Comparison of several techniques for mobility and activity estimates of smallmouth bass in lentic environments

Mean daily mobility estimates for smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu from mark-recapture (47.5 +/- 12.5 m) were less than from conventional telemetr y (77.1 +/- 10.6 m). The relationship developed in a respirometer between t he activity transmitter and swimming speed (r(2)=0.99, P<0.001, n=6) when a pplied to held activity data estimated mean daily movement at 27 408 +/- 40 85 m, i.e. >100 times mark/recapture or telemetry estimates. Using these es timates in the activity parameter of a bioenergetics model resulted in diff erent model outputs. These results highlight the potential underestimates i n activity associated with using traditional mark-recapture and locational telemetry and reaffirm that fish expend a significant portion of their acti vity budgets undertaking localized movements. (C) 2001 The Fisheries Societ y of the British Isles.