Abstract

This paper reports the results of the investigation of a potential fishery for Orconectes virilis, and O. immunis in natural and man-made lakes in central Vermont. Catches using baited wire traps ranged from 30 crayfish per trap/night to 7 crayfish per trap/night. Catch per trap effort decreased as the water temperature dropped in late fall 1977; Size distribution shifts with time indicated that recruitment of young of the year into 'catchable' classes in late summer. This process will be followed more carefully in the 1978 season. Preliminary estimates of income derived from commercial trapping and sales of bait-sized, and 'eating'-sized crayfish ranged from a gross of $4000/4 month season to $15,000/4 month season. Both estimates represent capital expenditures of $2500 and two persons working 4 hours each per day. Differences in gross income are entirely related to population size and 'catchability' in lakes under investigation. Work during the summer of 1978 will include additional catch information, mark and recapture population estimates, and market investigations of bait sales, fishmarket live sales, and restaurant-prepared crayfish sales in the central Vermont region. The potential impact of this proposed fishery on the economy of the region will be discussed, as well as the potential impact of exploitation on crayfish populations and the ecology of the lakes under investigation.

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