Tiger muskellunge predation on stocked salmonids intended for recreational fisheries

Abstract

Hatchery-reared fish are stocked widely to enhance recreational fisheries but are often consumed by predators. Stable isotope analyses were used to evaluate tiger muskellunge (northern pike [Esox lucius] × muskellunge [E. masquinongy]) predation on stocked salmonids (Oncorhynchus) relative to naturally reproducing white suckers (Catostomus commersonii), in 5 Colorado reservoirs. Stable isotope analyses coupled with a mixing model using a Bayesian framework indicated that tiger muskellunge primarily consumed stocked salmonids (53–84% by mass). These results suggest that stocking salmonids into systems that contain tiger muskellunge (and potentially other predators) may result in losses of valuable stocked fish. Further, the use of tiger muskellunge or other piscivores as biological control of less desirable species to benefit sympatric salmonid populations may be counterproductive to management goals. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential for managers to use this framework as a tool to identify and evaluate unintended losses of fishes to piscivores in other systems.