Autumn Migration and Overwintering of Arctic Grayling in Coastal Streams of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Abstract

Abstract During 1984 and 1985, 67 adult Arctic grayling Thymallus arcticus with surgically implanted radio transmitters were released at their summer feeding areas in three river systems of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska. We tracked the fish from aircraft to determine patterns of autumn migration to overwintering locations. During August or September in each area, fish left the small tundra streams where they were tagged and migrated into larger streams. Migration rates peaked at 5–6 km/d about 1 September and averaged 1 km/d. Fish in two river systems moved into adjacent rivers after passage through estuarine waters. Migration distances from spawning or summer feeding areas to overwintering sites were as great as 101 km. Potential overwintering areas determined from transmitter relocations included deep pools, spring-fed areas, and lakes. Management problems associated with these extensive seasonal migrations may include the maintenance of the species migratory circuit in a region that may f...