The DEC Region 2 Bureau of Fisheries performed their second boat electrofishing survey of Willowbrook Lake, Staten Island, on September 12, 2012. Size indices from a previous electrofishing survey (on 9/29/10) had revealed unbalanced predator and prey populations of largemouth bass and sunfish. The 2012 survey was performed to document any changes which may have occurred during the two years since that survey. In fact, 2012 results indicate improved size indices for both largemouth bass and sunfish to ranges suggestive of balanced fish populations. Scale aging indicates largemouth bass of the 2012 survey have a slower growth rate than those of the 2010 survey which is commensurate with the higher catch rates of these fish. Fish species assemblage was similar to that found in 2010, but observed number of American eels was lower. Lack of fish kills related to shoreline erosion control work performed by the New York City Parks Department may be partially responsible for the improvement of this fishery. Recommendations of this report include periodic electrofishing surveys and a creel survey to determine angler use.
