Alteration of Fish Communities in Lakes Stressed by Acid Deposition and Heavy Metals near Wawa, Ontario

1984 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith M. Somers ◽  
Harold H. Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Brook Trout ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Fish Populations ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Lake Chemistry ◽  
Metavolcanic Rocks ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Degree Of Acidification

Based on chemical criteria such as excess sulfate and low bicarbonate relative to cation, 50 lakes in the Wawa area show some degree of acidification. We conclude that the observed perturbations of lake chemistry and fish populations were primarily the result of smelting operations in the Wawa area. Six lakes have acidified to pH 3.1–4.1 and had high concentrations of metals such as Al, Mn, and Fe. Most of the lakes were in contact with felsic and mafic metavolcanic rocks containing minerals such as siderite, and only a few lakes had granitic basins. The six most acidic lakes contained no fishes and some lakes in the fume-kill area had known losses of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) populations. Based on a regression of number of species on lake area for 34 lakes, it was estimated that 83 fish populations have been lost from 16 lakes. Fish community changes were difficult to assess due to the distributions of species in the four watersheds. The northern pike (Esox lucius)–walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum)–yellow perch (Perca flavescens) community was found now to be present only in lakes distant from the source of emissions. The fish community with brook and/or lake trout as the top predator was the most affected.

Empirical Models of Fish Response to Lake Acidification

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 1432-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth H. Reckhow ◽  
Robert W. Black ◽  
Thomas B. Stockton Jr. ◽  
J. David Vogt ◽  
Judith G. Wood
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Brook Trout ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Model Misspecification ◽  
Lake Acidification ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The Relationship

A large historical data set from the Adirondack region of New York was compiled to study the relationship between water chemistry variables associated with acid precipitation and the presence/absence of selected fish species. The data set was used to examine simple statistical models for fish presence/absence, as a function of the water chemistry variables, for brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Of these models, only those for brook trout and lake trout were found to be acceptable based on statistical goodness-of-fit criteria; thus, parameters for models of these two species alone were estimated using maximum likelihood logistic regression. Candidate models for brook trout and lake trout were then examined, with particular consideration for the problems associated with model misspecification, errors-in-variables, and multicollinearity. For each of the two species, a model was recommended that may be used to predict the effect of changes in lake acidification on species presence/absence in lakes in the Adirondack region.

Accumulation of Trace Metals in Three Species of Fish from Lakes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Canada): Influence of pH and Other Chemical Parameters

1989 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. H. Peterson ◽  
A. Sreedharan ◽  
S. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Brook Trout ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Leeward Side ◽  
Urban Centers ◽  
Lake Chemistry ◽  
Cape Breton Island ◽  
Headwater Lakes

Abstract Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) from headwater lakes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Canada) were analyzed for whole body concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn. Fish from western New Brunswick generally had lowest concentrations of metals. Mercury concentrations were highest in fish from lakes close to urban centers on the leeward side. Only trout were collected from lakes in Cape Breton Island, and these were characterized by high Cd and Zn concentrations. The only consistently strong correlation between metal concentration and any lake chemistry parameter was a negative correlation between Pb concentration and lake pH. Copper and Zn were consistently positively correlated for all three species, perhaps due to their common existence in mineral deposits.

Newly Documented Host Fishes for the Eastern Elliptio Mussel Elliptio complanata

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Lellis ◽  
Barbara St. John White ◽  
Jeffrey C. Cole ◽  
Connie S. Johnson ◽  
Julie L. Devers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brook Trout ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
The United States ◽  
Host Use ◽  
Host Fish ◽  
American Eel ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Elliptio Complanata ◽  
Host Fishes

Abstract The eastern elliptio Elliptio complanata is a common, abundant, and ecologically important freshwater mussel that occurs throughout the Atlantic Slope drainage in the United States and Canada. Previous research has shown E. complanata glochidia to be host fish generalists, parasitizing yellow perch Perca flavescens, banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus, banded sculpin Cottus carolinae, and seven centrarchid species. Past laboratory studies have been conducted in the Midwest; however, glochidia used in these studies were obtained from adult mussels in the Great Lakes or St. Lawrence River basins, or glochidia sources were not reported. The objective of this study was to identify host fishes for E. complanata from streams in the Mid-Atlantic region. We used artificial laboratory infections to test host suitability of 38 fish and 2 amphibian species with E. complanata glochidia from the Chesapeake Bay drainage. Glochidia successfully metamorphosed into juvenile mussels on five fish species: American eel Anguilla rostrata, brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis, lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, mottled sculpin Cottus bairdii, and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus. American eel was the most effective host, yielding the highest overall metamorphosis success (percentage of attached glochidia that transformed into juvenile mussels; ≥0.90) and producing 13.2 juveniles per fish overall. No juvenile E. complanata metamorphosed on other fish or amphibian species tested, including many previously identified host fishes that appear in the literature. Reasons for discrepancies in published host fish could include geographic variation in host use across the species' range, differences in host use between lentic and lotic populations, or poorly resolved taxonomy within the genus Elliptio.

