A Genetic Based Approach to Management and Stocking of Muskellunge

Authors

Douglas Zentner

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Fish stocking has long been used as a management tool among fisheries biologists and continues to be met with popular public opinion. Despite perceived simplicity, the full effects of stocking remain cryptic for many fish populations. Stocking has frequently been used to maintain or establish successful muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) populations. Coupled with other management practices the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) has established Minnesota as a premier muskellunge fishery. From 1958 to 2012 the MNDNR stocked three strains of muskellunge in Big Mantrap Lake, MN. The first from Shoepack Lake, MN (hereafter Shoepack-strain) was used until the realization that fish were not attaining sizes sought after by anglers. The MNDNR then made a statewide switch to a source from Wisconsin before developing a source from Leech Lake, MN (hereafter Leech-strain). Using 13 microsatellite markers, genetic contributions of each source population were estimated from samples taken between 1984 and 2013 in Big Mantrap Lake. Analysis of current and past genetic makeup of Big Mantrap Lake demonstrated a successful dilution of the Shoepack-strain from 96% in 1984 to 11% in 2013 as the Leech-strain made up 85% of the genetic makeup in the most recent sample. This study reinforces the use of genetic information as a management tool in evaluating ancestry of stocked fish. These findings will help the MNDNR make management decisions related to size structure and genetic makeup of muskellunge populations.

Publication Date

2015

Comments

Faculty sponsors: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program and Dr. Loren Miller.

Recommended Citation

Zentner, Douglas, "A Genetic Based Approach to Management and Stocking of Muskellunge" (2015). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 47.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/47