Cyprinid distributions in Northeast U.S.A. lakes: evidence of regional-scale minnow biodiversity losses

Abstract

Fish assemblages were sampled in 195 randomly selected lakes in the northeastern United States during the summers of 1991-1994. Most lakes in northern Maine had three to seven minnow species, constituting 40-80% of species in each lake. Lakes in New Jersey, southern New York, and southern New England rarely had minnows, other than golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas). Lakes in the Adirondacks and the remainder of northern New England had intermediate numbers. We examined minnow native ranges and autecology and evaluated species richness related to littoral predators and human disturbance. Sample data suggested alteration in the minnow assemblages over much of the region. The most consistent factor related to minnow species richness was the presence of littoral predators. Median number of minnow species was two in lakes lacking predators and zero in lakes with predators. Non-native predators, especially Micropterus spp., have been introduced throughout the Northeast; 69% of the sampled lakes had non-native predators. In the absence of predators, minnow species declined with increased human activity in the watershed and along lake shorelines. Only in northern Maine did lake minnow assemblages seem relatively intact.

A Preliminary Fishery Quality Index for Portuguese Streams

“…Lyons et al (1996) noted that an IBI score does not indicate fishery quality because stocked fish in Wisconsin streams may yield high quality fisheries, despite having low or intermediate IBI scores. Whittier et al (1997) reported that piscivores, especially nonnative piscivores introduced to improve fishing, were associated with lower minnow species richness (lower IBI scores) in northeastern U.S. lakes. Many other authors have also raised concerns about the association of nonnative game fish-deliberately introduced to improve fisheries-with declines or extirpation of native fishes (e.g., Miller et al 1989;Rahel 2002;Sanderson et al 2009).…”

“…Availability of both FQIs and IBIs also will aid managers to quantify and compare fishery quality with overall fish assemblage condition. Although both endpoints are of public concern, occasionally they appear contradictory (Whittier et al 1997;USEPA 2000;Godinho 2002). Fifth, FQIs are useful for rating fishery quality for nonspecialized (family, children) fishing as opposed to specialized anglers seeking a specific species.…”

Sustaining Aquatic Ecosystems in Boreal Regions

“…Whittier et al (1997) document extreme losses of cyprinid species from lakes of the northeastern United States following introduction of non-native predators, acid precipitation and land-use changes. In central Canada, the catching and dispersal of minnows by commercial bait fishermen has also caused many unrecorded changes to the diversity of boreal waters.…”

Apparent extirpation of prey fish communities following the introduction of Northern Pike (<em>Esox lucius</em>)

“…the more frequent co-occurrence of Yellow Perch compared with minnows may be partly due to morphological differences, i.e., the spiny rays of Yellow Perch may afford it greater protection from predators (Willman 2007) than the soft rays of minnows. habitat use may also play a role, as cyprinids appear especially sensitive to exclusion in the presence of predominantly littoral predators, such as Northern Pike or smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) (Robinson and tonn 1989;Whittier et al 1997).…”