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PLEASE NOTE: The schedule posted here is as of 1/25/16, and is subject to change. Please check back for updates.
AUTHORS:Jill Leonard, Northern Michigan University; Robert Cross, Northern Michigan University
ABSTRACT: Life-history variation in salmonid fishes related to movement behavior represents intraspecific biodiversity important for species resiliency and ecosystem functioning. We used RFID/PIT telemetry in two Lake Superior tributaries to assess movement behaviors expressed in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis. Using a dataset of 650 fish tagged over four years, we detected 9-44% emigration from the streams, which likely represented the migratory (coaster) life history. Coasting behavior was not related to fish size or condition, but was predicted by a tagging location nearer to the mouth of the stream. Of the 506 fish (78%) that remained within the stream following tagging, the majority (55-60%) remained stationed close to their tagging site; however, the remainder exhibited other types of movement behavior ranging from unidirectional up- or downstream movements (20-40%) to nomadic roving (8-10%) within the study section. Mobile fish occurred throughout the streams, with a trend toward greater numbers of nomads tagged near the mouth; there was no relationship between size/condition and likelihood of mobile behavior. The proportions of fluvial movement behaviors were similar between streams and suggest more variability in movement behavior than is suggested by the migrant/resident dichotomy typically attributed to salmonids.
Wednesday January 27, 2016 1:20pm - 1:40pm EST
Grandview A