Predation by Freshwater Seals on the Fish Community of Lower Seal Lake, Quebec

1978 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 844-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Power ◽  
Jean Gregoire
Keyword(s):  
Brook Trout ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Salvelinus Namaycush ◽  
Phoca Vitulina ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Spawning Period ◽  
Show Evidence

The presence of freshwater harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in Lower Seal Lake, Quebec, has drastically modified the lake's fish community. Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) are the most affected; they are small (rarely exceed 55 cm fork length), their growth rate is faster than in neighboring lakes, their longevity is greatly reduced, the age at sexual maturity has been halved, and individual fecundity per unit weight has increased at the expense of egg diameter. Brook trout (S. fontinalis), the dominant fish species in the lake, show evidence of high mortality rates in the lake, but are protected during the vulnerable spawning period because their spawning sites are dispersed in tributary streams. Rough calculation suggests the seal population is small and that it consumes the lake's potential yield of fish annually. Key words: predation, freshwater seals, Phoca vitulina, Salvelinus namaycush, Salvelinus fontinalis

Recovery of Planted Brook Trout, Splake, and Rainbow Trout from Selected Ontario Lakes

1972 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Brook Trout ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Salvelinus Namaycush ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Salmo Gairdneri ◽  
White Sucker ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Brook Stickleback

Recoveries of hatchery-reared brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), splake (Salvelinus namaycush × S. fontinalis), and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri), planted in lakes having different resident fishes, were highest (9–30%) in a lake in which minnows and the brook stickleback were the only other fishes. Recoveries, by angling and gillnetting, were considerably lower (2–15%) in two lakes containing the white sucker and minnows, and still lower (0.5–5%,) in two lakes containing spiny-rayed species as well. Recoveries were lowest (< 0.5%) in a lake having a complex fish community that included native brook and lake trout. Planted splake and rainbow trout generally yielded higher returns, in weight, than brook trout in comparable situations.The low survival of planted fish was apparently due to the low fertility of the waters and to competition with, or predation by, resident fish species. Predation by fish-eating birds and mammals may also have had an effect.The weight of the catch of salmonids exceeded the weight planted in only one lake. Here, the mean yield of planted salmonids was 8.4 kg/ha per year in comparison with 2.6 to < 0.5 kg/ha per year in the five other study lakes.

A Review of the Evidence for Endocrine Disruption in Canadian Aquatic Ecosystems

2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. McMaster
Keyword(s):  
Endocrine Disruption ◽  
Stress Responses ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Fish Populations ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Public Attention

Abstract Endocrine disrupting substances in the environment and the potential affects they have on wildlife species has recently received increased public attention. This paper provides background information on research that has addressed the endocrine disruption issue in the Canadian aquatic environment as well as information on studies that are presently being conducted within the country to address this issue. Two of the three studies from across the world often cited as presenting sufficient evidence for connecting contaminants and endocrine disruption in fish populations are Canadian — Lake Ontario lake trout and TCDD and related compounds, and white sucker exposed to bleached kraft pulp mill effluent. Several other Canadian examples exist, including altered stress responses in yellow perch exposed to heavy metals, altered smoltification in Atlantic salmon exposed to 4-nonylphenol and imposex in dogwelks exposed to tributyltin. While other Canadian studies suggest alterations in reproductive function in fish, direct links to contaminants have not been made. Other studies have identified endocrine active compounds in the receiving environments but have yet to link these to alterations in endocrine function in resident fish populations. The strength of Canada's research programs lies in the breadth and depth of their field related research. It is this world-recognized expertise and strength that Canada can contribute to the international effort to address the endocrine disruptor issue.

