The Impact of COVID‐19 on Freshwater Fisheries Fieldwork and Data Collection

Abstract

COVID-19 has affected almost every aspect of society including freshwater fisheries fieldwork. Our study quantified the effects of the pandemic on fisheries fieldwork in the United States. We administered a survey to fisheries chiefs in all 50 states to assess the pandemic's impact on fisheries fieldwork. Of the 37 participants, 91% reported the pandemic affected their fieldwork and 92% adapted their sampling methods in response to the pandemic. Common adaptation strategies included using personal protective equipment (100%), practicing social distancing (97%), using smaller crews (82%), and developing contingency plans (51%). Based on the survey results, we identified potential challenges to adaptations and offered strategies to improve them. Strategies we identified include adopting novel data collection techniques, finding new positions for temporary employees, and publicly sharing contingency plans. Ultimately, this paper offers novel guidance on how fisheries professionals can best move forward with fieldwork during a time of crisis.

Effects of flow recession regime on stranding of Rio Grande silvery minnow suggests that conservation actions must overcome evolutionary traps

“…The number of Rio Grande silvery minnow collected per 0.16 km was summed. During 2020, data from the second drying event was used instead of the first owing to field sampling restrictions during the COVID‐19 global pandemic (Tracy et al, 2021). Fishes were collected and handled in compliance with appropriate state and federal collection permits and the US Public Health Service's Policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.…”