ABSTRACT
The pike is a cannibalistic top predator that can be found across the northern hemisphere in freshwater and brackish water eco systems. It is a commonly targeted species, both in recreational, subsistence, and commercial fisheries throughout its range. This chapter considers three important aspects of human interactions with pike. First, a range of information is presented on the extent of pike fisheries. Second, methods for assessing stock densities of pike are summarized and contrasted, and, finally, an overview is presented on the potential problems relating to pike aquaculture. Stock assessment usually involves quantifying the numbers and size and age distributions of pike within a defined area, water body or population. Pike is a relatively difficult fish species from an aquacultivator's point of view. In aquaculture, it is often useful to improve the substrate by placing aquatic plants or conifer branches into the ponds.
