Kamchatka River Research Articles

Phylogeography of Asian sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) based on analysis of mtDNA control region polymorphism

Analysis of the contemporary geographic distributions of mtDNA haplotypic diversity of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka Walbaum) on the Asian part of its range and consideration of possible scenarios for microevolution of the species were performed. In total, 172 specimens of sockeye salmon from different rivers of Kamchatka, Chukotka, north coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, and from the Kuril Islands were analyzed using the entire mtDNA control region (1,010 bp) sequencing. After multiple alignments of the sequences 16 polymorphic sites were identified. Most of substitutions were detected in the first and the last thirds of the D-loop sequence, as well as one insertion was registered in the poly-T region. Two mass haplotypes (Hap_1_10T and Hap_2_13T) were revealed; they were present in most samples and differed by three substitutions and two indels. All the sequence variants were distributed among two haplogroups in compliance with the mass haplotypes. The star-shaped topology of the MST-tree points to a rapid increase in the diversity of groups, indicating a rapid expansion of the species after its number reducing in the past. The diversity of the first haplogroup was higher, but its main fraction fell on the samples from the middle reach of Kamchatka River, which seems to be a refugium during the Late Pleistocene glaciation. Presence of both haplogroups in most populations in approximately equal proportions indicates that the entire Asian part of the sockeye salmon range is a zone of secondary contact. We hypothesize that Hap_2_13T had more ancient origin and the Hap_1_10T was formed somewhat later, apparently in Asia, because almost all transitional forms between the haplogroups were found in Iturup Island populations.

Skull Morphology Variation as Related to Trophic Specialization in Three Forms of Salvelinus malma (Salmonidae) from the Kamchatka River Basin.

New data on the correlation between morphology and trophic specialization of three riverine charr forms from the Kamchatka River basin (stone charr, white charr, and Dolly Varden) are presented. The paper analyzes the food preferences of the fishes according to their stomach contents and retrospectively assesses their nutrition according to the ratio of stable nitrogen isotopes. The three charr forms are compared in terms of the head shape and structure of the cartilaginous skull for the first time. The correlation between the type of their nutrition and structural features of their skull is shown. Both general and specific adaptive features of the morphology of piscivorous stone and white charrs are revealed in comparison with benthivorous Dolly Varden.

Evidence for divergence between sympatric stone charr and Dolly Varden along unique environmental gradients in Kamchatka

Here, we describe the biological and ecological differences between partially anadromous Dolly Varden and riverine stone charr distributed in the Kamchatka River middle course. Endemic stone charr, being the ambush predator, is defined by the accelerated growth and prolonged lifespan, robust body, and large mouth, as well as specific marble coloration since an early age. The significant restriction in gene flow between the stone charr and benthos-eating Dolly Varden was supported by an allelic distribution of eight microsatellite loci. Herewith, the identity of mitochondrial DNA control region and intron sequences of growth hormone and metallothionein genes confirms a relatively recent diversification of the groups within the single basin. We suggest the key role of the specific environment for reproduction isolation of stone charr. It occupies coniferous taiga zone with dark-colored water, whereas Dolly Varden spawns uppercourse in the zone of stunted, windblown forest. Conifer litter decomposition products could drive natural selection of stone charr via metabolism acceleration and resistance to toxicants. The metabolic difference could promote piscivory and development of the specific morphological peculiarities of the stone charr. Therefore, we present the first evidence in favor of trophic-based sympatric diversification in a river basin at high latitudes.

ВЫСОКАЯ ПОЙМА Р. КАМЧАТКА: ВОЗРАСТ И ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ

The sediments of the floodplain of Kamchatka River in its middle course have been studied. Two types of floodplain accumulation environment are distinguished: stable (overgrowth of oxbow lakes distant from the main channel) and dynamic (banks of the central part of the valley, subject to regular flooding). Radiocarbon dating of buried organics was carried out. The oldest peat formed around 3200 14C years (3460 cal BP), during a period of low water flow, which may have been caused by climatic changes. Formation of the floodplain-oxbow alluvium began not later than 3.8 thousand years ago. Changes in hydrological regime and major reorganization of the river channel led to the formation of a new surface, possibly due to seismic processes. The age of that seismic event may be several hundred years older than the beginning of subaerial sedimentation on the high floodplain in the middle course of Kamchatka river.