Evaluation of the Effects of Fish Community Structure on Observed Yields of Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

1987 ◽  
Vol 44 (S2) ◽  
pp. s239-s248 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. I. Goddard ◽  
D. H. Loftus ◽  
J. A. MacLean ◽  
C. H. Olver ◽  
B. J. Shuter
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Salvelinus Namaycush ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Fish Community Structure ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Intrinsic Factors

Creel and lake survey data from 87 Ontario lakes with self-sustaining lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) populations were analysed to determine the effect of intrinsic factors, such as fish community structure, and extrinsic factors, such as angling-effort, on the observed yields of lake trout. Multiple regression analyses showed that angling-effort and lake area, in order of importance, explained almost 82% of the variation in annual catches. Analyses of covariance were used to test a variety of hypotheses about how community structure — the presence of forage, competitors, or alternate sports species — affected the catch of lake trout. No significant differences among groups were detected, which suggests that fish community structure has little or no effect on actual yield of lake trout. The difficulties inherent in using catch and effort data alone to evaluate the importance of factors affecting productivity (or potential yield) are discussed.

Predicting mercury levels in yellow perch: use of water chemistry, trophic ecology, and spatial traits

2001 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1419-1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben K Greenfield ◽  
Thomas R Hrabik ◽  
Chris J Harvey ◽  
Stephen R Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Lake Chemistry ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Fish Trophic Position

Recent research suggests that wetland abundance surrounding lakes, fish trophic position, and fish community composition may influence the bioavailability of mercury (Hg) to fish. To compare the importance of these spatial and biological factors to chemical factors known to influence bioavailability, we determined the relationship between 24 lake traits and Hg concentrations in yellow perch (Perca flavescens; whole fish samples) for 43 northern Wisconsin lakes. Independent variables included biological traits such as fish trophic position and body condition, spatial traits such as lake hydrologic position and surrounding wetland abundance, and chemical traits such as pH and water color. The strongest predictor of fish Hg levels was pH (R2 = 0.42; p < 0.002). Of the biological traits measured, yellow perch body condition explained significant additional variation (final R2 = 0.54; p = 0.024). Trophic position explained limited variability and population abundance of planktivores and piscivores were not correlated to perch Hg levels. Regression tree models indicated that small lakes with greater than 6% wetland in their watershed have moderately elevated fish Hg levels. Our results indicate that within-lake chemistry and fish growth patterns are stronger correlates of Hg levels in yellow perch than spatial traits, trophic position, or fish community attributes.

Long-term changes of the Lake Michigan fish community following the reduction of exotic alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

2006 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 2434-2446 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B Bunnell ◽  
Charles P Madenjian ◽  
Randall M Claramunt
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Lake Michigan ◽  
Lake Trout ◽  
Native Fish ◽  
Trawl Survey ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Exotic Fish

We used our long-term annual bottom trawl survey (1973–2004) in Lake Michigan to reveal the response of the native fish community to the biological control of a dominant exotic fish, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), as well as to changes in total phosphorus and salmonine biomass. Through nonmetric multidimensional scaling, we documented a 1970s community largely dominated by alewife, and then a shift to a community dominated by several native species during the 1980s through 1990s, when alewife remained at relatively low levels. We argue that the recovery of burbot (Lota lota), deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsonii), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) was partially or fully aided by the alewife reduction. We argue that changes in phosphorus or salmonines were not directly related to abundance increases of native species. An additional community shift occurred during 1999–2004, which coincided with a reduction in species richness and total fish biomass in our trawl. The mechanisms underlying this latest shift may be related to reductions in nutrients, but further research is required. The restoration of the native fish community has been incomplete, however, as emerald shiner (Notropis atherinioides), cisco (Coregonus artedii), and lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) have yet to demonstrate recovery.

Organochlorine Residues in Brook Trout and Yellow Perch From New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (Canada) Lakes

1987 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 352-364
Author(s):  
R. Peterson ◽  
S. Ray
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
New Brunswick ◽  
Brook Trout ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Intensive Agriculture ◽  
Fish Tissues ◽  
North Central ◽  
Ddt Metabolites ◽  
Headwater Lakes

Abstract Brook trout and yellow perch collected while surveying New Brunswick and Nova Scotia headwater lakes were analyzed for DDT metabolites, chlordane, hexacyclohexane isomers, hexachlorobenzene, toxaphene and PCB’s. Concentrations of DDT metabolites were much higher from fish taken from lakes in north-central N.B. (200-700 ng/g wet wt) than from fish taken elsewhere (&lt;10 ng/g). Seventy to 90% of the DDT metabolites was DDE. Chlordane (3-13 ng/g) was analyzed in seven trout, six of them from central N.B. areas with intensive agriculture. Isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane were in highest concentration from north-central N.B. (10-20 ng/g), eastern N.S. (5-15 ng/g) and southern N.B. (5-20 ng/g). In most cases, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane) was the isomer in highest concentration. Concentrations of hexachlorobenzene in fish tissues was highly variable with no obvious geographic bias. PCB’s were detected in very few fish, and no toxaphene was detected.

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