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Maturation, growth and fecundity of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), life-history variants co-existing in lake systems of Southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada

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Abstract

Two life-history variants of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), anadromous and lake-resident, have been previously identified in lakes of Southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. In accordance with classical life-history theory, it is hypothesised that anadromous charr will delay maturation in both size and age, and have increased fecundity (per spawning event) in comparison with lake-resident charr. Sagittal otoliths and biological data were collected for both life-history variants within the three studied lakes: Iqalugaarjuit, Qasigiat and Qinngu. Sagittal otoliths were embedded in epoxy resin, cross-sectioned for age determination, and imaged for back-calculation (size and age). Back-calculated data in each lake were fit to von Bertalanffy growth models for each life-history variant and compared via analysis of residual sums of squares. Anadromous charr had greater mean size at maturity and experienced a delay in mean age at maturity in comparison with lake-residents. The relationship between size and fecundity or egg diameter did not differ between the two life-history variants. Growth models indicate that the overall growth coefficients of lake-resident and anadromous charr were different in all three studied lakes. The Brody growth coefficient for all lake-resident charr populations was greater than anadromous individuals indicating that maximum length was reached at a rapid rate, resulting in a smaller asymptotic length. Indirect evidence suggests that anadromous and lake-resident charr belong to one reproductive population. Future genetic analysis is necessary to further determine the degree of divergence between the life-history variants.

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Acknowledgements

This research was done in coordination with Fisheries and Oceans Canada stock assessment surveys of Arctic charr on Baffin Island. The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Government of Nunavut (Fisheries and Sealing Sector), Baffin Fisheries Coalition, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Nunavut Implementation Funds provided financial support for the study. Pangnirtung Fisheries Limited, Mayukalik Hunters and Trappers Organisation and Pangnirtung Hunters and Trappers Organisation provided logistic support and/or traditional knowledge that greatly aided in the advancement of our research. Thanks to all the Pangnirtung and Kimmirut community members who participated in field data collection over several years of data collection. Thank you to Jim Reist for his reviews of this article prior to publication. In memory of Davidee Evic, a fisherman who was great help in the collection of Arctic charr data in Cumberland Sound. Thanks to the two anonymous reviewers whose comments helped to substantially improve this article.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6, Canada

    Tracey N. Loewen & Ross F. Tallman

  2. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Z320, Duff Roblin Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada

    Tracey N. Loewen & Darren Gillis

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  1. Tracey N. Loewen
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  2. Darren Gillis
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  3. Ross F. Tallman
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Correspondence to Tracey N. Loewen.

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Guest editors: C. Adams, E. Brännas, B. Dempson, R. Knudsen, I. McCarthy, M. Power, I. Winfield / Developments in the Biology, Ecology and Evolution of Charr

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Loewen, T.N., Gillis, D. & Tallman, R.F. Maturation, growth and fecundity of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), life-history variants co-existing in lake systems of Southern Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. Hydrobiologia 650, 193–202 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-010-0242-7

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