The Effects of Salmon Carcasses on Resident Trout Behavior

The Effects of Salmon Carcasses on Resident Trout Behavior

"Pacific Salmon (Onchorhynchus spp.) were introduced into the great lakes region beginning in 1967. Many of Michigan’s trout streams now experience a semelparous salmon run each fall resulting in massive carcass inputs to the stream. Much of the research on these salmon occurs on the west coast where these fish are native and is lacking in the great lakes region where they are non-native. This study explores the effects that salmon carcasses may have on resident trout behavior. Behavior was observed in 5 pools in treatment and control reaches of Hunt Creek MI, Salmon carcasses and eggs were planted in the treatment and observation was repeated. Trout were found to be less aggressive after the carcass additions. The number of feeding attempts per trout did not vary and many trout were observed eating eggs. Overall trout behavior was affected by the additions of carcasses and eggs."

Cass, Ryan

Biology

Lake Superior State University

2015

Dr. Ashey Moerke

Copyright Ryan Cass: All rights reserved. LSSU use only.

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English

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S20220517001