Population Structure and Growth of Walleye in Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda Lakes, Alberta, 2007

Transcription

1 Population Structure and Growth of Walleye in Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda Lakes, Alberta, 2007 CONSERVATION REPORT SERIES

2 The Alberta Conservation Association is a Delegated Administrative Organization under Alberta s Wildlife Act. CONSERVATION REPORT SERIES 25% Post Consumer Fibre When separated, both the binding and paper in this document are recyclable

3 Population Structure and Growth of Walleye in Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda Lakes, Alberta, 2007 Brendan Ganton Alberta Conservation Association 101, 9 Chippewa Rd Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 6J7

4 Report Editors PETER AKU KELLEY KISSNER Alberta Conservation Association 50 Tuscany Meadows Cres NW 101, 9 Chippewa Rd Calgary, AB T3L 2T9 Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 Conservation Report Series Type Data ISBN printed: ISBN online: Publication No.: T/197 Disclaimer: This document is an independent report prepared by the Alberta Conservation Association. The authors are solely responsible for the interpretations of data and statements made within this report. Reproduction and Availability: This report and its contents may be reproduced in whole, or in part, provided that this title page is included with such reproduction and/or appropriate acknowledgements are provided to the authors and sponsors of this project. Suggested Citation: Ganton, B.P Population structure and growth of walleye in Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda lakes, Alberta, Data report, D , produced by the Alberta Conservation Association, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada. 19 pp + App. Cover photo credit: David Fairless Digital copies of conservation reports can be obtained from: Alberta Conservation Association 101, 9 Chippewa Rd Sherwood Park, AB T8A 6J7 Toll Free: Tel: (780) Fax: (780) info@ab conservation.com Website: conservation.com i

5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY High angling pressure, coupled with slow growing and late maturing fish, have put Alberta s walleye population under stress. By 1990, many walleye populations in Alberta had declined to a small fraction of their former abundance. To forestall extirpation of these populations and collapse of associated recreational fisheries, Alberta Sustainable Resources Development introduced the Alberta Walleye Management and Recovery Plan (WMRP) in As part of the WMRP, I conducted gill netting surveys at Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda lakes during the fall of 2007 to obtain information on the abundance and population structure of walleye in these lakes. Data from Gregoire Lake suggested that in 2007 the walleye population had a broad age class distribution that was moderately unstable. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 14. Male walleye reached maturity at age 4, whereas female walleye reached maturity at age 6. The catch rate of walleye was 11.8 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. Data from Ethel Lake suggested that in 2007 the walleye population had a broad ageclass distribution that was moderately unstable. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 13. Male walleye reached maturity at age 4, whereas female walleye reached maturity at age 7. The catch rate of walleye was 14.6 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. Data from Hilda Lake suggested that in 2007 the walleye population had a narrow and unstable age class distribution. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 13. Male and female walleye both reached maturity at age 5. The catch rate of walleye was 15.1 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. ii

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Financial support for this study was provided by the Alberta Conservation Association. Alberta Sustainable Resources Development provided in kind support, campground and sampling facilities. iii

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS... iv LIST OF FIGURES... v LIST OF APPENDICES... vi 1.0 INTRODUCTION STUDY AREAS Gregoire Lake Ethel Lake Hilda Lake MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling design Biological data Data analysis RESULTS Capture data Walleye population structure Stock assessment summaries LITERATURE CITED APPENDICES...20 iv

8 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Map of Gregoire Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites... 3 Figure 2. Map of Ethel Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites... 4 Figure 3. Map of Hilda Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites... 5 Figure 4. class distribution of walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Figure 5. Length at age relationship for walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Figure 6. at maturity of male walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Figure 7. at maturity of female walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Figure 8. class distribution of walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Figure 9. Length at age relationship for walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Figure 10. at maturity of male walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Figure 11. at maturity of female walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Figure 12. class distribution of walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, Figure 13. Length at age relationship for walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, Figure 14. at maturity of male walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, Figure 15. at maturity of female walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, v

9 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Appendix 3. Appendix 4. Appendix 5. Appendix 6. Appendix 7. Appendix 8. Appendix. 9. Appendix 10. Appendix 11. Appendix. 12. Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Hilda Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from walleye during the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from non target fish species during the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Standardized probability density function of walleye catch rate from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from walleye during the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from non target fish species during the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Standardized probability density function of walleye catch rate from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from walleye during the survey of Hilda Lake, Alberta, Biological data collected from non target fish species during the survey of Hilda Lake, Alberta, Standardized probability density function of walleye catch rate from Hilda Lake, Alberta, vi

