Spatially-explicit Habitat Characterization, Suitability Analysis, Verification, and Modelling of the Yellow Perch Perca Flavescens (Mitchell 1814) Population in Long Point Bay, Lake Erie [microform]
Spatially-explicit Habitat Characterization, Suitability Analysis, Verification, and Modelling of the Yellow Perch Perca Flavescens (Mitchell 1814) Population in Long Point Bay, Lake Erie [microform]

Author: Susan Elisabeth Doka

Publisher: Library and Archives Canada = Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 317

ISBN-13: 9780494045015

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Different approaches were used to characterize, assess, test and model the fish-habitat interactions of yellow perch in Long Point Bay. Chapter 1 describes the methodologies for explicitly characterizing spatial and temporal habitat through mapping and modelling. Chapter 2 connects habitat and ontogenetic niche shifts in perch life history, with the aim of determining suitable habitat availability for the Long Point Bay perch population. Habitat suitability indices and models were used to map and identify the areas of suitable habitat, including thermal habitat. Chapter 3 compares a known distribution of yellow perch larvae with HSI predictions of habitat suitability as a validation exercise. Abundance and size distributions from the survey were compared to thermal and HSI predictions of suitable habitat to test for correspondence. The relationship between food availability and habitat characteristics, especially vegetation, were also tested. A model was developed in Chapter 4 that concentrated on the first year of life and the effect of consecutive constraints on early life stages with different habitat requirements. The purpose of the model was to compare the potential growth and survival of consecutive life stages in a spatially explicit manner when different habitat-based rules are imposed. The results highlight the importance of life history theory and knowledge of mechanisms used in habitat selection for determining limits to fish production.

Life History Responses of Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) to Mass Removal
Life History Responses of Yellow Perch (Perca Flavescens) to Mass Removal

Author: Rebecca Yuen Wah Ng

Publisher:

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13:

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"This study evaluates the life history responses of yellow perch to mass removal and the potential for population recovery. We removed approximately 94% of a perch population from Nepawin Lake, a 35 hectare oligotrophic lake in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, as part of a study designed to enhance the recruitment success of brook trout. Several response variables were examined both before and after mass removal: (1) condition, which includes growth, diet and overall condition responses, and (2) reproduction, which includes size at maturity and fecundity. We examine the question of whether compensatory life history responses in the yellow perch will overcome brook trout predation leading to a reestablishment of a high density perch population. Results showed that prior to the manipulation, perch exhibited a narrow size distribution, high dietary overlap, and low condition, typifying a stunted population. After mass removal, the perch population remained in a narrow size distribution, exhibited decreased growth rates for older age classes, showed increased mean condition and increased consumption of zooplankton in all size classes. Perch also exhibited increased size at maturity and decreased fecundity immediately following the mass removal. A time lag is expected before compensatory recruitment is possible in the population, but it is likely that the perch will recover from the mass removal because of strong age 0+ and 1+ cohorts. However, stunting and bottlenecking may still occur in the population. Continued monitoring and management is necessary to observe further changes to the perch population dynamics in Nepawin Lake." --