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An Individual‐Based Modeling Analysis of Management Strategies for Enhancing Brook Trout Populations in Southern Appalachian Streams
Author(s) -
Clark Mark E.,
Rose Kenneth A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
north american journal of fisheries management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1548-8675
pISSN - 0275-5947
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8675(1997)017<0054:aibmao>2.3.co;2
Subject(s) - electrofishing , rainbow trout , salvelinus , stocking , trout , fontinalis , fishery , biology , ecology , streams , competition (biology) , habitat , fish <actinopterygii> , computer network , computer science
We used an individual‐based model of sympatric rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis to evaluate management strategies for enhancing brook trout densities in southern Appalachian streams. Management strategies examined with 100‐year simulations were (1) electrofishing removal of rainbow trout, (2) stocking of brook trout, (3) habitat alteration (changing mean size of pools in the stream), and (4) angler harvest of rainbow trout. Results indicated that realistic levels of electrofishing removal of rainbow trout and stocking of brook trout juveniles could lead to brook trout densities equivalent to those of allopatric populations, but that habitat alteration and angler harvest of rainbow trout would not significantly increase brook trout densities. Electrofishing and stocking results were robust because similar predictions were obtained under conditions that otherwise favored rainbow trout (invasion of rainbow trout adults, frequent year‐class failures, reductions in spawning habitat). Ten to 20 years were required for allopatric‐equivalent brook trout densities to be achieved. Management strategies that reduce interspecific competition in the age‐0 life stages offer the most promise for restoring brook trout stocks in southern Appalachian streams.