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11 1.0 INTRODUCTION Angling pressure on sport fish in Alberta, particularly walleye (Sander vitreus), has been increasing for many years. A large number of licensed anglers, relatively few lakes, and slow growing, late maturing fish have put Alberta s walleye population under stress (Sullivan 2003). By 1990, relatively unrestricted fishing pressure on walleye across Alberta had caused many walleye populations to decline to a small fraction of their former abundance (Sullivan 2003). To recover and protect exploited walleye populations, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (ASRD) created the Alberta Walleye Management and Recovery Plan (WMRP) in Under the WMRP, lakes were classified into one of four general categories based on the state of the walleye fishery. The four categories included: collapsed, vulnerable, stable, and trophy (Berry 1995). Using this classification, each lake was assigned a corresponding sport fishing regulation (Sullivan 2003). As part of the WMRP, I conducted gill netting surveys at Gregoire, Ethel, and Hilda lakes during the fall of 2007 to obtain information on the abundance and population structure of walleye in these lakes. The information collected in these surveys will allow ASRD to evaluate the effect of current sport fish regulations on the fisheries at these lakes and will inform future management decisions. Based on WMRP criteria, the walleye fisheries in both Ethel and Gregoire lakes are classified as collapsed, and both lakes are managed (since 1996 for Ethel and 1998 for Gregoire) with a zero walleye possession limit (catch and release only) regulation. The Hilda Lake walleye fishery is currently classified as vulnerable, and since 2004 has been managed with a one walleye possession and 500 mm minimum total length (TL) regulation. 2.0 STUDY AREAS 2.1 Gregoire Lake Gregoire Lake (56 27ʹ N ʹ W) is located within the Athabasca River drainage, approximately 350 km northeast of Edmonton and 30 km southeast of Fort McMurray, Alberta (Figure 1). It has a surface area of 2,580 ha, a mean depth of 3.9 m and a maximum depth of 7.2 m. It is primarily fed by several small creeks on the southwest 1

12 and is drained by the Gregoire River, which flows from the southeast into the Clearwater River (Mitchell and Prepas 1990). Gregoire Lake can be accessed from secondary Highway 881 east of Highway 63. There is considerable development around the lake. The Hamlet of Anzac is located on the east shore of the lake and includes a provincial day use area with informal boat launch. The largest recreational development is Gregoire Lake Provincial Park located on the northwest shore. There are three treaty reserves, Gregoire Lake Reserves 176, 176a, and 176b, located on the south and northeast shores. An Amoco in situ oil plant is located within reserve 176 and a large oil sands development (Long Lake Project) is being constructed east of the lake (Swanson and Zurawell 2006). 2.2 Ethel Lake Ethel Lake (54 32ʹ N ʹ W) is located in the Beaver River drainage, approximately 225 km northeast of Edmonton and 18 km northwest of Cold Lake, Alberta (Figure 2). It has a surface area of 490 ha, a mean depth of 6.6 m and a maximum depth of 30 m. The major inflows to the lake are Marie Creek on the north shore and an unnamed creek that flows in from Hilda Lake on the southwest shore. The lake is drained by Marie Creek on the southeast shore. Ethel Lake can be reached by either Ethel Lake Road or Primrose Lake Road north of Highway 55, which provides access to a provincial recreation area located on the northeast shore of the lake. The recreation area contains 14 campsites, a day use area and a boat launch. There is a small cottage development and a few permanent residences on the northeast side of the lake adjacent to the recreation area (Mitchell and Prepas 1990). 2.3 Hilda Lake Hilda Lake (54 31ʹ N ʹ W) is located within the Beaver River drainage, approximately 220 km northeast of Edmonton and 20 km northwest of Cold Lake, Alberta (Figure 3). Hilda Lake has a surface area of 356 ha, a mean depth of 6.2 m and a maximum depth of 14 m. It is fed by several small creeks on the west shore and is drained by an outflow on the east shore, which empties into Ethel Lake. The lake is accessed by Ethel Lake Road north of Highway 55, which leads to an unimproved boat launch on the southeast shore. There is a small cottage development on the east side of the lake. 2

13 Figure 1. Map of Gregoire Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites. Inset is map of Alberta showing the location of the lake within the province. 3

14 Figure 2. Map of Ethel Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites. Inset is a map of Alberta showing the location of the lake within the province. 4

15 Figure 3. Map of Hilda Lake, Alberta showing sampling sites. Inset is map of Alberta indicating the location of the lake within the province. 5

