Movement and Activity of Burbot, (Mizay; Lota lota) in a Spring-fed Minnesota Lake

Author

Abigail M. Fountain

Date of Award

1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Andrew Hafs

Second Advisor

Shannon Fisher

Third Advisor

Jon Anderson

Abstract

Burbot (Mizay; Lota lota) are a relatively unmanaged freshwater fish, important in many local Indigenous cultures, but often overlooked or maltreated in research, conservation, and fishing practices. As such, relatively little research has been conducted on Burbot, despite ecological significance as an indicator species. A recent resurgence in popularity as a target species, however, has prompted new research to inform management policies. The objectives of this study were to summarize Burbot movement by identifying patterns in swimming activity and identify possible predictors of the movement observed. This study investigated the movements of 39 individuals implanted with acoustic transmitters in Bad Medicine Lake, Minnesota, over a period of 18 months. Movement rate and turning angle were calculated for each transmission interval and analyzed using mixed-effects modeling. Seasonally, changes in movement patterns occur around ice-on, ice-off, and spawning events, varying in magnitude across sex and diel period. Nightly increases in movement persist regardless of season. Overall, movement activity was best predicted by the interaction between sex, diel period, and season. However, it is likely that movement patterns observed are influenced by the interaction of additional biological, behavioral, and environmental factors.

Recommended Citation

Fountain, Abigail M., "Movement and Activity of Burbot, (Mizay; Lota lota) in a Spring-fed Minnesota Lake" (2025). Biology Graduate Theses. 7.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/thesis-biol/7