FINS - A fisheries database for Arizona

Authors: William Stewart

Year: 2012 (xliv)

Abstract

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has initiated the development of a Fisheries Information System (FINS) intended to build the data foundation to inform science-based decisions for fisheries management. One of the challenges to effective science-based decision-making in Arizona is the lack of a high-quality, accessible data that is continually updated over the long-term. Several data compilation efforts such as SONFISHES and Aquatic GAP (Kansas State) have been conducted in the southwest by different entities, but efforts unfortunately languish once key personnel leave. The FINS is a centralized database that is integrated within a Geographic Information System (GIS) and documented through detailed metadata. This database at a minimum includes georeferenced fish records, but where available also includes gear types, stocking records, habitat type, fish health information, etc. Unlike other efforts to date, AGFD will support FINS into the future, continually adding records as agency and non agency biologists complete surveys.