Temporal Changes and Sexual Differences in Spatial Distribution of Burbot in Lake Erie

Abstract

We used GIS mapping techniques to examine capture data for Burbot Lota lota from annual gill-net surveys in Canadian waters of Lake Erie during late August and September 1994–2011. Adult males were captured over a larger area (3–17% for ≥20% maximum yearly catch [MYC]) than adult females. More males than females were caught in the gill nets in 14 of the 15 study years. Collectively, these results support a hypothesis of greater activity by adult males during summer, when Burbot are actively feeding. The area of capture contracted by more than 60% (for ≥20% MYC) for both sexes during the time period, which is consistent with the documented decrease of the Burbot population in the lake. The sex ratio (females: males) varied over the time series but declined steadily from 0.97 in 2001 to 0.59 in 2011. The overlap in the capture areas of adult males and females was scale dependent. The depth distribution at which adult Burbot were caught did not change over the time series, and there was no difference in the median depths (about 30 m) at which adult male and female Burbot were caught. The last results are consistent with the Burbot's reliance on coldwater habitats. Additional research is recommended, including telemetry to describe daily and seasonal movements and assessment of gender bias in active and passive capture gear.

Received August 31, 2012; accepted April 8, 2013

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We thank the participants in the Ontario Partnership Gillnetting Program and the technicians from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in Port Dover and Wheatley. P. Kocovsky, R. Kraus, C. Madenjian, and three anonymous reviewers provided comments on earlier versions of this paper. The mention of trade, product, or firm names does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This article is contribution 1753 of the Great Lakes Science Center.