Tag Archives: SARA

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.

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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!

Veillard, M., Watkinson, D. and M. S. Poesch. (2026). Biotic and abiotic factors and their interaction influence the seasonal movement patterns of a dispersal limited benthic species. Environmental Biology of Fishes 109:86.

Abstract:

Dispersal is an important mechanism linked with population viability. Increases in species-specific dispersal allow for improved connectivity between habitat patches and populations. Here, we seek to understand the role of both biotic and abiotic factors, and their interactions, in influencing the movement of the recently identified and federally threatened Rocky Mountain sculpin (Cottus sp.). We conducted a mark-recapture study in a 400 m reach of Lee Creek in Alberta, Canada, using passive integrated transponder and visible implant elastomer tags across approximately 4 months. Boosted regression tree models were used to assess the movement of (1) all recaptured individuals (global model) and (2) only mobile individuals (movement only model) in response to abiotic and biotic factors. Biotic factors, such as congeners at the destination (8.7%), congeners at the origin (8.0%), and competitors at the origin (7.2%) were the most important variables for predicting movement in the global model. Alternatively, cobble (18.7%) followed by biotic factors including congeners at the origin (9.6%) and competitors at the origin (9.1%) were the most important variables selected in the movement only model. Biotic and abiotic factors showed strong interactions, providing a clear example of the importance of competition in the understanding of movement. Although the vast majority of restoration activities for endangered species are aimed at abiotic (i.e. habitat-related) factors, this study shows how these may be limited without considering biotic interactions, such as the role of inter- and intraspecific competition.

Citation: Veillard, M., Watkinson, D. and M. S. Poesch. (2026). Biotic and abiotic factors and their interaction influence the seasonal movement patterns of a dispersal limited benthic species. Environmental Biology of Fishes 109:86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-026-01841-9

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Medinski, N.A.*, Maitland, B.M.*, Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

*Lab members: Marie Veillard and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Pallard J., Jardine, T. and M. S. Poesch. (2026) Resource use by threaten Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the presence of two non-native salmonids. Journal of Fish Biology 1-13.

Abstract

  1. Introduction of non-native species contributes to the global decline of freshwater fishes by disrupting the diet and resources of native species through competition. Despite potential for non-native trout (Family: Salmonidae) to compete with native trout, non-native trout species have been widely introduced worldwide to support recreational fishing.
  2. In this study, we examined resource use by native Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus), a Threatened species, and non-native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in headwater streams in Alberta, Canada. Our objective was to investigate potential for competition and its implications for Bull Trout populations. To assess changes in diet, we used stable isotope analysis.
  3. Brook Trout and Brown Trout had higher trophic positions (3.49 ± 0.02 and 3.53 ± 0.02) and greater proportions of terrestrial resources in their diets (0.53 ± 0.02, 0.54 ± 0.03) than Bull Trout (TP = 3.38 ± 0.02, proportion terrestrial = 0.36 ± 0.02) suggesting the non-native species may outcompete Bull Trout for preferred resources and larger prey. Moreover, a relatively wide isotopic niche of Bull Trout led to a lack of niche partitioning and substantial overlap in niche utilization between sympatric Brook Trout and Bull Trout, supporting the potential for future niche displacement, particularly in scenarios where resources are scarce.
  4. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing the invasion of non-native salmonids in streams where native salmonid populations exist, and the challenges in understanding multi-species interactions in dynamic habitats. It highlights the need for effective fisheries management and conservation efforts in regions where native freshwater fishes are facing population declines.

Citation: Pallard J., Jardine, T. and M.S. Poesch. (2026) Resource use by threaten Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the presence of two non-native salmonids. Journal of Fish Biology 1-13. DOI: https://doi/10.1111/jfb.70578

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Medinski, N.A.*, Maitland, B.M.*, Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

*Lab members: Jacquie Pallard and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Tierney K. B., Smith J., Veillard M., Steffler M. V. and M. S. Poesch. (2025). Subpopulations of an imperilled freshwater fish shows behavioral adaptation that informs survival in the Anthropocene. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 82:1-10.

