Proposed standard weight (Ws) equation and standard length categories for Goldeye

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveGoldeye Hiodon alosoides relative weight (Wr) and proportional size distribution (PSD) have not been able to be evaluated in populations across their range. The objective of this project was to develop and assess standard weight (Ws) equations with three different techniques along with developing standard length categories for Goldeye.MethodsLength and weight data for 64,435 Goldeye Hiodon alosoides from 96 populations across Canada and the United States were collected to develop a Ws equation. We developed standard weight equations for Goldeye with the regression‐line‐percentile (RLP), empirical‐percentile linear (EmP‐L), and empirical‐percentile quadratic (EmP‐Q) techniques.ResultWe propose the RLP equation as log10W = 2.979 × log10L − 4.979, the EmP‐L equation as log10W = 3.048 × log10L − 5.151, and the EmP‐Q equation as log10W = 1.254 × log10L + 0.365 × (log10L)2 − 2.950, where W is weight (g) and L is total length (TL, mm). We also developed PSD length categories of 13, 20, 26, 33, and 40 cm TL representing stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy categories, respectively.ConclusionThese Ws equations and standard length categories will aid fisheries biologists in assessing Goldeye populations holistically across their range when developing management strategies.