The Paddlefish(Polyodon Spathula)Fisheries of the Midwestern United States

Paddlefish fisheries in some states have become increasingly important, but in other states populations have declined severely and the species range has been reduced. Commercial paddlefish harvests today come mainly from the impounded Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas Rivers. Sport fisheries have replaced commercial fisheries in some areas and even though they are extremely localized, they account for sizable harvests. Declining paddlefish populations reported in several states are a result of loss of spawning habitat. Recent studies in these and other states have increased our knowledge about the paddlefish and its management. Identification and protection of spawning areas is critical to the maintenance of the fisheries.