Investigating the Relationships between Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Migratory Behavior in Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) within the Priest River System.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Paul Spruell
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
5-7-2024 9:05 AM
End Date
5-7-2024 9:25 AM
Location
PAT 328
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Biology
Abstract
Numerous salmonid species demonstrate a diverse range of life histories, encompassing both resident and migratory behaviors. Migratory life histories play a pivotal role in ecosystems for various reasons, facilitating genetic exchange between populations and yielding larger-sized females with increased fecundity relative to residents. This study took place within the lower Priest River located in northern Idaho, which is highly susceptible of degrading habitat. Previous research has discovered this system as a significant contributor to migratory Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi, WCT). Continuing with these results we compared four Priest River tributaries that produced high proportions of migratory individuals (Big, Saddler, North Fork East River, and Quartz Creek), and compared them to four tributaries that produced low migratory proportions (Benton, Kavanaugh, Uleda, Keokee Creek) between June and September. Of the eight tributaries, fish density was collected using multi pass depletion estimates in conjunction with stream temperature, and flow velocity. With the use of a generalized boosted regression model, in RStudio, temperature had the largest influence in explaining migratory behavior. Among all eight tributaries, Big Creek hosted the highest number of migratory individuals, with 31 out of 70 individuals recorded. It also experienced the warmest temperature at 19.13°C. Notably, it reached its peak maximum temperature earliest on August 15th and sustained a warmer temperature for an extended duration compared to other tributaries. As temperature rises beyond the optimal range for salmonids, an individual will vacate these tributaries or consequently face mortality, ultimately leading to the expression of migratory life histories.
Recommended Citation
Keenan, Kyle M., "Investigating the Relationships between Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Migratory Behavior in Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) within the Priest River System." (2024). 2024 Symposium. 1.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2024/op_2024/o4_2024/1
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Investigating the Relationships between Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affecting Migratory Behavior in Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) within the Priest River System.
PAT 328
Numerous salmonid species demonstrate a diverse range of life histories, encompassing both resident and migratory behaviors. Migratory life histories play a pivotal role in ecosystems for various reasons, facilitating genetic exchange between populations and yielding larger-sized females with increased fecundity relative to residents. This study took place within the lower Priest River located in northern Idaho, which is highly susceptible of degrading habitat. Previous research has discovered this system as a significant contributor to migratory Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi, WCT). Continuing with these results we compared four Priest River tributaries that produced high proportions of migratory individuals (Big, Saddler, North Fork East River, and Quartz Creek), and compared them to four tributaries that produced low migratory proportions (Benton, Kavanaugh, Uleda, Keokee Creek) between June and September. Of the eight tributaries, fish density was collected using multi pass depletion estimates in conjunction with stream temperature, and flow velocity. With the use of a generalized boosted regression model, in RStudio, temperature had the largest influence in explaining migratory behavior. Among all eight tributaries, Big Creek hosted the highest number of migratory individuals, with 31 out of 70 individuals recorded. It also experienced the warmest temperature at 19.13°C. Notably, it reached its peak maximum temperature earliest on August 15th and sustained a warmer temperature for an extended duration compared to other tributaries. As temperature rises beyond the optimal range for salmonids, an individual will vacate these tributaries or consequently face mortality, ultimately leading to the expression of migratory life histories.
