Genetic assessment of historical and contemporary Muskellunge in Lake Simcoe

Session: 56. - Science for a Healthy Lake Simcoe

Kristyne Wozney, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, [email protected]
Chris Wilson, ON Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, [email protected]

Abstract

Genetic assessment of Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in Lake Simcoe, Ontario is being used to inform ongoing management and rehabilitation efforts.  Muskellunge were historically abundant in Lake Simcoe, but were virtually extirpated by the mid-20^th century due to a number of factors including over-harvest and habitat loss.  Several decades of supplemental stocking failed to prevent their loss from Lake Simcoe.  As part of the recent effort to re-establish Muskellunge in the watershed, we assessed the genetic ancestry of the historical Lake Simcoe population using archived scale samples (1960s to 1990s) to resolve its relationship with historical and recent stocking sources.  Genetic analysis was also used to determine the origin of muskellunge captured in recent years in Lake Simcoe.  Our data showed no evidence that the original Lake Simcoe population was closely related to contemporary Great Lakes populations as had been previously suggested.  Instead, the majority of historical Muskellunge samples shared a common ancestry with the extant population in Lake Couchiching, and were closely related to populations in the Kawartha Lakes than to Great Lakes populations.  Recent captures in Lake Simcoe of immigrant Muskellunge adults from the Kawartha Lakes and one stocked juvenile suggest that conditions are suitable again for supporting Muskellunge.

1. Keyword
genetics

2. Keyword
Lake Simcoe

3. Keyword
fish

4. Additional Keyword
Muskellunge