Lait L., Watkinson D., Gharamah A. A., Hanington P.C. and M.S. Poesch. (In Press) Population structure of Plains Sucker Pantosteus jordani (Evermann 1893) in Canada. PLOS One.

Abstract:

Freshwater fishes are declining globally due to habitat loss, climate change, and other anthropogenic pressures. The Plains Sucker (Pantosteus jordani), recently recognised as a distinct species due to genetic and biogeographical factors, occurs east of the Rocky Mountains in Canada and the northern United States. Canadian populations are divided into the Missouri Basin and the Saskatchewan–Nelson Basin, but their genetic structure remains poorly understood. To assess population differentiation and connectivity, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (7,770 bp) and eight microsatellite markers from 371 individuals across 21 sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan (Canada); and Montana (USA). Mitochondrial analyses revealed high haplotype diversity with significant regional clustering, particularly in the Frenchman River population, which was strongly differentiated from all other sites. Microsatellite analyses further supported basin-level structuring, with clear genetic separation between the Missouri and Saskatchewan–Nelson basins and strong differentiation among Missouri tributaries. In contrast, Saskatchewan–Nelson populations showed little genetic differentiation, consistent with recent or ongoing connectivity. The Frenchman River exhibited reduced genetic diversity, suggesting a history of drought-driven isolation and potential population bottlenecks. Together, these results highlight the influence of both historical colonization and contemporary fragmentation on the genetic structure of P. jordani. The Missouri Basin populations, with their restricted distributions and lower genetic diversity, may be particularly vulnerable to climate change and anthropogenic barriers, while Saskatchewan–Nelson populations appear more resilient but face ongoing threats from habitat alteration and pollution. By identifying distinct population units, this study provides critical insights for conservation planning and management of P. jordani.

Citation: Lait L., Watkinson D., Gharamah A. A., Hanington P.C. and M.S. Poesch. (In Press) Population structure of Plains Sucker Pantosteus jordani (Evermann 1893) in Canada. PLOS One.

Also Read:

Castaneda, R.A., Ackerman, J.D., Chapman, L.J., Cooke, S.J., Cuddington, K., Dextrase, A., Jackson, D.A., Koops, M.A., Krkosek, M., Loftus, K., Mandrak, N.E., Martel, A.L., Molnar, P., Morris, T.J., Pitcher, T.E., Poesch, M.S., Power, M., Pratt, T.C., Reid, S.M., Rodriguez, M.A., Rosenfeld, J., Wilson, C., Zanatta, D.T. and D.A.R. Drake. (2021) Approaches and research needs for advancing the protection and recovery of imperilled freshwater fishes and mussels in Canada. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 78 (9): 1356-1370.

*Lab members: Linda Lait and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

MacLeod, T. (2023) Assessing the station holding ability of three benthic fishes exposes to flow augmentation: implications for species at risk.

Thesis Title: Assessing the station holding ability of three benthic fishes exposes to flow augmentation: implications for species at risk.

Author: Taylor (Macs) MacLeod

Abstract

Flow augmentation forces Plains Sucker in the Milk River to adopt more efficient station holding mechanisms, which must be energetically costly as they are not maintained year-round. The station holding ability of Milk River Plains Sucker was measured using a Brett-style swim tunnel respirometer, and the results were compared to other catostomid species in the Milk River and to Plains Sucker caught in water bodies that remain unmodified year-round. Milk River Plains Sucker maintained a significantly higher estimated marginal mean failure velocity (p < 0.0001) during augmentation (June-July) compared to natural flows (September-October). Catostomids in Milk River exhibited varying degrees of response; from no change in response to augmentation (Longnose Sucker, p = 0.5) to a significant shift (Plains Sucker and White Sucker p =
0.0001). Plains Sucker from unmodified water bodies demonstrated at most a minor change in performance between sampling periods (Battle Creek, p = 0.041; Caton Creek p = 0.068). The substantial energetic input into station holding may result in life history trade-offs impacting the populations’ continued existence in this part of its native range.

Poesch, M.S., Chavarie, L., Chu, C., Pandit, S.N.*, and W. Tonn. (2016) Climate change impacts on freshwater fishes: A Canadian perspective. Fisheries 41(7): 385-391.

Abstract:

Current and projected patterns of global climate change are a major concern to freshwater fisheries in Canada. The magnitude of the impacts of climate change vary among species and ecoregions. The latest climate change scenario projections for Canada suggest that by 2050 temperatures will increase between about 4.9°C ± 1.7°C (average mean ± standard deviation) and 6.6°C ± 2.3°C under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 emission scenarios, respectively. These changes will have an important influence on the physiology, distribution, and survival of freshwater fishes, as well as other ecological processes in direct, indirect, and complex ways. Here we provide a perspective from the Canadian Aquatic Resources Section on the impacts of climate change to freshwater fishes. Given the geographic size and diversity of landscapes within Canada, we have divided our perspective into three regions: eastern, western, and northern Canada. We outline the impacts of climate change to these regions and outline challenges for fisheries managers. Because climate change does not operate in isolation of other environmental threats, nor does it impact species in isolation, we suggest improved inter jurisdictional integration and the use of an adaptive and ecosystem-based approach to management of these threats.

Citation: Poesch, M.S., Chavarie, L., Chu, C., Pandit, S.N.*, and W. Tonn. (2016) Climate change impacts on freshwater fishes: A Canadian perspective. Fisheries 41(7): 385-391.

List of species that have potential to extend their range and/or abundance northward into the Arctic, with some biological characteristics related to expansion of their existing ranges.

Also Read:

Theis, S.* Castellanos D.A., Hamann A. and M.S. Poesch. (2022) Exploring the potential role of habitat banks in preserving freshwater biodiversity and imperiled species in the United States. Biological Conservation 273: 109700.

*Lab members: Shubha Pandit, Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!