Occupancy of young-of-year Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) in Barrenland streams

Abstract Arctic grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ) is an iconic fish species that is present across the remote subarctic Barrenlands, yet our lack of understanding of their distributional patterns constrains predictions of anthropogenic effects on Barrenland populations. These adfluvial fish rely on se...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrobiologia
Main Authors: Ellenor, Jared R., Cott, Peter A., Swanson, Heidi K.
Other Authors: Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Polar Knowledge Canada Northern Scientific Training Program
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2021
Subjects:
Aquatic Science
Arctic
Canada
Nunavut
Arctic grayling
Baker Lake
Subarctic
Thymallus arcticus
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-021-04742-3
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10750-021-04742-3.pdf
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-021-04742-3/fulltext.html
Description
Summary:Abstract Arctic grayling ( Thymallus arcticus ) is an iconic fish species that is present across the remote subarctic Barrenlands, yet our lack of understanding of their distributional patterns constrains predictions of anthropogenic effects on Barrenland populations. These adfluvial fish rely on seasonal lake-stream connections to migrate, spawn, and rear. We address knowledge gaps on what Barrenland stream attributes are suitable for rearing young-of-year Arctic grayling. Visual surveys of young-of-year Arctic grayling were conducted in 48 streams near Baker Lake, Nunavut, Canada. Occupancy modeling was used to relate stream habitat and landscape variables to fish presence/absence. The best predictors of occupancy were total area of contributing upstream lakes and landcover (upland/lowland); stream basins with larger contributing upstream lake area and more lowland cover were more likely to be occupied. Results suggest that occupancy reflects reliability of stream connectivity throughout the open water season and across years. The occupancy model developed here can adequately predict stream suitability for young-of-year Arctic grayling using lake area and land classification data that are remotely accessed. This may lessen the considerable financial and logistical constraints of conducting field research on Arctic grayling in the vast Barrenlands and facilitate more directed field programs to inform conservation and mitigation plans.

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