16 3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS 3.1 Sampling design I examined relative abundance and population structure of walleye in Gregoire, Ethel and Hilda lakes between 11 and 22 September 2007 using a modified (see Sullivan and Park 2004) Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN) protocol developed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Morgan 2000). Under this protocol, demographic data on walleye populations were collected over a short time period (e.g., 3 d) during the fall season. By ensuring that surveys were completed within a narrow time frame and under moderate water temperatures (10 15 C), the FWIN approach provides snapshots of population structure while minimizing complications associated with long term or seasonal variations in growth and age of fish (Morgan 2000). FWIN catch data were validated as an appropriate index of walleye abundance using population density estimates and angler total catch rate data (Sullivan and Park 2004). I used 1.8 m deep by 61 m long multi panel monofilament gill nets to capture walleye. Each net consisted of eight, 7.6 x 1.8 m panels of different mesh sizes: 25, 38, 51, 64, 76, 102, 127, and 152 mm stretched mesh. Sampling effort was determined by monitoring sampling precision and biological sample size. For this assessment, achieving a 20% level of standard error between catches or a biological sample size of approximately 200 walleye was considered adequate following Morgan (2000). However, the standard error between catches was monitored and if a 20% level was not achieved with the prescribed effort and biological sample size, netting was stopped and the existing level of standard error was used. To ensure uniform catchability, I used a stratified random design to select sampling sites at each lake, using depth zones (shallow 2 5 m and deep 5 15 m) and surface area as strata. I divided the surface of each lake into 1 km 2 sampling units corresponding to a Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid. Each UTM grid was then sub divided into four 0.25 km 2 quadrats. Sampling sites were located within a randomly selected quadrat from a randomly selected UTM grid (i.e., both grids and quadrats were randomly selected). I used bathymetric data to calculate a ratio of surface area between the two depth strata following procedures in Morgan (2000), and 6

17 used this ratio to allocate number of nets proportionally to the two depth strata. Nets were set in the centre of each randomly selected quadrat, whenever possible, or within 250 m of the centre. To reduce potential sampling bias from variation in the lake habitat, areas along steep gradients, drop offs, or heavy vegetation were avoided. If the desired depth or suitable topography was not found within 250 m of the selected quadrat centre, that quadrat was replaced with the next randomly selected quadrat in the sequence. To reduce effects of local fish depletion, nets were set no less than 500 m apart. For each lake, I set nets on consecutive days. Soak time per net was approximately 24 h (range = h) per set period. Based on this sampling design, 18 nets (13 shallow and 5 deep) were set in Gregoire Lake between 11 and 13 September 2007 for an average net soak time of 23.3 h per set period (range = h; Appendix 1). Nine nets (4 shallow and 5 deep) were set in Ethel Lake between 19 and 21 September 2007 for an average net soak time of 23.4 h per set period (range = h; Appendix 2). Nine nets (3 shallow and 6 deep) were set in Hilda Lake between 19 and 21 September 2007 for an average net soak time of 23.8 h per set period (range = h; Appendix 3). 3.2 Biological data I recorded the species and number of all fish caught, and bagged fish separately by mesh size (i.e., by panel) for each net. I collected data on fork length (FL) and TL (± 1 mm), total weight (± 1 g), sex and state of maturity. Fish were described as sexually mature if they appeared able to spawn during the next spawning season (Duffy et al. 2000). To determine age of walleye, I collected otoliths and the first three rays of the left pelvic fin. s were determined according to Mackay et al. (1990). 0 walleye were determined from fork length (FL), with walleye < 130 mm recorded as age Data analysis I plotted weight length and length age relationships to identify and investigate any outliers. Outliers were omitted if measurement or recording error was suspected. To aid in classifying the state of the walleye fishery, I examined age class distributions, length at age, and age at maturity relationships from net catches. at maturity was determined as the age at which 50% of fish were mature. Following the WMRP, 7

18 evaluation of demographic attributes (e.g., growth rate, age at maturity, etc.) was based on fish 500 mm FL. I described growth rate using the von Bertalanffy (1938) growth model: L t = L (1 e K (t t ) 0 where, Lt = length at age t, L = maximum theoretical length that can be attained, K = coefficient of growth, t = age, in years, and t0 = theoretical time, in years, when the fish was size zero. ) L, K, and t0 were calculated using the Fishery Analysis and Simulation Tools ver. 3.0 (Slipke and Maceina 2006). The length at age data were fitted to the growth model by applying the equation independently to each average FL per age class. Following Sullivan (1994) and Berry (1995), walleye length at age data were plotted as FL at a given age. I used a bootstrap technique to estimate mean catch rate of walleye (expressed as fish/100 m 2 /24 h) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI) following procedures in Haddon (2001) and Sullivan (2004). All data collected were stored in the Fisheries Management Information System (FMIS) maintained by ASRD under Project IDs 7676 (Gregoire Lake), 7701 (Hilda Lake), and 7681 (Ethel Lake). 8