FORMING OF FALSE ANNUAL RINGS ON SCALES OF JUVENILE COHO SALMON ONCORHYNCHUS KISUTCH IN THE UPPER REACHES, FLOODPLAIN OLD WATER BODIES AND LAKES IN THE MIDDLE AND LOWER REACHES OF THE KAMCHATKA RIVER

Structure of scales is investigated for coho salmon juveniles from several sites of their feeding in the Kamchatka River basin, from Pushchino (685 km from the river mouth) to Lake Nerpichye (at the mouth). The underyearlings begin their migrations over the river basin to individual plots soon after their emerging from nests, only part of them feed and winter at the spawning grounds (between Pushchino — Milkovo). A number of coho juveniles stay for feeding and wintering in the tributaries of the Kamchatka River, some of them migrate during spring–summer floods (mid May–June) to the old water bodies in its upper and middle reaches (near Milkovo, Dolinovka, Taezhny, Dedova Yurta, Lake Kulpik) and to the floodplain and lagoon–estuary lakes (Lake Kurazhechnoye, Lake Kursin, and others), having or yet having no scales. Aboriginal coho salmon never spawn in these floodplain water bodies, but the juveniles are observed there all the year round. After wintering, seasonal growth and forming a zone of closely-spaced sclerites of scale (ZCS) — annual ring start in early May or middle May (till early June for some individuals), both for coho yearlings and older juveniles. An additional ZCS (1st type) can be formed earlier on the coho scale in some lakes because of the feeding change. Besides, another additional ZSC (2nd type) can be formed on the scale of coho yearlings (1+) in the old water bodies at Dolinovka, Taezhny, Dedova Yurta, in the lakes Kulpik, Kurazhechnoye, Kursin, and Azabachye and in the Azabachya Channel (at the Dyakonovsky Brook) in late July — August because of seasonal changes in the feeding.

INFLUENCE OF SUSPENDED FLUVIAL SEDIMENTS ON THE RIVER ICHTHYOCENE

Published data on direct and indirect impacts of suspended matter on freshwater fish are overviewed, both for short-term (hours) experiments and long-term (weeks and months) monitoring in natural conditions. Lethal or paralethal concentrations of the suspended matter are determined for 18 species from 8 families. Accumulation effect of the permanent concentration is observed for charr Salvelinus malma in the laboratory experiment. The most common fish families of the freshwater ichthyofauna in Russia are ranked by threshold of their sensitivity to suspended matter in the order: sturgeon and catfish (1000 mg/L) — carp (250 mg/L) — perch (100 mg/L) — salmon (10 mg/L, with paralethal concentration 25–35 mg/L). Fish mortality is estimated in dependence on the suspended matter concentration and time of exposure, by species. Environmental consequences of the suspended sediments impact are assessed for fish communities of the rivers of Kamchatka, the Lena River, and the Selenga River.

Integrated Monitoring of Escapement of Pacific Salmon Spawners to the Kamchatka River in Real-Time Mode

Integrated Monitoring of Escapement of Pacific Salmon Spawners to the Kamchatka River in Real-Time Mode

Morphological and Genetic Heterogeneity of Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka (Salmonidae) of Large Lake–River Systems in Eastern and Western Kamchatka

The morphological and genetic heterogeneity of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka (from both the mixed samples and the samples collected in different periods of its mass migration) catched in the mouths of the rivers of west (Ozernaya, Bolshaya, and Palana rivers) and east (Kamchatka River) costs of Kamchatka Peninsula has been analyzed. The stocks of the sockeye salmon inhabiting these river basins (including tributaries and lakes) are the largest in Asia. According to the assessment of the biological parameters and the allele frequencies at 45 loci of single-nucleotide polymorphism at the DNA level, no periodicity in the mass-spawning migration of the sockeye salmon in the rivers of the Kamchatka Peninsula’s western coast was revealed. The analysis of the sockeye salmon’s mixed samples collected from the western Kamchatka Peninsula rivers allowed identifying a group of fishes in the sample taken from the Bolshaya River that was ascertained to the lake form. With respect to the Ozernaya and Palana river samples, the phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity was not revealed. The heterogeneity revealed in the fish sample taken from the Kamchatka River’s mouth can point to a complex spatial-genetic structure of the sockeye salmon in the basin of this lake–river system. The differences between the samples collected during the mass migration through the river’s mainstream indicate the successive approach of fishes to the mouth by the local groups that spawn in the different parts of the river basin.

FORMATION OF «FALSE ANNUAL RINGS» ON SCALE OF JUVENILE COHO SALMON ONCORHYNCHUS KISUTCH IN LAKE KURSIN (LOWER KAMCHATKA RIVER)

