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Field and model-based evaluation of a low-cost sampling protocol for a coordinated, crayfish life-history sampling effort
Stoeckel J, Helms B, Catalano M, Miller JM, Gibson K and Stewart PM 
Published Online: 12/31/2015
Abstract
Life-history studies have been published for only a small proportion of crayfish species native to the southeastern United States. The Southeastern Crayfish Biologist Working Group was formed to help meet this deficit by coordinating life-history research efforts. We used a combination of field sampling and computer modeling to evaluate a basic core sampling protocol and assess sample size issues. We focused on a locally abundant species, Procambarus versutus, and followed the protocol for 5 months at two sites in Alabama. Results showed a monthly sample size of 10 juvenile males plus 10 adult males could be met consistently and provided a = 85% probability of detecting seasonal shifts in proportion of Form I males under a range of scenarios. Weaknesses of the effort included inconsistent determination of sex in juveniles and form of adult males among sampling crews. More importantly, female life-history information was rarely obtainable due to an inability to collect sufficient numbers of glaired or berried adults. We suggest several priorities to address before implementation of coordinated, large-scale sampling efforts. These include development of sampling techniques to increase captures of glaired and berried females, and assessment of non-lethal gamete extraction techniques to track reproductive state of males and females.
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How to Cite
Stoeckel J, Helms B, Catalano M, Miller JM, Gibson K and Stewart PM. (2015). Field and model-based evaluation of a low-cost sampling protocol for a coordinated, crayfish life-history sampling effort. Freshwater Crayfish 21(1):131-141. doi: 10.5869/fc.2015.v21-1.131
Author Information
James Stoeckel,* School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, Alabama, United States36849. E-mail: jimstoeckel@auburn.edu
Brian Helms, Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, 101 Life Sciences Building, Auburn, Alabama, United States36849. E-mail: helmsbs@auburn.edu
Jonathan Miller, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Troy University, 106A MSCX, Troy, Alabama, United States36082. E-mail: jmiller7557@troy.edu
Kesley Gibson, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Troy University, 106A MSCX, Troy, Alabama, United States36082. E-mail: kgibson7@islander.tamucc.edu
Matt Catalano, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, 203 Swingle Hall, Auburn, Alabama, United States36849. E-mail: mjc0028@auburn.edu
Paul M. Stewart, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Troy University, MSCX 210G, Troy, Alabama, United States36082. E-mail: mstewart@troy.edu
Corresponding Author indicated by an *.
Publication History
Manuscript Submitted: 6/30/2015
Manuscript Accepted: 12/14/2015
Published Online: 12/31/2015
Published in Print: 12/31/2015
Funding Information
No specific funding statement is available for this article.