The responses of a perch, Perca fluviatilis L., population to eutrophication and associated changes in fish fauna in a small lake

Abstract

A number of parameters were measured in a population of perch whose numbers had declined steeply in a habitat subjected to increasing eutrophication, and these measurements were compared with those taken before the population decline. Contrary to expectation, no adaptive responses were identified. The growth rate of perch up to the age of III had only declined slightly, and there was a marked preponderance of young fish. Relative growth rate was consistent despite the population decline. No dominant year class was apparent. Mean instantaneous mortality rate and annual survival rate were calculated, and the length‐weight relationship was analysed. Feeding strategy had not altered since an earlier study. A decline was seen in the percentage of perch maturing at early age. Ripeness coefficients and fecundity estimates were calculated. A previously documented spawning migration was confirmed. The absence of the expected adaptive changes is discussed.