Dynamics and Species Interactions in the Commercial Fishery of the Red lakes, Minnesota

Abstract

The Red Lakes, Minnesota, have supported a commercial fishery for walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) since 1917. Since 1972, harvests indicate increased variance in recruitment of percids and an increase in biomass of freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens). We subjected commercial catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) records of walleye, yellow perch, and animal feed (composed primarily of drum) to spectral analysis. Estimated power spectra displayed peaks at 8.5, 10, and 17 yr for walleye, yellow perch, and animal feed, respectively. Walleye and yellow perch CPUE time series were significantly coherent at periods ranging from 5to 10 yr, confirming the predator–prey relationship and common recruitment patterns of these two species. Interpretation of coherency between drum and the two percid species required knowledge of the age distribution of freshwater drum. The apparent exponential increase in drum biomass as indicated by commercial CPUE is primarily due to strong year classes in 1955, 1970, and 1983. While drum recruitment and growth are consistent with the periodicity in the autospectrum, we find little evidence from coherencies that drum recruitment is related to the dynamics of wlleye or perch populations.