2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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5/21/2018 | 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM | USE OF LOW-ORDER TRIBUTARIES BY LAKE SUPERIOR FISHES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT | 430 B

USE OF LOW-ORDER TRIBUTARIES BY LAKE SUPERIOR FISHES: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

More than 200 small streams flow into Lake Superior that may provide seasonal habitat for lake fishes. Some Great Lakes fishes undertake reproductive migrations, but the patterns of these migrations into small tributaries are poorly documented. To characterize use of low-order tributaries by Lake Superior fishes, we captured in- and out-migrating fishes over 1.5 years during the ice-free season in three eastern tributaries. We collected >40 species and >14,000 individuals, of which 12 species and ~20% of all individuals were spawning migrants. We only collected two species of spawning migrants in common across all sites (introduced Steelhead and Coho Salmon), despite close geographic proximity and size. Migrations occurred predominantly in spring, and durations were condensed for species such as Rainbow Smelt and Longnose Suckers (<1 week) and protracted for Steelhead (>1 month). We also captured sub-adults of some species (e.g., White Suckers) moving downstream, but never collected spawners, which suggests temporal variability in tributary use by lake migratory fishes. Our detailed records of tributary use by migratory fishes offers additional context for conservation efforts regarding ecosystem subsidies, connectivity, and habitat protection.

Connectivity
Great Lakes
Movement

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Presenters/Authors

Ashley Moerke (), Center for Freshwater Research and Education, Lake Superior State University, amoerke@lssu.edu;