Salmonid movements and interactions in Lake Ontario using acoustic telemetry

Session: 11. - Acoustic Telemetry Applications in the Great Lakes

Sarah Larocque, University of Windsor, GLIER, [email protected]
Timothy Johnson, Ontario MNRF, Glenora Fisheries Station, [email protected]
Dimitry Gorsky, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, [email protected]
Jon Midwood, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, [email protected]
Aaron Fisk, University of Windsor, [email protected]

Abstract

In Lake Ontario, five salmonid species are part of an economically important recreational fishery, with two native species undergoing bi-national restoration efforts. Understanding species distributions, movements, and habitat use can help management in maintaining a sustainable fishery as well as improve native species restoration. Thus, it is important to quantify the salmonid movements in relation to each other in Lake Ontario. Acoustic telemetry enables us to better understand the spatial habitat use of fish, particularly in large lakes where it is difficult to monitor. This endeavor is made possible through a large collaborative effort with academics and government on both sides of the border, unified by the Great Lakes Acoustic Telemetry Observation System (GLATOS). To date, 40 individuals across five salmonid species have been tagged in western Lake Ontario. With the ever-expanding receiver array in the western and eastern basins, we are beginning to see lake-wide individual movements of some species, including Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Overall, telemetry data is informative on various levels including describing overwinter movements which represents a significant gap in our understanding of Great Lakes salmonid ecology.

1. Keyword
salmon

2. Keyword
spatial distribution

3. Keyword
fish management

4. Additional Keyword
Lake Ontario

5. Additional Keyword
telemetry