Lake Huron predator diet study update

Session: 29. - Preliminary Results from the 2017 CSMI Intensive Field Year on Lake Huron

Katie Kierczynski, Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, [email protected]
Brian Roth, Michigan State University, [email protected]
Edward Roseman, USGS-Great Lakes Science Center, [email protected]
Robin DeBruyne, Univ. of Toledo / USGS Great Lakes Sci. Ctr, [email protected]

Abstract

The fish community of Lake Huron has undergone dramatic changes in the past few decades. These changes have raised questions regarding the sustainability of current predator populations instigated by uncertainty surrounding connections among current food web members. Predator diets can be used as evidence that could shed light on the sustainability of the food web.  The last predator diet study in Lake Huron was conducted between 2009 and 2011. That study demonstrated increased reliance on round goby for lake trout and walleye, but Chinook salmon continued to be dependent on alewife despite their exceptionally low abundance. The goal of the present study is to investigate how predator-prey relationships have changed since the 2009-2011 study. We hypothesize that a) consumption of round goby will have increased for native predators, b) consumption of bloaters will have increased for all predator species, and c) Chinook salmon will continue to be dependent on alewife. This data will give managers a more thorough understanding of predator-prey interactions in Lake Huron, and will be used to update models used by managers to evaluate the sustainability of current predator levels and stocking strategies.

1. Keyword
fish diets

2. Keyword
Lake Huron

3. Keyword
predation