Is Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis) competing with Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) for food resources and habitat in the Jacques-Cartier River?

Due to climate change and associated increases in water temperatures, species distribution ranges are shifting. Fallfish (Semotilus corporalis), Eastern North America’s largest minnow species, are expanding northwards and are now found in new watersheds such as the Jacques-Cartier River located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, Québec, Canada. The impacts of this species on the native fish community are currently not well understood, but Fallfish might compete with native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) for habitat and food resources. Subsequently, we will study the species interactions between Fallfish and Brook Trout in the Jacques-Cartier River. The research activities will include assessments of fish habitat, food consumption, and field metabolic rate, as well as fish surveys. In partnership with the Sépaq, we will also develop a creel survey and work on the valorization of Fallfish. The collected data will contribute to an adaptive fisheries management plan for the Jacques-Cartier River.

Faculty Supervisor:

Eva Enders

Student:

Partner:

Société des établissements de plein air du Québec

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Arts, entertainment and recreation; Management of companies and enterprises; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Université du Québec : Institut national de la recherche scientifique

Program: