The importance of the larval stage to cisco recruitment variation in the Great Lakes
Historically, cisco (Coregonus artedi) were the most prolific prey fish in the Great Lakes basin, serving as a vital energy link between native predators and plankton resources, as well as supporting the largest freshwater commercial fishery in North America. The collapse of cisco populations in the Great Lakes has been attributed to overfishing, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Cisco populations have recovered in Lake Superior and are increasing in abundance in Lake Huron, but remain severely restricted in the other Great Lakes. Despite nearly a century of research on cisco, our understanding of this species is still in its infancy. The body of research that constitutes this dissertation clearly shows that the larval stage is critically important for the survival of a given cisco year-class. Furthermore, this research demonstrates that the conditions cisco larvae are exposed to following hatching are typically not conducive to fast growth or increased survival. As a consequence, failure of year-classes across a broad geographic range is likely the norm while strong year-classes can only be expected to occur intermittently. My hope is that this information will help state, tribal, and federal authorities develop rehabilitation plans that acknowledge both the benefits and challenges associated with restoration of cisco throughout the Great Lakes basin.
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- In Collections
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Electronic Theses & Dissertations
- Copyright Status
- In Copyright
- Material Type
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Theses
- Authors
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Myers, Jared Thomas
- Thesis Advisors
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Jones, Michael
- Committee Members
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Wagner, Michael
Tsao, Jean
Roth, Brian
Stockwell, Jason
- Date
- 2015
- Subjects
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Fish populations
Lake herring
Larvae
Great Lakes
- Program of Study
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Fisheries and Wildlife - Doctor of Philosophy
- Degree Level
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Doctoral
- Language
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English
- Pages
- 138 pages
- ISBN
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9781321599046
1321599048