Spatial and Temporal Factors Influencing Northern Pike Fry Density Estimates

Authors

Nate Stott

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The Tamarac River in northern Minnesota is an important spawning site for northern pike (Esox lucius) in the Red Lake system. However, little is known about fry production in the river. This study investigates migration densities and spatial and temporal factors influencing northern pike fry density estimates. Northern pike fry were collected with drift nets between 28 May and 4 June 2014. Thirty northern pike fry were randomly selected to have total length measured from each sample. Northern pike fry were observed in the first sample day. Northern pike fry density maxima occurred on 29 May at midnight (3.81 fish/m³), by 4 June fry migration had nearly subsided. Multiple regression modeling with Program R was implemented to investigate the relationship between fish density and abiotic factors. Akaike's Information Criterion was used to select the best supported model. There was enough evidence to suggest time of day (p < 0.001, F = 64.09), date (p < 0.001, F = 113.64) and location within the river (p < 0.001, F = 11.96) were significant factors affecting northern pike fry density within the Tamarac River. The average length of northern pike fry increased 1.12 mm (1.05-1.20 95% CI) per day throughout the study (p < 0.001, R² = 0.46, df = 939).

Publication Date

2015

Comments

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

Recommended Citation

Stott, Nate, "Spatial and Temporal Factors Influencing Northern Pike Fry Density Estimates" (2015). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 46.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/46