Population Analysis of White Perch in Chautauqua Lake, NY

Authors: Henry Meeder, Charles Cotton, Thomas Sadekoski

SUNY Campus: SUNY Cobleskill

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 60

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: White Perch (Morone americana) is a species of interest throughout Chautauqua Lake as the population has become more prevalent over the last decade. In August of 2024, 100 White Perch were collected from two sites on Chautauqua Lake to perform a population analysis and determine the health of the population. The fish were caught on hook and line, labeled, measured, and weighed. Afterwards the digestive tracts were removed and observed, and the otoliths were aged to determine the age structure of the population. The data from this study created baseline information on length and age that can be related to New York State averages. The relative weight of the White Perch was also calculated and found to be below “ideal” for a White Perch population. The main diet component was also recorded to determine the population’s main forage. Although most of the stomachs were empty, the most prevalent component was tubificid worms. White Perch are becoming a staple fish species in Chautauqua Lake and these data should be further compared to statewide data to determine the relative condition of the White Perch population.