Freshwater fish distributions in the central Arctic coastal plain (Topagoruk River to Ikpikpuk River)
Bendock TN and Burr J. 1985. Freshwater fish distributions in the central Arctic coastal plain (Topagoruk River to Ikpikpuk River). Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Sport Fish Division. Fairbanks, AK
(Authors' abstract) 'This report presents information on the distribution of freshwater fish in a 3,000 sq mi section of the central Arctic coastal plain between the Topagoruk and Ikpikpuk Rivers. Gill net surveys were conducted on 33 lakes and 23 stream sites in two stream drainages within the region. Eleven species of freshwater fish were captured in coastal plain streams. Grayling had the widest distribtuion and were found in fice of the seven streams that were surveyed. Following in frequency of occurrence were humpback whitefish, broad whitefish, northern pike and least cisco. Catches of all species were low. Ten species of freshwater fish inhabit lakes within the study area. In the lakes that supported fish, least cisco, broad whitefish and grayling were the most frequently occurring species. Information on lengths, weights and ages of the principal species encountered is presented. The presence of lake trout and resident Arctic char in coastal plain waters extends the previously reported range for these species. Fish distributions between the Topagoruk and Ikpikpuk Rivers are compared to those between the Colville and Ikpikpuk rivers. Species diversity ad abundance in coastal plain lakes are greater east of the Ikpikpuk River than west of the river and the percentage of lakes inhabited by fish is also greater east of the river. Teshekpuk Lake and the Ikpikpuk River have the greatest species diversity in the lakes and streams that were surveyed.'
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Bendock, Terrence; Burr, John
- Date of Issue
- 1985
- Publisher
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Sport Fish Division
- Units
- GAAR
- Keywords
- Abundance, Animal Studies, Aquatic Sciences, Arctic, Arctic Char, Arctic Coastal Plain, Distribution, Fish, Fisheries Management, Freshwater, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve AK, Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve AK\, grayling, Ikpikpuk River, North Slope, Topagoruk River, Whitefish