Biology, Ecology, and Management Of Muskellunge and Northern Pike: New Science To Meet Current and Future Challenges - Part 1

Monday, September 9, 2013: 1:00 PM-5:00 PM
White Oak (The Marriott Little Rock)
Muskellunge and northern pike are top predators and highly sought after game fish in the USA and Canada.  Although numerous muskellunge and northern pike populations are currently thriving, stock depletion or extirpation in many native waters has occurred due to overfishing, habitat alteration, and disease.  Changes in angler attitudes over the last 30 years have shifted most muskellunge fisheries from catch and harvest towards catch and release, alleviating many problems associated with overfishing.  However, harvest of northern pike remains common, and overfishing is a substantial issue for some populations.  These threats combined with climate change, biological invasions, and unevaluated propagation practices are issues that must be addressed in order to sustain healthy muskellunge and northern pike populations, rehabilitate depleted populations, and successfully reintroduce extirpated populations.  This symposium will provide a forum for AFS members and meeting participants to present up-to-date information on the biology, ecology, and management of muskellunge and northern pike.  We welcome presentations relevant to muskellunge and northern pike research and management, and especially encourage presentations that focus on habitat use and restoration, genetics, population reintroductions, foraging ecology, and changes in reproduction, growth, and mortality as related to ecological changes.  At the end of the symposium we will host a directed discussion and open forum with invited expert panelists.  The panel will address questions stemming from the presentations and any issues that were not presented but are important for identifying future muskellunge and northern pike management and research objectives.
Organizers:
Derek Crane , Kevin Kapuscinski , Joel Nohner and Kevin Kapuscinski
Moderators:
Derek Crane and Joel Nohner
Chairs:
Derek Crane , Kevin Kapuscinski and Joel Nohner
1:40 PM
Current Challenges and Threats to Great Lakes Muskellunge and Northern Pike Populations
John M. Farrell, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry

2:20 PM
Are We Losing Northern Pike Habitat in Georgian Bay, Lake Huron
Christopher Biberhofer, McMaster University; Jonathan Midwood, Carleton University; Patricia Chow-Fraser, McMaster University

2:40 PM
3:00 PM
Monday PM Break


3:20 PM
Predictive Modeling of Muskellunge Spawning Habitat in US Waters of the Upper Niagara River
Derek Crane, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry; John M. Farrell, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Kevin Kapuscinski, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry

3:40 PM
Warming Waters: A Comparison of Pike Family Metabolic Responses
Katharine DeVilbiss, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry; John M. Farrell, State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry

4:00 PM
Long-Term Changes in the Diet of Northern Pike in a Changing Environment
Ian Winfield, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Janice M. Fletcher, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; J. Ben James, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

4:20 PM
Muskellunge in Tennessee: A Historical Overview and Recent Research
Lila Warren, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources; Phillip Bettoli, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit; Aaron Cole, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

4:40 PM
See more of: Symposium Proposals