Abstract:

Freshwater fishes are amongst the most threatened group of animals. Changes in river flows are an important driver in this. To gauge the ability of a common freshwater fish to respond to altered flows, we examined how sculpins from rivers with different flow regimes behaviourally responded to increasing water speeds. We chose the imperiled Rocky Mountain Sculpin, since within their restricted geographic distribution, there are endemic subpopulations that inhabit rivers with high and low flow volumes, and an introduced subpopulation that inhabits a river with moderate flow volume. Sculpins were collected from these rivers, acclimated to laboratory conditions, and their swimming behaviour was observed in a three-chambered flume. Swimming activity did not differ between the subpopulations, but stream place preference did: sculpins from high flow volume preferred upstream, while sculpins from moderate flow volume preferred downstream, and sculpins from low flow volume were indifferent. An exploratory phenotype was present in each subpopulation. This study suggests that altered river flows may change upstream and downstream place preference, which in turn could affect species distributions and interactions.

Citation: Tierney K. B., Smith J., Veillard M., Steffler M. V. and M. S. Poesch. (2025). Subpopulations of an imperilled freshwater fish shows behavioral adaptation that informs survival in the Anthropocene. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 82:1-10.

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Medinski, N.A.*, Maitland, B.M.*, Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

*Lab members: Marie Veillard and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Pallard J. and M. S. Poesch. (2025) Factors affecting Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) abundance and potential displacement by non-native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in headwater streams. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 35(9): e70227.

Abstract

The invasion of non-native fish species poses a major threat to native salmonids in freshwater ecosystems. We investigated the potential displacement of threatened Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) by non-native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in 44 headwater streams across Alberta, Canada. Using electrofishing surveys and a combination of single- and multi-species N-mixture models, we examined how fish abundance responds to instream habitat characteristics, landscape features, and species interactions, while accounting for imperfect detection. Results revealed that reduced Bull Trout abundance was correlated with the abundance of Brook Trout in cold streams (mean August temperature <11°C) that lack habitat complexity, particularly where large woody debris and heterogeneous channel features are limited. Conversely, Brown Trout were associated with reduced Bull Trout abundance in larger, lower-elevation systems, likely due to competitive dominance in deeper and slower habitats. These findings highlight that temperature alone likely does not dictate displacement risk; and that habitat structure and species-specific traits also play critical roles. Management strategies should prioritize the protection of cold, structurally complex streams and consider targeted removals or exclusion strategies to limit further invasion. Habitat restoration and assisted colonization to suitable, non-invaded refugia may further enhance Bull Trout conservation under ongoing climate and land-use change.

Citation: Pallard J. and M. S. Poesch. (2025) Factors affecting Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) abundance and potential displacement by non-native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in headwater streams. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 35(9): e70227. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.70227.

Also Read:

Medinski, N.A.*, Maitland, B.M.*, Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

*Lab members: Jacquie Pallard and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Theis, S.*  Castellanos D.A., Hamann A. and M.S. Poesch. (2023) Small-bodied fish species from western United States will be under severe water stress by 2040. Conservation Science and Practice: e12856.

Abstract:

Human need to appropriate freshwater in combination with climate change has intensified the rapid decline in freshwater biodiversity. Based onUsing census data, threat assessments, life history traits, as well as projections for anticipated water stress, we carried out a risk assessment for 216 currently imperiled freshwater species in the United States. , the The results suggest that Southwestern, and the Rocky Mountains, regions willwere predicted to experience the highest increase in future water stress for 2040 in 41 minor watersheds. Resident-small species in the Southwest, found in single locations (21.6%) or on local level highly localized (62.2%), were listed as endangered (n = 37) and are predicted to experience severe water stress increases by Endangered species in the Rocky Mountains (n = 9), were found on a single basins or local level had localized distributions (33.3%), and had exhibiting predominantly potamodromous  behaviour (66.7%). Furthermore, many endangered species in key regions lack life-history data (41%). Our results highlight predict patterns of imperilment associated with life history traits and distributions, but that were unrelated to overall fish biodiversity or biodiversity hotspots. that assessing species using The research therefore highlights that biodiversity as an indicators may not be useful to prioritize conservation efforts for identifying future impacts to imperiled species, since many regions undergoing high water stress did not coincide with biodiversity hotspots. Keywords: Climate Change; Water Stress; Biodiversity; Preservation.