19 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 Capture data Gregoire Lake Nets set at Gregoire Lake captured 234 walleye (Appendix 4). Also captured were 83 yellow perch (Perca flavescens), 114 northern pike (Esox lucius), 55 lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), 62 cisco (Coregonus artedi), 34 white sucker (Catostomus commersoni), eight spottail shiner (Notropis hudsonius), and one trout perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) (Appendix 5). Estimated catch rate of walleye was 11.8 fish/100 m 2 /24 h (95% CI = , n = 18; Appendix 6) Ethel Lake Nets set at Ethel Lake captured 134 walleye (Appendix 7). Also captured were 101 yellow perch, 134 northern pike, 12 lake whitefish, 26 cisco, and 29 white sucker (Appendix 8). Estimated catch rate of walleye was 14.0 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h (95% CI = , n = 9; Appendix 9) Hilda Lake Nets set at Hilda Lake captured 149 walleye (Appendix 10). Also captured were 139 yellow perch, 48 northern pike, 42 cisco, and 19 white sucker (Appendix 11). Estimated catch rate of walleye was 15.1 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h (95% CI = , n = 9; Appendix 12). 4.2 Walleye population structure Gregoire Lake Walleye from Gregoire Lake displayed a broad age class distribution with a mean (± SE) age of 8.9 ± 0.3 y (n = 233). Based on WMRP criteria, the age class distribution was moderately unstable. Strong year classes were ages 1, 3, 10 and 13, and ages 7, 8, 14 and 18 fish were nearly absent from the catch. Overall, older fish (> 15 y) were poorly represented in the catch (Figure 4). 9

20 Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) Figure 4. class distribution of walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, The Gregoire walleye fishery was likely composed of slow or very slow growing fish. Estimated average maximum size (L ) of walleye from the von Bertalanffy growth function was mm, with a growth coefficient K = 0.279, and t0 = Based on these estimates, the average walleye from Gregoire Lake would reach 500 mm FL (the WMRP standard size) at age 14. The youngest walleye observed to reach 500 mm FL was age 9 (Figure 5). Gregoire Lake walleye appeared to be early maturing (< 8 y). Of 222 walleye examined in 2007, 42% (n = 93) were mature males and 34% (n = 75) were mature females; the remaining walleye were immature. Male walleye matured at age 4 (Figure 6) and female walleye matured at age 6 (Figure 7). 10

21 age and length von Betalanffy growth curve Figure 5. Length at age relationship for walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, The von Bertalanffy growth curve is shown by the solid line. K = 0.279, t0 = 0.82, L = mm FL, n = 233. Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) Immature males Mature males Figure 6. at maturity of male walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 114). 11

22 Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) Immature females Mature females Figure 7. at maturity of female walleye from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 108) Ethel Lake Walleye from Ethel Lake displayed a broad age class distribution with a mean (± SE) age of 8.5 ± 0.4 y (n = 129). Based on WMRP criteria, the age class distribution was moderately unstable with high catches of ages 4, 9 and 17 walleye, and moderate catches of ages 2 to 6, 10 and 11 walleye. Very few young of year (YOY) and age 1 walleye were caught, and no walleye ages 12 to 15 were captured (Figure 8). The Ethel Lake walleye fishery was likely composed of slow or very slow growing fish. The youngest walleye sampled from Ethel Lake to reach 500 mm FL was age 9. The average walleye was predicted to reach 500 mm FL at approximately age 13 (Figure 9). 12

23 Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) Figure 8. class distribution of walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, Mean (± SE) age was 8.5 ± 0.4 y, n = age and length von Betalanffy growth curve Figure 9. Length at age relationship for walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, The von Bertalanffy growth curve is shown by the solid line. K = 0.188, t0 = 1.232, L = mm, n =

24 Ethel Lake walleye appeared to be early maturing (< 8 y). Of 128 walleye examined in 2007, 56% (n = 72) were mature males and 16% (n = 21) were mature females; the remaining walleye were immature. Male walleye matured at age 4 (Figure 10) and female walleye matured at age 7 (Figure 11). Catch rate (walleye/ 100 m 2 /24 h) Immature males Mature males Figure 10. at maturity of male walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 92). Catch rate (walleye/ 100 m 2 /24 h) Immature females Mature females Figure 11. at maturity of female walleye from Ethel Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 36). 14

25 4.2.3 Hilda Lake Walleye from Hilda Lake displayed a narrow age class distribution with a mean (± SE) age of 7.1 ± 0.2 y (n = 145). Based on WMRP criteria, the age class distribution was unstable with ages 7, 8 and 9 supporting the fishery. YOY and ages 2, 3 and 5 were less abundant, and there were few fish older than age 9 (Figure 12). Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) Figure 12. class distribution of walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, Mean (± SE) age was 7.1 ± 0.2 y, n = 145. The Hilda Lake walleye fishery was likely composed of slow or very slow growing fish. The youngest walleye sampled from Hilda Lake to reach 500 mm FL was age 9. The average walleye was predicted to reach 500 mm FL at approximately age 13 (Figure 13). Hilda Lake walleye appeared to be early maturing (< 8 y). Of 135 walleye examined in 2007, 38% (n = 51) were mature males and 47% (n = 64) were mature females; the remaining walleye were immature. Both male and female walleye matured at age 5 (Figures 14 and 15). 15

26 age and length von Betalanffy growth curve Figure 13. Length at age relationship for walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, The von Bertalanffy growth curve is shown by the solid line. K = 0.176, t0 = 1.601, L = mm, n = 145. Catch rate (walleye/ 100 m 2 /24 h) Immature males Mature males Figure 14. at maturity of male walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 56). 16

