Synchrony in whitefish stock dynamics: disentangling the effects of local drivers and climate

• DOI: 10.4081/jlimnol.2023.2134
• Publication Date: 2023-06-08T06:46:45Z
• Authors: Fabien Bourinet; Orlane Anneville; Hilaire Drouineau; Chloé Goulon; Jean Guillard; Alexandre Richard
• Keywords: Coregonus

Synchronic variations in abundance populations of the same species are common phenomena encountered various environments, including lakes, and different taxa freshwater fishes. This phenomenon can be caused by similar environmental conditions across physically separated populations. In context ongoing climate change, it is essential to test this hypothesis, identify factors driving synchrony elucidate mechanisms, attempt improve fisheries management. study investigates synchronic European whitefish (Coregonus spp.) five peri-alpine lakes. The hypothesis suggests that shared biotic or abiotic contribute trends landings. Environmental seasonal variables impacting early life stages were analyzed, Euclidean distances between multivariate time series calculated similarities dissimilarities lake parameters. We found regional winter spring temperatures consistent but these did not fully account for landings statistics. Wind intensity, water level zooplankton showed lake-specific patterns could better explain local dynamics. Linear models reveal a coherent correlation with variable all However, distinct relationships four significantly contributing variations. Daphnia spp., primary food source larvae, was main factor correlated fish landing Lake Geneva Bourget. Higher availability spp. may decrease intraspecific competition density-dependent mortality. Neuchâtel, temperature negatively proxies, suggesting warmer winters compromise reproduction success. Annecy saw an increase following substantial reduction fishing efforts during late 2000s. A significant negative efforts. No relationship Aiguebelette, maybe due lack data. conclusion, observed population likely driven combination interacting anthropogenic rather than single variable. Further research more detailed dataset needed understand complex relationships. Cover image: Whitefish (courtesy Rémi Masson)