Winter movements of burbot (Lota lota) during an extreme drawdown in Bull Lake, Wyoming, USA |
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| Authors: | E P Bergersen M F Cook R J Baldes |
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| Institution: | Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit cooperating agencies: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado State University, Colorado State University, Fort Collins;Lander Fish and Wildlife Assistance Office, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Lander, Wyoming, USA |
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| Abstract: | Winter movements of burbot (Lota lota) were monitored in Bull Lake, Wyoming during a record low water storage period in the winter of 1985–1986. Burbot with surgically implanted ultrasonic transmitters were commonly sedentary during the drawdown. The fish that did move were most active during dusk and at night in winter and during the day in spring. Burbot did not appear to occupy well defined home ranges or show discernible movement patterns. Movement into shallow water during winter was attributed to colder water temperatures and the onset of the spawning season. Burbot were always found associated with silt substrates during the drawdown. Aerial photographs of the exposed bottom revealed that virtually all suitable spawning and nursery habitat for burbot was eliminated by the 13.4-m drawdown. |
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| Keywords: | burbot telemetry movement drawdown habitat loss spawning |
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