27 Catch rate (walleye/ 100 m 2 /24 h) Immature females Mature females Figure 15. at maturity of female walleye from Hilda Lake, Alberta, 2007 (n = 79). 4.3 Stock assessment summaries Walleye sampled from Gregoire Lake had a broad age class distribution that was moderately unstable. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 14. Male walleye reached maturity at age 4, whereas female walleye reached maturity at age 6. The catch rate of walleye was 11.8 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. Walleye sampled from Ethel Lake had a broad age class distribution that was moderately unstable. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 13. Male walleye reached maturity at age 4, whereas female walleye reached maturity at age 7. The catch rate of walleye was 14.6 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. Walleye sample from Hilda Lake had a narrow and unstable age class distribution. The average walleye reached 500 mm FL at age 13. Male and female walleye both reached maturity at age 5. The catch rate of walleye was 15.1 walleye/100 m 2 /24 h. 17

28 5.0 LITERATURE CITED Berry, D Alberta s walleye management and recovery plan. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 32 pp. Duffy, M., J. McNulty, and T. Mosindy Identification of sex, maturity and gonad condition of walleye Stizostedion vitreum vitreum. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. 33 pp. Haddon, M Modeling and quantitative methods in fisheries. Chapman and Hall/CRC, Boca Raton, Florida, USA. 406 pp. Mackay, W.C., G.R. Ash, and H.J. Norris Fish ageing methods for Alberta. R.L. & R. Environmental Services Ltd., in association with Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 113 pp. Mitchell, P., and E. Prepas Atlas of Alberta lakes. University of Alberta Press, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 675 pp. Morgan, G.E Manual of instructions, Fall Walleye Index Netting (FWIN). Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife Branch, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. 37 pp. Slipke, J., and M. Maceina Fishery analyses and simulations tools (FAST), version 3.0. Auburn University, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn, Alabama, USA. Sullivan, M.G Active management of walleye fisheries in Alberta: dilemmas of managing recovering fisheries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 23: Sullivan, M.G Computer simulation of sport fishery parameters. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 16 pp. 18

29 Sullivan, M.G., and D. Park Alberta walleye index netting protocols: summary of joint ACA/SRD index netting subcommittee. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division and Alberta Conservation Association, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 13 pp. Swanson, H., and R. Zurawell Gregoire Lake water quality monitoring report. Provincial Parks Lake Monitoring Program, Monitoring and Evaluation Branch, Environmental Assurance Division, Alberta Environment, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 26 pp. von Bertalanffy, L A quantitative theory of organic growth. Human Biology 10:

30 6.0 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Set Number Depth stratum UTM Easting UTM Northing Net set date Net Inspection Date Net soak (h) 46 Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep

31 Appendix 2. Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Set Number Depth stratum UTM Easting UTM Northing Net set date Net Inspection date Net soak (h) 6 Deep Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Appendix 3. Net location, set and inspection times for the survey of Hilda Lake, Alberta, Set number Depth stratum UTM Easting UTM Northing Net set date Net Inspection date Net soak (h) 8 Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Shallow Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep Deep Sep Sep

32 Appendix 4. Biological data collected from walleye during the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Abbreviations: WALL = walleye, M = male, F = female, U = unidentified. WALL ,240 M Mature 13 WALL F Immature 3 WALL ,360 M Mature 18 WALL ,220 M Mature 13 WALL ,580 F Mature 10 WALL ,190 M Mature 20 WALL ,070 F Mature 17 WALL ,110 M Mature 11 WALL ,250 F Mature 16 WALL M Mature 17 WALL ,300 M Mature 19 WALL ,050 M Mature 8 WALL ,930 F Mature 13 WALL ,800 F Mature 13 WALL U Immature 2 WALL M Mature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 4 WALL ,250 M Mature 13 WALL ,000 M Mature 6 WALL ,610 F Mature 10 WALL ,300 M Mature 10 WALL ,800 F Mature WALL ,020 M Mature 10 WALL ,530 M Mature 17 WALL ,580 F Mature 11 WALL U Immature 0 WALL U Immature 1 22

33 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL M Immature 3 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 3 WALL U Immature 3 WALL U Immature 3 WALL F Immature 4 WALL ,190 M Mature 13 WALL ,200 M Mature 10 WALL ,350 M Mature 12 WALL ,220 M Mature 10 WALL ,440 M Mature 17 WALL U Immature 3 WALL M Immature 3 WALL ,730 F Mature 10 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,000 M Mature 7 WALL M Mature 15 WALL ,020 M Mature 10 WALL ,437 M Mature 12 WALL ,246 M Mature 13 WALL ,146 M Mature 9 WALL ,029 M Mature 13 WALL ,104 F Mature 11 WALL ,731 M Mature 11 WALL U Immature 0 WALL F Immature 1 WALL F Immature 1 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Immature 1 23

