secchi/mean
depth, lake area at 1 meter, and proportion of lake area at 1 meter (for littoral
area). Other parameters, such as slope, water temperature and the use of the
IFW wading bird and waterfowl habitat instead of NWI were used to try to explain
or improve the classification.
No improvements were made over the original model and weightings. The model
correctly classified 66% percent of the northern pike lakes rated by VanRiper,
over classified 17% of the lakes (the model predicted a higher potential than the
rating), and under classified 17% of the lakes (the model predicted a lower
potential than the rating). Overall, the model conservatively classified 83% of the
lakes by classifying them correctly or overestimating the lake potential
(classifying a lake as medium that VanRiper identified as low).
The five northern pike lakes that were under classified by the model were
reviewed. Lake areas > 1000 HA, mesotrophic lakes, lakes that stratefy and <
0.5 meters per year of runoff from watershed are the parameters that most
predicted the model's under classified lakes in Region B (Ingham, Long, Great,
Messalonskee and Little North/North Ponds). However, the lake type
(mesotrophic) may be more indicative of lakes in Region B than Region F.
Based on this screening criteria, at least three lakes would need to be reviewed
using best professional judgment: Silver, Upper Ebeemee and Seboeis Lakes.
They meet some but not all of the screening criteria.
In July 2009, the regional biologist were asked to review the results of the model
and assign new ranks where needed and the reason for doing so. Ebeemee
Lake, Endless Lake, Pond Farm Pond, Seboeis Lake, Silver Lake and Upper
Ebeemee Lake were all rated as a medium during the professional review rather
than a low risk based on a healthy pickerel population is established in the lakes,
and due to the abundance of pike spawning and nursery habitat.
PRFP Page 242