Population Dynamics of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens), Sauger (Stizostedion canadense), and Walleye (S. vitreum vitreum) in Four Main Stem Missouri River Reservoirs

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1748-1763 ◽  
Author(s):  
William R. Nelson ◽  
Charles H. Walburg
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Missouri River ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Spawning Habitat ◽  
Stream Flows ◽  
Stizostedion Canadense

Percid populations have generally increased in abundance relative to other groups of fishes in the 15–25 yr four large reservoirs have been operational on the Missouri River in South Dakota. Saugers (Stizostedion canadense) were initially the most abundant percid, but their numbers gradually declined, probably because of the reduction in river spawning habitat and the increase in water clarity. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) increased to high population levels as the reservoirs filled but later decreased in abundance. Walleye (S. vitreum vitreum) populations were the slowest to develop in the reservoirs, probably because of initial lack of suitable spawning habitat; they later became well established.The yellow perch was one of the most important forage species in the reservoirs, and walleyes and saugers the primary predator and sport fishes. Sportfishing quality 15–25 yr after impoundment was good, but harvest remained low because of the large size of the reservoirs, inadequacy of facilities for anglers, and the relatively sparse human population. Reproductive success was the primary factor regulating the abundance of percids. Year-class strength was primarily determined by climatic rather than biological factors. Above-average precipitation presumably enhanced reproductive success, both directly by increasing the quantity and quality of spawning substrate through higher stream flows and water levels, and indirectly by providing a larger forage supply, thereby apparently reducing predation on young percids, as well as cannibalism. Kew words: Percidae, reservoirs, Missouri River, Stizostedion, Perca, population dynamics, ecology, precipitation, water level

Short-term growth (RNA/DNA ratio) of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in relation to environmental influences and spatio-temporal variation in a shallow fluvial lake

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
pp. 1646-1655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hélène Glémet ◽  
Marco A Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Temporal Variation ◽  
Water Level ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Flood Pulse Concept ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Shallow fluvial lakes are heterogeneous ecosystems in which marked spatio-temporal variation renders difficult the analysis of key ecological processes, such as growth. In this study, we used generalized additive modelling of the RNA/DNA ratio, an index of short-term growth, to investigate the influence of environmental variables and spatio-temporal variation on growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake St. Pierre, Quebec, Canada. Temperature and water level had seemingly stronger effects on short-term growth than seasonal change or spatial variation between and along the lakeshores. Consistent with previous studies, the maximum RNA/DNA ratio was found at 20.5 °C, suggesting that our approach provides a useful tool for estimating thermal optima for growth in the field. The RNA/DNA ratio showed a positive relationship with water level, as predicted by the flood pulse concept, a finding with implications for ecosystem productivity in fluvial lakes. The RNA/DNA ratio was more variable along the north than the south shore, possibly reflecting exposure to more differentiated water masses. The negative influence of both high temperatures and low water levels on growth points to potential impacts of climatic change on fish production in shallow fluvial lakes.

Suitability of Vertical Slot and Denil Fishways for Passing North-Temperate, Nonsalmonid Fish

1985 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 1815-1822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Schwalme ◽  
William C. Mackay ◽  
Dieter Lindner
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Coregonus Clupeaformis ◽  
White Sucker ◽  
Catostomus Commersoni ◽  
Vertical Slot ◽  
Vertical Slot Fishway ◽  
Longnose Sucker

A vertical slot fishway and two Denil fishways (of 10 and 20% slope) built into a weir on the Lesser Slave River (55°18′N, 115°45′W) were studied from May 12 to June 25, 1984, to determine how effectively these designs pass north-temperate, nonsalmonid fishes. Thousands of spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), substantial numbers (> 100) of northern pike (Esox lucius), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), immature yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and lesser numbers of burbot (Lota lota), adult yellow perch, lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), and trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) ascended the fishways. Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) and goldeye (Hiodon alosoides), although probably moving extensively through the river, did not use the fishways. Although high water levels allowed most fish to surmount the weir, of those that chose the fishway, pike strongly preferred to ascend the Denil fishways and the two sucker species preferred to ascend the vertical slot. Therefore, a combination of several different fishways may be required for the most efficient passage of a wide variety of species. Plasma glucose and lactate measurements on pike revealed that ascending the Denil fishways was only moderately stressful for these fish.

Response of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Oneida Lake, New York, to the establishment of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha)

2000 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 742-754 ◽  
Author(s):  
C M Mayer ◽  
A J VanDeValk ◽  
J L Forney ◽  
L G Rudstam ◽  
E L Mills
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Zebra Mussel ◽  
Dreissena Polymorpha ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Water Clarity ◽  
Zebra Mussels ◽  
Oneida Lake ◽  
Zooplankton Size ◽  
Adult Growth

We used long-term data on Oneida Lake, New York, to evaluate hypotheses about the effects of introduced zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) on yellow perch (Perca flavescens). We detected no change in survival, diet, or numbers of young-of-the-year (YOY) yellow perch. YOY growth increased in association with zebra mussel introduction and was marginally correlated with zooplankton size, which increased after zebra mussel introduction. Low numbers of YOY in recent years did not explain their increased growth rate. The percentage of age 3 and older yellow perch that consumed zooplankton and benthos increased after zebra mussel introduction. Water clarity, which has increased since zebra mussel introduction, was inversely related to the percentage of the adult population with empty stomachs and positively related to the percentage that consumed benthos. The percentage of adult yellow perch that consumed zooplankton was positively related to zooplankton size. Despite the increase in percentage of adults consuming both types of invertebrate prey, we detected no changes in adult growth associated with zebra mussel introduction. This suggests that the principal effects of zebra mussels on yellow perch in Oneida Lake were not via benthic pathways but through modifications of water clarity and zooplankton. Thus far, these effects have not been negative for the yellow perch population.