34 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL M Immature 1 WALL F Immature 1 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Immature 1 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Mature 3 WALL M Mature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL ,092 M Mature 10 WALL ,229 M Mature 10 WALL ,358 M Mature 16 WALL ,238 M Mature 10 WALL F Immature 3 WALL M Mature 6 WALL ,355 F Mature 10 WALL M Immature 3 WALL ,395 F Mature 7 WALL ,045 M Mature 6 WALL ,047 M Mature 10 WALL M Mature 6 WALL ,073 M Mature 12 WALL M Mature 9 WALL ,212 M Mature 12 WALL ,125 M Mature 10 WALL ,130 M Mature 11 WALL ,991 F Mature 9 WALL ,279 M Mature 15 WALL ,945 F Mature 10 WALL ,933 F Mature 12 WALL ,576 M Mature 10 24

35 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL ,362 F Mature 13 WALL ,444 F Mature 6 WALL ,773 F Mature 11 WALL ,017 F Mature 10 WALL ,790 F Mature 12 WALL ,539 F Mature 10 WALL ,717 F Mature 11 WALL ,451 F Mature 13 WALL U Immature 2 WALL ,280 M Mature 19 WALL ,240 M Mature 17 WALL ,090 M Mature 9 WALL U Immature 0 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Mature 6 WALL F Immature 2 WALL M Mature 4 WALL F Immature 1 WALL M Immature 1 WALL ,186 M Mature 14 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Mature 4 WALL ,290 M Mature 13 WALL ,199 F Mature 10 WALL ,239 M Mature 10 WALL ,404 M Mature 13 WALL ,813 F Mature 10 WALL ,251 M Mature 10 25

36 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL ,249 M Mature 17 WALL ,224 M Mature 13 WALL ,291 M Mature 15 WALL ,290 M Mature 13 WALL ,639 F Mature 9 WALL ,027 F Mature 10 WALL ,594 F Mature 15 WALL ,769 F Mature 10 WALL ,027 F Mature 13 WALL ,488 M Mature 10 WALL M Immature 2 WALL F Immature 2 WALL ,459 M Mature 19 WALL ,391 M Mature 13 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,770 F Mature 10 WALL ,686 F Mature 13 WALL ,395 F Mature 13 WALL ,051 M Mature 16 WALL ,231 M Mature 17 WALL ,463 F Mature 9 WALL ,193 M Mature 15 WALL ,654 F Mature 9 WALL ,194 F Mature 13 WALL F Immature 2 WALL ,412 F Mature 11 WALL ,508 F Mature 10 WALL ,681 M Mature 17 WALL ,643 F Mature 10 WALL ,829 F Mature 13 WALL ,704 F Mature 11 26

37 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL ,430 M Mature 17 WALL ,500 F Mature 17 WALL ,630 F Mature 16 WALL ,810 F Mature 13 WALL ,960 F Mature 17 WALL ,480 M Mature 20 WALL ,830 F Mature 10 WALL ,070 F Mature 13 WALL ,300 M Mature 16 WALL ,124 F Mature 13 WALL ,165 F Mature 13 WALL ,080 F Mature 13 WALL ,174 F Mature 13 WALL U Immature 1 WALL F Immature 3 WALL ,020 M Mature 10 WALL ,010 M Mature 6 WALL M Mature 4 WALL ,100 M Mature 10 WALL M Immature 1 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 1 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,027 F Immature 5 WALL F Immature 5 WALL M Mature 4 WALL ,701 F Mature 15 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,428 F Mature 10 WALL ,382 F Mature 12 27

38 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL ,086 F Mature 13 WALL M Immature 3 WALL ,510 F Mature 9 WALL ,310 F Mature 9 WALL F Immature 5 WALL ,560 F Mature 11 WALL ,980 F Mature 10 WALL ,080 F Mature 10 WALL ,620 F Mature 16 WALL ,330 M Mature 13 WALL ,120 F Immature 5 WALL ,140 M Mature 17 WALL ,890 F Mature 19 WALL ,040 F Mature 16 WALL U Immature 0 WALL ,200 M Mature 10 WALL ,070 M Mature 9 WALL ,830 F Mature 10 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 1 WALL F Immature 2 WALL M Immature 3 WALL F Immature 3 WALL F Immature 5 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,303 M Mature 10 WALL ,050 M Mature 13 WALL ,160 M Mature 13 WALL ,270 F Immature 6 WALL ,310 M Mature 13 WALL ,270 M Mature 13 28

39 Appendix 4. Continued. WALL ,010 M Mature 9 WALL ,130 M Mature 10 WALL ,020 F Mature 11 WALL ,210 F Mature 13 WALL ,858 F Mature 10 WALL ,112 F Mature 13 WALL ,081 F Mature 10 WALL ,749 F Mature 10 WALL ,377 M Mature 17 WALL M Immature 1 WALL ,540 F Mature 10 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Mature 4 WALL ,170 F Mature 13 WALL ,489 F Mature 10 WALL ,925 F Mature 16 WALL ,165 F Mature 16 WALL ,487 M Mature 10 WALL ,703 F Mature 13 29