Citation: Theis S., Castellanos-Acuna D., Hamman A. and M. S. Poesch. (2023) Small-bodied fish species from western United States will be under severe water stress by 2040. Conservation Science and Practice: e12856.

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Miller, M., Stevens, C. and M. S. Poesch. (In Press). Effectiveness of Spawning Substrate Enhancement for Adfluvial Fish in a Regulated Sub-Arctic River. River Research and Applications.

*Lab members: Sebastian Theis and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Medinski, N.A.*, Maitland, B.M.*, Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

Abstract:

Freshwater biodiversity is declining from impacts associated with anthropogenic stressors. Here, we use carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes to assess food web effects following a coal mine spill that displaced biota and altered biophysical stream characteristics. We compared isotopic niche metrics of benthic macroinvertebrates and the fish community, including non-native brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and endangered Athabasca rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), to infer spatial differences in site-specific resource use along a habitat disturbance gradient. Predatory benthic macroinvertebrate trophic position was elevated where impacts from the spill were most pronounced. Autochthonous carbon contribution to consumer diets was lowest in biota sampled at the most highly impacted site from the mine spill, leading to an unexpected expansion of the isotopic niche size of rainbow trout and the aquatic invertebrate community. Collectively, our results suggest spatial variation in trophic resource assimilation across multiple levels of the food web, fuelled by the allochthonous energy pathway in highly impacted study sites. We conclude this reflects a biotic response to altered basal aquatic resources following a major industrial disturbance.

Citation: Medinski, N.A., Maitland, B.M., Jardine, T.D., Drake, D.A.R. and M.S. Poesch (2022) A catastrophic coal mine spill in the Athabasca River watershed induces isotopic niche shifts in stream biota including an endangered rainbow trout ecotype. Canadian Journal for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 79(8): 1321-1334.

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Nelson-Chorney, H.*, Carli, C.M., Davis, C.S., Vinebrooke, R.D., Poesch, M.S., and M.K. Taylor (2019) Environmental DNA in lake sediment reveals biogeography of native genetic diversity. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 17: 313-318.

*Lab members: Nathan Medinski, Bryan Maitland, Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Pereyra, P.E.R, Hallwas, G., Poesch, M.S. and R. Silvano (2021) ‘Taking fishers’ knowledge to the lab’: an interdisciplinary approach to understand fish trophic relationships in the Brazilian Amazon. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9: 723026.

Abstract:

Trophic levels can be applied to describe the ecological role of organisms in food webs and assess changes in ecosystems. Stable isotopes analysis can assist in the understanding of trophic interactions and use of food resources by aquatic organisms. The local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers can be an alternative to advance understanding about fish trophic interactions and to construct aquatic food webs, especially in regions lacking research capacity. The objectives of this study are: to calculate the trophic levels of six fish species important to fishing by combining data from stable isotopes analysis and fishers’ LEK in two clear water rivers (Tapajós and Tocantins) in the Brazilian Amazon; to compare the trophic levels of these fish between the two methods (stable isotopes analysis and LEK) and the two rivers; and to develop diagrams representing the trophic webs of the main fish prey and predators based on fisher’s LEK. The fish species studied were Pescada (Plagioscion squamosissimus), Tucunaré (Cichla pinima), Piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus), Aracu (Leporinus fasciatus), Charuto (Hemiodus unimaculatus) and Jaraqui (Semaprochilodus spp.). A total of 98 interviews and 63 samples for stable isotopes analysis were carried out in both rivers. The average fish trophic levels did not differ between the stable isotopes analysis and the LEK in the Tapajós, nor in the Tocantins Rivers. The overall trophic level of the studied fish species obtained through the LEK did not differ from data obtained through the stable isotopes analysis in both rivers, except for the Aracu in the Tapajós River. The main food items consumed by the fish according to fishers’ LEK did agree with fish diets as described in the biological literature. Fishers provided useful information on fish predators and feeding habits of endangered species, such as river dolphin and river otter. Collaboration with fishers through LEK studies can be a viable approach to produce reliable data on fish trophic ecology to improve fisheries management and species conservation in tropical freshwater environments and other regions with data limitations.

