Abstract
We used an individual-based model of sympatric rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis to evaluate management strategies for enhancing brook trout densities in southern Appalachian streams. Management strategies examined with 100-year simulations were (1) electrofishing removal of rainbow trout, (2) stocking of brook trout, (3) habitat alteration (changing mean size of pools in the stream), and (4) angler harvest of rainbow trout. Results indicated that realistic levels of electrofishing removal of rainbow trout and stocking of brook trout juveniles could lead to brook trout densities equivalent to those of allopatric populations, but that habitat alteration and angler harvest of rainbow trout would not significantly increase brook trout densities. Electrofishing and stocking results were robust because similar predictions were obtained under conditions that otherwise favored rainbow trout (invasion of rainbow trout adults, frequent year-class failures, reductions in spawning habitat). Ten to 20 years were required for allopatric-equivalent brook trout densities to be achieved. Management strategies that reduce interspecific competition in the age-0 life stages offer the most promise for restoring brook trout stocks in southern Appalachian streams. 1997Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 54-76 |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| Journal | North American Journal of Fisheries Management |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 1997 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Jim Breck, Cliff Kraft, Don Orth, Webb Van Winkle, and an anonymous reviewer provided helpful comments on an earlier version of this pa- per. M. E. Clark was supported by a fellowship from the EPRI Fellowship Program in Population Biology through the American Sportfishing Association EPRI Fellowship Program. This research was also partially sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) under contract RP2932-2 (DOE ERD-87-672) with the U.S.Department of Energy, under contract DE-AC05-96OR22464 with Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp. This is publication 4580 of the Environmental Sciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.