40 Appendix 5. Biological data collected from non target fish species during the survey of Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Abbreviations: CISC = cisco, LKWH = lake whitefish, NRPK = northern pike, SPSH = spottail shiner, TRPR = trout perch, M = male, F = female, U = unidentified. CISC 4 U Unknown CISC U Immature CISC U Immature CISC M Mature CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown 30

41 Appendix 5. Continued. CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC F Mature CISC M Mature CISC F Mature CISC F Mature CISC F Mature CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC F Immature CISC F Immature CISC M Mature CISC F Mature CISC U Immature CISC F Mature CISC F Mature CISC F Mature CISC U Immature CISC U Immature CISC F Immature CISC U Immature 31

42 Appendix 5. Continued. CISC U Unknown CISC F Immature CISC M Mature CISC F Mature LKWH ,300 M Mature LKWH ,046 M Mature LKWH ,197 M Mature LKWH ,740 F Mature LKWH ,829 F Mature LKWH ,070 M Mature LKWH ,220 M Mature LKWH ,300 M Mature LKWH ,381 M Mature LKWH ,607 M Mature LKWH ,512 F Mature LKWH ,386 F Mature LKWH ,049 M Mature LKWH ,034 M Mature LKWH ,880 M Mature LKWH F Immature LKWH ,550 F Mature LKWH ,433 F Mature LKWH ,680 M Mature LKWH ,308 M Mature LKWH ,787 F Mature LKWH ,594 M Mature LKWH ,687 F Mature LKWH ,231 M Mature LKWH ,403 M Mature LKWH ,040 M Mature 32

43 Appendix 5. Continued. LKWH ,400 M Mature LKWH ,040 M Mature LKWH ,123 M Mature LKWH ,790 M Mature LKWH M Immature LKWH ,172 F Mature LKWH ,930 F Mature LKWH M Immature LKWH U Unknown LKWH M Immature LKWH F Immature LKWH F Immature LKWH M Immature LKWH F Immature LKWH F Immature LKWH ,280 M Mature LKWH ,094 M Mature LKWH ,459 M Mature LKWH ,535 M Mature LKWH M Mature LKWH ,420 M Mature LKWH F Mature LKWH ,734 F Mature LKWH ,939 F Mature LKWH ,582 F Mature LKWH ,795 F Mature LKWH ,886 M Mature NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK ,150 F Mature 4 NRPK ,370 F Mature 4 33

44 Appendix 5. Continued. NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK ,320 F Mature 8 NRPK ,020 F Mature 6 NRPK ,440 F Mature 6 NRPK ,928 M Mature 7 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK ,072 F Mature 5 NRPK ,105 F Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK F Immature 1 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 6 NRPK F Immature 1 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,000 M Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK F Immature 0 NRPK F Immature 1 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,067 F Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 2 NRPK ,396 F Mature 6 NRPK ,006 M Mature 4 NRPK ,207 F Mature 4 NRPK ,777 F Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 3 34

45 Appendix 5. Continued. NRPK ,395 F Mature 5 NRPK ,010 M Mature 4 NRPK ,264 F Mature 5 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,210 F Mature 3 NRPK ,770 F Mature 6 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK ,021 F Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,971 F Mature 5 NRPK ,617 F Mature 5 NRPK ,144 F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,081 F Mature 4 NRPK ,195 F Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK F Immature 1 NRPK F Immature 1 NRPK ,134 M Mature 4 NRPK ,153 F Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK M Immature 3 NRPK ,063 F Mature 5 35

46 Appendix 5. Continued. NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK ,000 M Mature 5 NRPK ,113 F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 5 NRPK ,070 F Mature 3 NRPK ,860 F Mature 9 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK ,100 F Mature 5 NRPK ,288 F Mature 4 NRPK ,455 F Mature 5 NRPK ,154 F Mature 5 NRPK ,388 F Mature 8 NRPK M Mature 1 NRPK F Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK ,020 M Mature 4 NRPK ,326 F Mature 4 NRPK ,303 F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK ,000 F Mature 9 NRPK ,650 F Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 5 36

47 Appendix 5. Continued. NRPK ,000 F Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK ,016 F Mature 4 NRPK ,010 F Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 1 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 5 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,260 M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 5 NRPK ,788 F Mature 10 SPSH U Unknown TRPR F Mature 37

48 Appendix 6. Standardized probability density function of walleye catch rate from Gregoire Lake, Alberta, Mean = 11.8 walleye/100 m 2 / 24 h, 95% CI = , n = 18. Standardized probability density Catch rate (walleye/100 m 2 /24 h) 38