Citation: Pereyra, P.E.R, Hallwas, G., Poesch, M.S. and R. Silvano (2021) ‘Taking fishers’ knowledge to the lab’: an interdisciplinary approach to understand fish trophic relationships in the Brazilian Amazon. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 9: 723026.

Also Read:

Dutra, M.C.F., Pereyra, P.E.R., Hallwass, G., Poesch, M.S. and R.A.M. Silvano. (2023). Fishers’ knowledge on trophic ecology and of the tropical ‘super fish’ Plagioscion squamosissimus in two Brazilian Amazonian rivers. Neotropical Ichthyology 21(1): e220041.

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

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.

Abstract:

Effective conservation requires that species recovery measures are informed by rigorous scientific research. For imperilled freshwater fishes and mussels in Canada, numerous research gaps exist, in part owing to the need for specialized research methods. The Canadian Freshwater Species at Risk Research Network (SARNET) was formed, and identified or implemented approaches to address current research gaps, including: 1) captive experimental research populations; 2) non-lethal methods for estimating abundance and distribution; 3) non-lethal field methods to measure life-history parameters; 4) species distribution models informed by co-occurring species; 5) integration of conservation physiology into habitat and threat science; 6) evidence syntheses to evaluate threats and recovery strategies; 7) disease-transmission models to understand mussel-host relationships; 8) experimental mesocosms and manipulative experiments to evaluate key habitat stressors; 9) threat and hazard models for predictive applications; and, 10) rigorous evaluation of surrogate species. Over a dozen threat and recovery-focused SARNET-research applications are summarized, demonstrating the value of a coordinated research program between academics and government to advance scientific research on, and to support the recovery of, imperilled freshwater species.

Citation: 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.

Also Read:

Theis, S.*  Castellanos D.A., Hamann A. and M.S. Poesch. (2023) Small-bodied fish species from western United States will be under severe water stress by 2040. Conservation Science and Practice: e12856.

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

Banting, A.*, Vinebrooke, R., Taylor, M., Carli, C. and M.S. Poesch. (2021) Impacts of a regionally-native predator on littoral macrobenthos in fishless mountain lakes: implications for assisted colonization. Conservation Science and Practice 3(2): e344.

Abstract:

The intentional introduction of native cold-water trout into high elevation fishless lakes has been considered as a tool for building resilience to climate change (i.e. “assisted colonization”). However, ecological impacts on recipient communities are understudied. Our purpose was to inform native trout recovery by assessing potential consequences of translocating a regionally-native trout (Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii) into fishless mountain lakes. We compared littoral benthic invertebrate richness, diversity, community structure, and density between three groups of lakes (native trout, nonnative trout, and fishless) in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. While richness and diversity was conserved across all lake groups, other lines of evidence suggested introducing native Westslope Cutthroat Trout into fishless lakes can alter littoral benthic invertebrate communities in similar ways as nonnative Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). The community structure of  Cutthroat Trout lakes resembled Brook Trout lakes in comparison to fishless lakes. For example, both trout lake groups contained lower density of free-swimming ameletid mayflies and a higher density of some burrowing taxa. Considering the alteration certain aquatic invertebrates can cause cascading trophic effects, we suggest risk assessments consider a broad range of taxa to mitigate risk of collateral damage from trout recovery actions.

Citation: Banting, A., Vinebrooke, R., Taylor, M., Carli, C. and M.S. Poesch. (2021) Impacts of a regionally-native predator on littoral macrobenthos in fishless mountain lakes: implications for assisted colonization. Conservation Science and Practice 3(2): e344.

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: Allison Banting and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!