Spatial and seasonal variation in diet, growth and condition of walleye (Sander vitreus), sauger (Sander canadensis) and dwarf walleye (Sander vitreus) in Lake Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Date
2013-04-04
Authors
Sheppard, Kathleen
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Abstract
Lake Winnipeg has the second largest walleye fishery in North America. The North and South Basins of the lake differ in many ways, e.g. water temperature, turbidity, and fish community. The study objectives were to determine if (a) growth, condition or diet of walleye, sauger or dwarf walleye differed between basins, (b) among seasons, and (c) whether the invasive rainbow smelt are associated with these differences. Walleye, sauger and dwarf walleye were caught using gill-nets and analysed for growth, condition and diet in all seasons. Walleye and sauger in the North Basin showed higher growth rates and condition than in the South Basin. Diet in the South Basin had more diverse species composition, whereas in the North Basin, the diet consisted almost entirely of rainbow smelt. Some seasonal variation was also documented and the impact of rainbow smelt seems to be positive for these piscivorous fish in Lake Winnipeg.
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Keywords
Walleye, Sauger, Diet, Growth, Condition, Fishery, Lake Winnipeg, Dwarf Walleye