Using environmental DNA to assess muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) stocking efforts in Lake Simcoe

Session: Poster session

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

Abstract

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) disappeared from Lake Simcoe in the 1930s due to compounded stressors including over-harvest and habitat loss.  In 2005, a collaborative effort was initiated to reintroduce muskellunge to Lake Simcoe and re-establish a self-sustaining population.  As part of the reintroduction, fingerlings from neighbouring populations in Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) are stocked into the Talbot River each fall.  Following stocking, the behavior and preferred habitat of the fingerlings is unknown.  We designed and validated species-specific markers to test for the presence of muskellunge DNA in environmental samples.  These markers were then used to assess the presence or absence of muskellunge DNA in the Talbot River both prior to, and a few weeks following stocking of muskellunge fingerlings.  DNA from muskellunge was not detected in any of the pre-stocking samples, indicating that muskellunge do not reside in the river during the fall months.  Water samples taken two weeks after stocking showed muskellunge DNA at three of four stocking sites, confirming the presence or recent habitat use by muskellunge.  Understanding the behavior, movements, and habitat occupancy of the stocked fish at each life stage will help to provide valuable information about habitat utilization and requirements for muskellunge in Lake Simcoe. 

1. Keyword
fish

2. Keyword
genetics

3. Keyword
Lake Simcoe

4. Additional Keyword
Muskellunge

5. Additional Keyword
environmental DNA