Seasonal activity and habitat use of a lacustrine population of brook charr, determined using ultrasonic telemetry

In order to properly manage fisheries stocks and habitats, knowledge of fish behavior and habitat use is required.  Although much is known about lacustrine brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations during open water periods, little is known of their under-ice behavior in lakes.  The purpose of this study was to describe seasonal patterns in brook charr activity and habitat use with a focus on the under-ice period.  Seasonal habitat use and movement was monitored in Little Bear Cave Pond, Newfoundland, Canada, from November, 2008 to December, 2009.  Brook charr were internally tagged with pressure and temperature sensing Vemco ultrasonic telemetry tags.  Fish positions were calculated using and array of Vemco VR2W acoustic receivers arranged in an equilateral triangle grid throughout the lake.  The results of these position data were compared with pond limnology, light transmittance, and pond morphometry data to identify seasonal patterns in lacustrine brook charr behavior.