1. The Use of Sanctuaries for Protecting Nesting Black Bass From Angling
FW 479: Tournament Lit Review - 6
5/22/2019
The Use of Sanctuaries for Protecting Nesting Black Bass From Angling
Cory D. Suki, Frank J. S. Phelan, Mark F. Kubacki, David D. Philipp
2002
American Fisheries Society Symposium
Kirsten Brendtro

2. Location of Study

3. Major Questions
Do Voluntary Bass Conservation Zones (VBCZ) protect vulnerable spawning males from angling?
VBCZs are areas within the lakes that are closed voluntarily through bass spawning season
How does local advertisement and community enforcement effect success of VBCZs?

4. Major Findings
VBCZ successful in protecting nesting largemouth and smallmouth bass at Lake Opinicon
Moderate success at Loughborough Lake
Hookwound rates greater inside VBCZ at Bob’s Lake

5. Overall Findings
With good advertisement and local community enforcement VBCZs can be successful at protecting spawning bass
Poorly enforced VBCZs can contribute to higher angling of spawning bass

6. Recommendations
VBCZs should be initiated in lakes where local stakeholders are willing to enforce the areas
For lakes without strong local enforcement, legislated No Fishing Zones may be required