Traditional ecological knowledge reveals the extent of sympatric lake trout diversity and habitat preferences

Abstract

. 2017. Traditional ecological knowledge reveals the extent of sympatric lake trout diversity and habitat preferences. Ecology and Society 22 (2) ABSTRACT. Multidisciplinary approaches to conservation have become increasingly important in northern regions. Because many First Nations communities have relied on freshwater fish populations for essential food over millennia, community members often possess traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). We consulted Cree First Nation fishers to collate TEK for one of Canada's most important subsistence fishes (lake trout) in Québec's largest lake (Mistassini, 2335 km 2 ). We further integrated TEK with what was regionally known scientifically about the species, toward effective fisheries conservation. Cree fishers described a richer diversity of sympatric lake trout forms than did scientific research that was conducted simultaneously, based on color, size, fin accent patterns, scale texture and depth, and spatial preferences. Traditional ecological knowledge also provided descriptions of lake trout seasonal movements, spawning locations, and reproductive timing that were not captured by scientific research, and highlighted several concerns or temporal changes of import to future management initiatives. Our study highlights the wealth of TEK on harvested species in First Nations communities. It further illustrates how TEK can reveal not only distinctions within species of relevance to natural resource management and taxonomy, but also informs upon the extent of such population differentiation, thereby providing important conservation benefits for remote and northern regions.

Collaborating with recreational fishers to inform fisheries management: Estimating population abundance for an iconic freshwater crayfish

“…With many variables at play, the best management of recreational fisheries would rely on robust scientific data and fisher knowledge to guide fishery regulations and help ensure high compliance rates. Previous studies have shown that fisher input and local ecological knowledge can not only provide a reliable source of fishery information but can also provide new information that might not be captured by scientific research (Macdonald et al 2014;Marin et al 2017). Importantly, researchers have demonstrated that the comparison of this data collected through interviews and questionnaires, catch cards, catch rates, fishing effort data and fishery-independent surveys can have similar results (Zukowski et al 2011;Macdonald et al 2014).…”

“…; Marin et al . ). Importantly, researchers have demonstrated that the comparison of this data collected through interviews and questionnaires, catch cards, catch rates, fishing effort data and fishery‐independent surveys can have similar results (Zukowski et al .…”

Mapping of Adaptive Traits Enabled by a High-Density Linkage Map for Lake Trout

“…Lake trout express a large degree of sympatric phenotypic variation (Muir et al 2016) making them a useful species for exploring the genomic basis for phenotypic diversity. Multiple morphotypes exist across the species range (Muir et al 2016;Marin et al 2017), with diversification largely associated with the ability to exploit resources and habitats at varying depths in large post-glacial lakes (Zimmerman et al 2006;Stafford et al 2013;Muir et al 2014;Marin et al 2017). In the Great Lakes, trophic specialization has resulted in the evolution of three widely recognized morphotypesleans, siscowets, and humpersthat are differentiated by patterns of skin pigmentation, size-at-age, body shape, tissue lipid content, habitat use, and diet (Thurston 1962;Eschmeyer and Phillips 1965;Burnham-Curtis 1994;Harvey et al 2003;Alfonso 2004;Zimmerman et al 2007;Zimmerman et al 2009;Goetz et al 2013).…”

Size reductions and genomic changes associated with harvesting within two generations in wild walleye populations

“…Mistassini Lake in northern Quebec, Canada, is the province's largest natural lake (161 km long, 2 335 91 km 2 , 183 m maximum depth), is in Grand Council of the Crees land, Eeyou Istchee, and is considered to 92 be largely pristine (minimal mining, forestry, development; no known invasive species) (Fraser et al 93 2006;Marin et al 2017). The motivation behind this study was observations by Cree elders and fishers of 94 reduced body size and catch rates in walleye populations in three of Mistassini Lake's southern tributaries 95 that are close to the community, and a desire by the community to determine if management actions were 96 needed.…”