Temporal changes and sexual differences in spatial distribution of Burbot in Lake Erie
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
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Abstract
We used GIS mapping techniques to examine capture data for Burbot Lota lota from annual gill-net surveys in Canadian waters of Lake Erie during late August and September 1994–2011. Adult males were captured over a larger area (3–17% for ≥20% maximum yearly catch [MYC]) than adult females. More males than females were caught in the gill nets in 14 of the 15 study years. Collectively, these results support a hypothesis of greater activity by adult males during summer, when Burbot are actively feeding. The area of capture contracted by more than 60% (for ≥20% MYC) for both sexes during the time period, which is consistent with the documented decrease of the Burbot population in the lake. The sex ratio (females: males) varied over the time series but declined steadily from 0.97 in 2001 to 0.59 in 2011. The overlap in the capture areas of adult males and females was scale dependent. The depth distribution at which adult Burbot were caught did not change over the time series, and there was no difference in the median depths (about 30 m) at which adult male and female Burbot were caught. The last results are consistent with the Burbot's reliance on coldwater habitats. Additional research is recommended, including telemetry to describe daily and seasonal movements and assessment of gender bias in active and passive capture gear.
Suggested Citation
Stapanian, M.A., Witzel, L.D., and Cook, A., 2013, Temporal changes and sexual differences in spatial distribution of Burbot in Lake Erie: Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, v. 142, no. 6, p. 1724-1732, https://doi.org/10.1080/00028487.2013.795191.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Temporal changes and sexual differences in spatial distribution of Burbot in Lake Erie |
| Series title | Transactions of the American Fisheries Society |
| DOI | 10.1080/00028487.2013.795191 |
| Volume | 142 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Publication Date | November 07, 2013 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Contributing office(s) | Great Lakes Science Center |
| Description | 9 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Transactions of the American Fisheries Society |
| First page | 1724 |
| Last page | 1732 |
| Country | Canada;United States |
| Other Geospatial | Lake Erie |