In formulating survey objectives, consider the types of information needed, how precise it must be, limitations of sampling gear, and financial and time constraints. The Survey Planning Report in the computerized Fish Collection System has been developed to aid the planning process. The goal of lake and stream surveys is to develop a description of a body of water, its watershed, and its inhabiting biota that will be useful for fisheries management. This description will be developed by summing information from several survey modules. Each module describes one facet of the water body, watershed, or biota.
Biota includes primarily fish populations, but also supporting organisms.
Specific objectives and sampling techniques may vary between lotic and lentic environments, and according to the need to address specific management questions. It is recognized that seldom will there be occasion to complete a comprehensive study of a water body in any one survey. However, it is advantageous to accumulate data in an orderly fashion by completing entire survey modules at every opportunity. In time, the summation of modules will furnish a complete description of all major waters of the state. The following five types of survey modules will serve as a guide for the orderly accumulation of data.