49 Appendix 7. Biological data collected from walleye during the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Abbreviations: WALL = walleye, M = male, F = female, U = unidentified. WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 4 WALL M Immature 2 WALL F Immature WALL M Mature 8 WALL ,115 M Mature 10 WALL M Mature 9 WALL ,354 F Mature 11 WALL F Immature 5 WALL ,037 M Mature 9 WALL F Mature 7 WALL M Mature 6 WALL M Mature 4 WALL M Mature 4 WALL F Immature 4 WALL ,004 M Mature 9 WALL ,439 M Mature 17 WALL ,495 F Mature 11 WALL ,154 M Mature 9 WALL ,528 M Mature 11 WALL ,114 M Mature 10 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Immature 3 WALL ,913 F Mature 11 WALL ,412 M Mature 17 WALL ,027 M Mature 9 39

50 Appendix 7. Continued. WALL ,033 M Mature 10 WALL ,006 M Mature 11 WALL M Mature 6 WALL ,045 M Mature 16 WALL M Mature 4 WALL M Mature 7 WALL M Mature 6 WALL M Mature WALL M Mature 6 WALL ,084 M Mature 9 WALL ,200 M Mature 11 WALL ,072 M Mature 9 WALL ,209 M Mature 9 WALL F Mature 5 WALL ,471 F Mature 9 WALL ,390 M Mature 17 WALL M Mature 17 WALL ,091 M Mature 11 WALL ,659 F Mature 9 WALL ,690 M Mature 17 WALL ,965 F Mature 11 WALL M Mature 5 WALL M Mature 10 WALL ,914 M Mature 16 WALL ,534 F Mature 11 WALL ,348 M Mature 17 WALL M Mature 17 WALL U Unknown 0 WALL ,230 M Mature 17 WALL ,690 F Mature 17 40

51 Appendix 7. Continued. WALL F Immature 4 WALL ,090 F Mature 9 WALL ,140 M Mature 17 WALL ,260 M Mature 17 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 4 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Mature 7 WALL M Mature 5 WALL M Mature 6 WALL M Immature 4 WALL M Immature 4 WALL ,238 M Mature 9 WALL F Immature 6 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Immature 4 WALL ,563 F Mature 9 WALL ,346 M Mature 17 WALL ,194 M Mature WALL ,328 M Mature 17 WALL ,851 M Mature 10 WALL ,590 F Mature 9 WALL ,400 M Mature 17 WALL ,060 M Mature 17 WALL ,600 M Mature 16 WALL F Immature 5 WALL F Immature 9 WALL M Mature 5 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Mature 5 41

52 Appendix 7. Continued. WALL ,450 M Mature 17 WALL F Mature 6 WALL ,325 M Mature 17 WALL ,300 F Mature 10 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,050 M Mature 9 WALL M Immature 2 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Immature 2 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Mature 4 WALL M Mature 4 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Immature 3 WALL M Mature 5 WALL M Mature 5 WALL ,550 M Mature 17 WALL ,250 M Mature 17 WALL ,200 M Mature 9 WALL ,250 F Mature 7 WALL ,500 F Mature 7 WALL ,200 M Mature 17 WALL ,600 F Mature 9 WALL ,700 F Mature 9 WALL ,800 M Mature 17 WALL M Immature 3 WALL F Immature 2 WALL ,175 M Mature 16 WALL M Mature 4 42

53 Appendix 7. Continued. WALL M Mature 5 WALL M Immature 4 WALL M Mature 10 WALL F Immature 6 WALL F Immature 4 WALL M Mature 11 WALL F Immature 5 WALL ,050 M Mature 9 WALL M Mature 6 WALL ,475 F Mature 9 WALL ,175 M Mature WALL ,425 F Mature 10 WALL ,225 M Mature 9 WALL ,675 M Mature 11 43

54 Appendix 8. Biological data collected from non target fish species during the survey of Ethel Lake, Alberta, Abbreviations: CISC = cisco, NRPK = northern pike, LKWH = lake whitefish, WHSC = white sucker, YLPR = yellow perch, M = male, F = female, U = unidentified. CISC M Mature CISC M Mature CISC U Unknown CISC F Mature CISC F Mature CISC M Mature CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC U Unknown CISC M Mature CISC ,209 F Mature CISC ,374 F Mature CISC ,260 F Mature CISC M Mature CISC U Immature CISC M Immature CISC M Immature CISC M Immature LKWH ,519 M Mature LKWH ,619 M Mature LKWH ,288 M Mature LKWH ,283 F Mature LKWH ,940 F Mature LKWH ,400 M Mature LKWH ,900 M Mature LKWH ,150 F Mature LKWH M Immature LKWH ,040 F Mature 44

55 Appendix 8. Continued. LKWH ,275 F Mature LKWH ,925 F Mature NRPK ,556 F Mature 6 NRPK ,056 F Mature 4 NRPK F Mature 2 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 2 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK ,220 F Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 4 NRPK ,850 M Mature 8 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK ,558 F Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK F Mature 3 NRPK ,151 F Mature 4 NRPK M Mature 4 NRPK ,206 F Mature 3 NRPK M Mature 3 NRPK ,296 F Mature 6 NRPK ,221 M Mature 6 NRPK M Mature 5 NRPK M Mature 3 45