Abundance and Production of Young Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Yellow Perch in Two Infertile Michigan Lakes

Abstract

Abundance, growth, mortality, and production were studied for young largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in two infertile Michigan lakes (total alkalinity of 3–10 g/liter). Year-class strength was highly variable. Mean annual survival during the second year was 5 percent for yellow perch, 12 percent for largemouth bass, and 27 percent for smallmouth bass. Mean survival of older juveniles was 69, 40, and 42 percent, respectively. Growth appeared to be positively related to abundance during the first two years of life but negatively related to density thereafter. Yearly production/biomass ratios averaged 2.1 for yellow perch, 1.4 for largemouth bass, and 1.1 for smallmouth bass. Production by young of the year constituted 9.8 to 61.8 percent of the total for the four youngest age groups. Data for adult populations revealed that juveniles made up 36 to 50 percent of the total standing crop and 77 and 84 percent of total production by largemouth and smallmouth bass. Maintenance of constant biomass and production relative to fluctuations in year-class strength implies feedback mechanisms between as well as within age groups.