Differences in quality between hatchery-reared and wild-origin bloater (Coregonus hoyi) eggs

Session: 08a. - Restoration of Native Fishes

Chantal Audet, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Celine Lajoie, University of Windsor GLIER, [email protected]
Kevin Loftus, ON Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, [email protected]
Tim Drew, Fish Culture Section, Fish and Wildlife Services Branch, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]

Abstract

Deepwater cisco species, such as the bloater (Coregonus hoyi), were once abundant in Lake Ontario and served as an important prey source for Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush). In the 1950s, bloaters had been presumably extirpated from Lake Ontario and as such, recent efforts have been made to re-establish a self-sustaining population using hatchery-reared bloaters. It is possible that individuals reared in captivity and released in the wild may hinder restoration efforts as they may be maladapted for the wild and have lower reproductive success than wild individuals. Egg quality, defined as the traits of an egg that allow for the successful development and survival of the embryo, can greatly affect the reproductive success of an individual. In this study, we aim to compare egg quality traits between hatchery reared bloaters and wild-sourced bloaters, specifically gonadosomatic index, egg size and lipid content. Comparisons between wild and hatchery origin fish may lead to a better understanding of how released individuals may perform reproductively in the wild. Overall, this research will not only help contribute to the restoration of bloaters in Lake Ontario, but may also provide insight into the potential reproductive success of hatchery-reared individuals.

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
Lake Ontario

4. Additional Keyword
Restoration

5. Additional Keyword
Reproduction