Abiotic Habitat Preferences of Age-0 Paddlefish In Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota During Late Summer

Authors

Derek DuFault

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Since the early 1990’s, surface visual counts along transects have been conducted annually, allowing for estimates of relative abundance and year-class strength of age-0 paddlefish Polyodon spathula on the upper portions of Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota. This study focuses on the annual visual surface count data collected over an eleven year period from 2004-2014. More specifically it focuses on abiotic habitat factors (Secchi depth, water depth, and water temperature) and how they relate to age-0 paddlefish locations in late summer. Understanding habitat use during early life stages is imperative, yet to date, there is very limited knowledge available regarding the habitat preferences of young paddlefish. During this study fish were found to prefer Secchi depths between 10 and 60 cm, with the most productive range being at 30-40 cm. Water depths between 1 and 5 m produced the most age-0 sightings, while depths between 2-3 m had the highest frequencies of sightings. Certain temperature ranges, most notably 17-20 ^o C and 22-25 ^o C, were shown to be preferred by age-0 paddlefish also. Overall, the data from this study strongly suggests that significant relationships exist between age-0 paddlefish sightings and specific ranges of Secchi depths, water depths, and water temperatures. Future studies should focus on trying to correlate biotic factors, such as feeding activity and food availability, with the abiotic factors discussed in this study to achieve a broader understanding of young paddlefish habitat preferences during this vulnerable stage of life.

Publication Date

2015

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

DuFault, Derek, "Abiotic Habitat Preferences of Age-0 Paddlefish In Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota During Late Summer" (2015). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 42.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/42