During spring-summer flood (in June-July). transit underyearling of coho salmon, having or having no scales, migrate to Lake Kursin at the lower Kamchatka River, where resident coho salmon never spawn. In this case, additional zones of closely-spaced sclerites (ZCS) can be formed on their scale because of feeding change (additional ZCS of the 1st type). Seasonal growth restarts and annual zones of close sclerites (annual ring) form in middle May — early June on scales of yearlings and elder coho salmon wintered in Lake Kursin. These results contradict to the earlier conclusion of G.V. Bazarkin (2003) that the coho yearlings have no additional ZCSs in Lake Kursin, though the same collection of scale was analyzed. In late July — August, other additional ZCS can be formed on the scale of coho yearlings in the lake (additional ZCS of the 2nd type) that is next after the well-differentiated first annual ring. Possibly, the additional ZCSs were omitted by G.V. Bazarkin because of the scale measuring with high magnification — 113 times, without preliminary evaluation with lower magnification — 35–50 times, when the boundaries of certain or uncertain ZCSs are visible better. Rate of the sclerites forming was examined for coho juveniles of age 1+ by repeated observations in Lake Kursin in 2001 and evaluated as 15.60 days/sclerite between June 9 — July 1, 7.52 days/sclerite between July 1–21, and 7.94 days/sclerite between July 21 — August 30; on average one sclerite was formed in 10.35 days. The results demonstrate longer time of sclerites forming than reported earlier by G.V. Bazarkin (2003).

FORMATION OF «FALSE ANNUAL RINGS» ON SCALES OF JUVENILE COHO SALMON ONCORHYNCHUS KISUTCH IN LAKE KURAZHECHNOYE (KAMAKOVSKAYA LOWLAND — KAMCHATKA RIVER BASIN)

During spring-summer flood (in mid May — July), transit underyearlings of coho salmon, having or having no scales, migrate to Lake Kurazhechnoye at the lower Kamchatka River, where resident coho salmon never spawn. In this case, additional zones of closely–spaced sclerites (ZCS) can be formed on their scales because of feeding change (additional ZCS of the 1st type). Seasonal growth restarts and annual zone of close sclerites (annual ring) forms in May (or in early June for a part of juveniles) on scales of yearlings and elder coho salmon wintered in Lake Kurazhechnoye. In late July — August or sometimes later, other additional ZCS could form on the scale of juvenile coho salmon (ages 1+ and 2+) in the lake (additional ZCS of the 2nd type) because of their switching to feeding by fish (ninespine stickleback Pungitius pungitius, threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeateus, and smelt Hipomesus olidus). Rate of the sclerites forming was examined for the coho juveniles of age 1+ in Lake Kurazhechnoye in 2001 and evaluated as 8.52 days/sclerite, on average (one sclerite was formed in 9.18 days between June 13 — July 5 but in 7.86 days between July 5–23).

Suspended sediment yield and climate change in Kamchatka, Far East of Russia

Abstract. Key factors of sediment yield formation and variability in the Kamchatsky Krai are relief characteristics and climate (especially precipitation). The last research in climate change in Kamchatka demonstrates climate warming – mean annual air temperature has increased on 1.5 ∘C during the period from 1951 to 2009 in average (the maximum increase was revealed in the west of Kamchatka and in the Kamchatka River valley, the minimum one – in the extreme south and north). Decrease of annual precipitation was observed at the same period. In addition frequency and intensity of precipitation is growing. Thereby described climate changes in Kamchatka influence on sediment yield characteristics directly (influence of precipitation on surface washout formation) and indirectly (through water runoff and hydrological regime of rivers changes). Analysis of spatio-temporal variability in suspended sediment yield demonstrated decrease since late 1970–early 1980 in the most part of rivers in the Kamchatsky Krai. Revealed fluctuations demonstrate very good coincidence with precipitation amount variability. Decrease of precipitation leads to corresponding diminution of rainfall erosive factor in the territory which is the key factor of suspended sediment yield formation and variability in rivers in the Kamchatsky Krai. The value of reduction varies from 1 % to 45 % and involves decrease of erosion rates in the territory. Thereby climate change influences on suspended sediment yield in multiple-valued way. Income of friable volcanic deposits on the catchment surface is the key factor of suspended sediment yield formation and variability in some river basins under the impact of volcanic eruptions, and in combination with raising precipitation it can lead to catastrophic increase of sediment yield.

COMPLEX MONITORING OF SALMON SPAWNERS ESCAPEMENT TO THE KAMCHATKA RIVER IN REAL TIME REGIME

Complex method of quick quantitative evaluation of the spawners escapement to the Kamchatka River is developed for pacific salmons on the base of analysis of their passing dynamics through certain parts of the river (main stream, tributaries, spawning grounds). The runs of different temporal forms of anadromous salmons were separated taking into account their biological parameters using the data of biological analysis of commercial catches in Ust-Kamchatsky district. The spawners abundance was evaluated from CPUE value for the main stream where control catches of spawners were made in the periods predetermined for escapement, and directly using two duplicate hydroacoustic complexes for the tributary important for salmons reproduction or visually from ashore, boats, or flying vehicles for other tributaries. These data were coupled with general assessments of the escapement values in the river basin from helicopters. Numeral model was developed to evaluate the salmons escapement to the spawning grounds. The escapement dynamics was simulated retrospectively for sockeye, chum and coho salmon in 2016 and 2017. The method was successfully used for fishery management in the fishery campaign of 2018. Efficiency of the fishery regime was estimated using this approach. The value of sockeye salmon escapement was determined as enough for medium reproduction, and the values of chum and coho salmons escapement — as enough for medium or high reproduction. For chinook salmon, the model was not tested, but the method of control catches was developed and applied as a part of integrated methodology for quantitative operational assessment of escapement.