Changes in Percid Populations and Species Interactions in Lake Erie

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1861-1868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Nepszy
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Erie ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Stizostedion Canadense ◽  
The Status ◽  
Term Maintenance ◽  
Blue Pike

Changes in the percid community of Lake Erie from 1915 to 1975 are delineated mainly from recently published material. Sauger (Stizostedion canadense), blue pike (S. vitreum glaucum), walleye (S. vitreum vitreum), and yellow perch (Perca ftavescens) are the percids which have been affected by exploitation, eutrophication and the presence and proliferation of colonizing fish species. Changes in habitat, fishing techniques and gear have also affected percid and nonpercid interactions.Yellow perch, presently the most abundant percid, have experienced irregularity in recruitment, lack of strong year-classes, and increased exploitation. The concern over the status of yellow perch and walleye has led to some important management initiatives. Improved regulation of exploitation and present efforts by United States and Canadian government agencies to improve Great Lakes water quality, are expected to improve the success for long-term maintenance of percids in Lake Erie. Key words: Percidae, populations, Lake Erie, habitat change, exploitation, management, Stizostedion vitreum vitreum, S. canadense, S. vitreum glaucum, Perca flavescens

SOLAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION AND THE SPAWNING HABITAT OF YELLOW PERCH,PERCA FLAVESCENS

1997 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1017-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig E. Williamson ◽  
Susanne L. Metzgar ◽  
Patricia A. Lovera ◽  
Robert E. Moeller
Keyword(s):  
Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Spawning Habitat ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet

Changes in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) Populations of Lake Michigan, 1954–75

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1821-1829 ◽  
Author(s):  
LaRue Wells
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Lake Michigan ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Commercial Production ◽  
Alosa Pseudoharengus ◽  
Exploitation Competition ◽  
Sport Fishery ◽  
High Production

In the early and mid-1960s the abundance of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake Michigan declined abruptly. The decline began in the northern part of the lake and spread progressively southward. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the nonnative alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), by interfering with perch reproduction, was the primary cause of the decline. The alewife was first reported in northeastern Lake Michigan in 1949, and had become extremely abundant throughout the lake before an enormous die-off in 1967 reduced its numbers by an estimated 70%. An intensive fishery hastened the decline of perch. In most areas the decline was immediately preceded by a period of conspicuously high commercial production. This high production appears to have been related in part to increased growth rates of perch resulting from much lower density of younger fish. A sport fishery for perch in shallow water collapsed a few years before the species declined in abundance. The most logical explanation is that heavy concentrations of alewives physically displaced the perch from nearshore areas. Although perch populations increased in some areas in the 1970s, a full recovery is unlikely unless alewife numbers are further reduced. Key words: Percidae, Lake Michigan, Perca, population dynamics, exploitation, competition

Population Dynamics of Walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake St. Clair, Especially During 1970–76

1977 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1869-1877 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Johnston
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Yellow Perch ◽  
Drainage Basin ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
Perca Flavescens ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Commercial Fishing ◽  
Stizostedion Vitreum ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The 1960S

The fish community in Lake St. Clair has remained fairly stable over the past century despite extensive shoreline modifications, a tenfold increase in population in the drainage area, and exploitation from commercial and recreational fisheries. The lake is productive because of its shallowness and fertile drainage basin. The flushing action of clean water from Lake Huron has restrained deterioration of habitat from euthrophication in most areas.Annual commercial fishery landings of walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) in the 1960s were five times greater than in the previous 50 yr. The larger catches were due, in part, to increased effort, but also reflect a real increase in the walleye population. In contrast, the sauger (S. canadense) declined in abundance through the 1950s and disappeared from commercial landings in the early 1960s. As commercial fishing in Ontario waters of Lake St. Clair was banned in 1970 due to the discovery of high concentrations of mercury in fishes, information on the percid populations was restricted to that obtained from index fishing. Between 1970 and 1976, in association with weak year-classes, the mean age of walleye increased from 2.9 to 5.8 yr. Direct correlations between year-class strength and environmental factors were not evident from the available data. Fishing pressure was reduced considerably after 1970 and is not considered to be an important factor in the low recruitment. The yellow perch (Perca flavescens) population showed no evidence of a change in age distribution during the 1970–76 period. The reasons for the reduction in walleye recruitment after 1970 are not clear, but it is possible that the succession of strong year-classes in the 1960s was exceptional and that the recruitment in the 1970s is closer to the normal condition for walleyes in Lake St. Clair. Key words: Percidae, Lake St. Clair percids, Stizostedion, Perca, population dynamics, exploitation, community ecology

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