Relating Al concentrations in GRSM streams with accumulation of Al in fish otoliths to enhance management of brook trout in streams impacted by acid deposition
Connolly MH. 2012. Relating Al concentrations in GRSM streams with accumulation of Al in fish otoliths to enhance management of brook trout in streams impacted by acid deposition. National Park Service. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Our study indicates that young trout living at high elevations in the Park are particularly susceptible to the physiological and morphological affects of acid deposition. Fish found at high elevation showed reduced growth relative to their counterparts at lower elevations within Walker Camp Prong (Figure 4). A subset of these fish also developed abnormal otoliths (Figure 9). Laboratory studies indicate that fish are more susceptible to the toxic effects of aluminum during early life history stages. In particular, Al exposure has been shown to reduce growth and survivorship among Brook Trout larvae (Baker and Schofield), and interfere with parr-smolt transformation in Atlantic salmon (Monette et al., 2008). Therefore is it likely that very early trout stages are also affected in streams throughout the Park. Future work is needed to determine whether embryonic and/or larval Al exposures are linked to fish declines and extirpations among GRSM streams.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Connolly, Michelle
- Date of Issue
- 2012
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- Acid Deposition, Aluminum, Brook Trout, fish otoliths, GRSM-01074, headwater streams, Salvelinus fontinalis, stream acidification
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Fishes