Presentation Title
The importance of winter foraging by thermally-dissimilar fish species
Abstract
How to manage energetic demands in the winter is a conundrum for temperate and high-latitude fishes, but each species may respond differently to such demands. Our research will test if cool- and warm-water fish species differ in winter foraging strategies and the degree to which winter foraging influences their growth and survival. Diets of yellow perch (cool-water species), pumpkinseed (warm-water), and bluegill (warm-water) will be compared within winters and among seasons. The importance of winter foraging for the annual energy budget of fishes will be evaluated by measuring seasonal changes in total lipid content. Individual growth rates will be estimated using bioenergetics models to determine if winter diets contribute significantly to annual growth. Models will also provide an opportunity to test how individual growth across thermally-dissimilar fish species may respond to predicted climate changes, such as increases in mean water temperature. Results may be particularly relevant to fish communities in mid-latitude lakes that exhibit annual variations in ice cover and winter conditions and thus could provide novel insights into the relative importance of winter foraging to fish population dynamics.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Jason Stockwell
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Dr. Jason Stockwell (Co- Advisor); Dr. Ellen Marsden (Co-Advisor)
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Biological Sciences
The importance of winter foraging by thermally-dissimilar fish species
How to manage energetic demands in the winter is a conundrum for temperate and high-latitude fishes, but each species may respond differently to such demands. Our research will test if cool- and warm-water fish species differ in winter foraging strategies and the degree to which winter foraging influences their growth and survival. Diets of yellow perch (cool-water species), pumpkinseed (warm-water), and bluegill (warm-water) will be compared within winters and among seasons. The importance of winter foraging for the annual energy budget of fishes will be evaluated by measuring seasonal changes in total lipid content. Individual growth rates will be estimated using bioenergetics models to determine if winter diets contribute significantly to annual growth. Models will also provide an opportunity to test how individual growth across thermally-dissimilar fish species may respond to predicted climate changes, such as increases in mean water temperature. Results may be particularly relevant to fish communities in mid-latitude lakes that exhibit annual variations in ice cover and winter conditions and thus could provide novel insights into the relative importance of winter foraging to fish population dynamics.