Behavioural and physiological response of overwintering brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) to instream flow manipulations from the Canadian Rocky Mountains

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Date
2008
Authors
Krimmer, Alison
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2008
Abstract
As anthropogenic demands on water resources intensify instream flow needs are becoming an increasingly important area of study, particularly over winter months during which time little is known about the behaviour and physiology of fishes. This thesis addresses the implications of water withdrawal from a small in situ stream on brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) during the winter of 2007 and 2008 in the Rocky Mountains. Water was withdrawn from one of two stream enclosures reducing the discharge by 50% and 75%, for 4hrs daily. Behaviour was monitored using radio transmitters that were externally attached to the small trout. Changes in physiology were monitored by measuring stress hormone levels and by measuring predicted body composition parameters using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Trout reacted to water withdrawal by being more active, but this change in behaviour did not elicit detectable changes in physiology.
Description
x, 129 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Brook trout -- Alberta -- Research , Brook trout -- Effect of stress on -- Alberta , Brook trout -- Physiology , Brook trout -- Behavior , Streamflow -- Alberta , Stream measurements -- Alberta
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