September 25, 2017 at 1:51 pm
[caption id="attachment_2475" align="alignright" width="608"]
A brook trout with a surgically implanted radio tag.[/caption]
By IFW Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost
Brook trout and lake trout (togue) at Eagle Lake, in Aroostook County, will be the subjects of an intensive study this fall as fisheries biologists with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife initiate a long term study on these native fish species.
Eagle Lake is the third largest lake of the Fish River Chain and is immensely important to the region. The lake is actively fished by the residents of the nearby towns of Eagle Lake, Wallagrass, and Fort Kent, but is also frequented by anglers from all over Aroostook as well the rest of Maine and New England.
Best known for large togue, Eagle Lake also supports a large population of lake-dwelling brook trout, landlocked salmon, cusk, and smelt. All of these species are highly sought by anglers, making Eagle one of the most diversified fisheries in northern Maine.
[caption id="attachment_2477" align="alignleft" width="377"]
The fish are anesthetized, and then biologists cut a small incision in order to place the radio tag transmitter in place.[/caption]
Radio telemetry is a commonly employed tool utilized by fisheries biologists in Maine. In northern Maine, we’ve utilized it on the Fish River, Scopan Stream, Munsungan Lake, and Big Reed Pond, all of which provided in-depth knowledge of fish movements and spawning habitat use, which allows us to better protect and enhance these fisheries. The next study will focus on lake dwelling brook and lake trout at Eagle Lake.
Beginning in late September, trapnets will be set in three locations around the lake where in years past we have effectively captured fish. When the proper-sized brook trout and lake trout are captured, the fish will be anesthetized for a few moments while a radio tag is surgically implanted into their body cavity. The fish will then be revived, released back into the lake, and monitored closely for a period of 24 hours or so. Thereafter, we will monitor periodically to locate each fish, documenting their movements over the next two years. If you happen to catch and keep a tagged fish, please let us know at 207-435-3231.
[caption id="attachment_2476" align="alignright" width="512"]
Biologists use sutures to close the incision and keep the transmitting tag in place.[/caption]
We will be focusing intensive effort during October-November in 2017 and 2018 to locate spawning congregations for both species. Knowing where fish spawn is very important when conserving and managing our wild, native fishes. It allows us to actively monitor the population, and in some instances, protect spawning areas. We can also determine how well each species survives the rigors of spawning (commonly called post-spawning mortality). Also of interest is how many are caught and kept by anglers, which will allow us to calculate an “exploitation rate”. In all, we’ll gain valuable insight into how brook trout and lake trout carry out their life cycle at Eagle Lake and to explore how fishing influences these populations.
Utilizing science and balancing that with angler’s desires results in a balanced approach to the management of these important resources for future generations.
[caption id="attachment_2478" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
A radio transmitting tag is pictured alongside a lake trout.[/caption]
A brook trout with a surgically implanted radio tag.[/caption]
By IFW Fisheries Biologist Frank Frost
Brook trout and lake trout (togue) at Eagle Lake, in Aroostook County, will be the subjects of an intensive study this fall as fisheries biologists with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife initiate a long term study on these native fish species.
Eagle Lake is the third largest lake of the Fish River Chain and is immensely important to the region. The lake is actively fished by the residents of the nearby towns of Eagle Lake, Wallagrass, and Fort Kent, but is also frequented by anglers from all over Aroostook as well the rest of Maine and New England.
Best known for large togue, Eagle Lake also supports a large population of lake-dwelling brook trout, landlocked salmon, cusk, and smelt. All of these species are highly sought by anglers, making Eagle one of the most diversified fisheries in northern Maine.
[caption id="attachment_2477" align="alignleft" width="377"] The fish are anesthetized, and then biologists cut a small incision in order to place the radio tag transmitter in place.[/caption]
Radio telemetry is a commonly employed tool utilized by fisheries biologists in Maine. In northern Maine, we’ve utilized it on the Fish River, Scopan Stream, Munsungan Lake, and Big Reed Pond, all of which provided in-depth knowledge of fish movements and spawning habitat use, which allows us to better protect and enhance these fisheries. The next study will focus on lake dwelling brook and lake trout at Eagle Lake.
Beginning in late September, trapnets will be set in three locations around the lake where in years past we have effectively captured fish. When the proper-sized brook trout and lake trout are captured, the fish will be anesthetized for a few moments while a radio tag is surgically implanted into their body cavity. The fish will then be revived, released back into the lake, and monitored closely for a period of 24 hours or so. Thereafter, we will monitor periodically to locate each fish, documenting their movements over the next two years. If you happen to catch and keep a tagged fish, please let us know at 207-435-3231.
[caption id="attachment_2476" align="alignright" width="512"] Biologists use sutures to close the incision and keep the transmitting tag in place.[/caption]
We will be focusing intensive effort during October-November in 2017 and 2018 to locate spawning congregations for both species. Knowing where fish spawn is very important when conserving and managing our wild, native fishes. It allows us to actively monitor the population, and in some instances, protect spawning areas. We can also determine how well each species survives the rigors of spawning (commonly called post-spawning mortality). Also of interest is how many are caught and kept by anglers, which will allow us to calculate an “exploitation rate”. In all, we’ll gain valuable insight into how brook trout and lake trout carry out their life cycle at Eagle Lake and to explore how fishing influences these populations.
Utilizing science and balancing that with angler’s desires results in a balanced approach to the management of these important resources for future generations.
[caption id="attachment_2478" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A radio transmitting tag is pictured alongside a lake trout.[/caption]Categories