Spatial and temporal distributions of young-of-year fish in Carite Reservoir, Puerto Rico

Information regarding spatiotemporal trends in young-of-year (YOY) fish distributions gives managers insight into recruitment and ultimately adult population variability. In Puerto Rico, limited research has been conducted on YOY distributions with no studies addressing reservoir systems. A comparison of the efficacy of two sampling gears and an assessment of spatiotemporal distributions of YOY fish communities in a tropical reservoir were conducted. Diversity of catch between push nets and offshore light traps were similar, though species composition of catch was different between gears. Inshore light traps collected greater total numbers and diversities of the YOY fish community than offshore traps in spring and summer seasons. Catch per unit effort was greater in the spring for inshore traps whereas CPUE was greater in offshore traps in the fall. These results will allow managers to coordinate YOY fish sampling efforts for specific species with periods of peak abundance and preferred habitat.