New data on age, material composition and geological structure of the Central Kamchatka depression (CKD). Part 1. Rocks types. Age, petrological and isotopo-geochemical characteristicsн

The paper presents new age and isotope geochemical characteristics for plateau effusive rocks from the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD) and Nikolka Volcano. We compared these data with the data on rocks from the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes and also Sheveluch, Kharchinsky, Zarechny, Nachikinsky, Bakening volcanoes and NEB-adakites from Pliocene shield volcano between the Ozernaya Kamchatka and Pravaya Kamchatka rivers. It is shown that the evolutionally advanced (often more alkaline) rock from Nachikinsky, Bakening, Nikolka volcanoes and the Pliocene shield volcanoe significantly differ in isotope-geochemical characteristics from the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes rocks. Exactly this type of rocks is characteristic for CKD as rift structure. The Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes rock are not typomorphic for this structure and manifest the usual orogenic volcanism stage, typical for much larger area. Miocene plateau effusive rocks differ from rocks of this group only by slightly increased potassium alkalinity. The rift type rocks characteristic feature is not only their increased alkalinity, but also specific microcomponents ratios: Ti/V > 0.004, Nb/Y > 0.28, Dy/Yb > 2.00, La/Yb > 6.5, Sm/Yb > 2.4, Lu/Hf < 0.08. Along with isotopic characteristics, these ratios suggest the existence of the single deep asthenospheric mantle reservoir for initial melts. The Kurile-Kamchatka and Commander-Aleutian island-arc systems’ junction is marked by the increased fluid enrichment (Ce group of REE) of melts for rocks of certain volcanoes: Shiveluch, Kharchinsky, Zarechny.

New data on age, material composition and geological structure of the Central Kamchatka depression (CKD). Part 1. Rocks types. Age, petrological and isotopo-geochemical characteristicsн

The paper presents new age and isotope geochemical characteristics for plateau effusive rocks from the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD) and Nikolka Volcano. We compared these data with the data on rocks from the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes and also Sheveluch, Kharchinsky, Zarechny, Nachikinsky, Bakening volcanoes and NEB-adakites from Pliocene shield volcano between the Ozernaya Kamchatka and Pravaya Kamchatka rivers. It is shown that the evolutionally advanced (often more alkaline) rock from Nachikinsky, Bakening, Nikolka volcanoes and the Pliocene shield volcanoe significantly differ in isotope-geochemical characteristics from the Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes rocks. Exactly this type of rocks is characteristic for CKD as rift structure. The Klyuchevskoy group of volcanoes rock are not typomorphic for this structure and manifest the usual orogenic volcanism stage, typical for much larger area. Miocene plateau effusive rocks differ from rocks of this group only by slightly increased potassium alkalinity. The rift type rocks characteristic feature is not only their increased alkalinity, but also specific microcomponents ratios: Ti/V > 0.004, Nb/Y > 0.28, Dy/Yb > 2.00, La/Yb > 6.5, Sm/Yb > 2.4, Lu/Hf < 0.08. Along with isotopic characteristics, these ratios suggest the existence of the single deep asthenospheric mantle reservoir for initial melts. The Kurile-Kamchatka and Commander-Aleutian island-arc systems’ junction is marked by the increased fluid enrichment (Ce group of REE) of melts for rocks of certain volcanoes: Shiveluch, Kharchinsky, Zarechny.

New Data Relating to the Age, Material Composition, and Geological Structure of the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD). Part 1. Rock Classification. Age, Petrology, and Isotope Geochemistry

This paper presents new data on the age and isotope geochemistry for plateau effusive rocks sampled from the Central Kamchatka Depression and Nikolka Volcano. We have compared these materials with data on rocks sampled in the Klyuchevskaya Group of Volcanoes, as well as from Shiveluch, Kharchinsky, Zarechnyi, Nachikinsky, and Bakening volcanoes, and from an “NEB-adakite” Pliocene shield volcano in the interfluve between the Ozernaya Kamchatka and the Pravaya Kamchatka rivers. We show that the relatively “advanced,” in the sense of evolution, (mostly alkaline) compositions of rocks sampled from Nachikinsky, Bakening, and Nikolka volcanoes, as well as from the Pliocene shield edifice, have isotope characteristics that are significantly different from those for the Klyuchevskaya Group of Volcanoes. This type of rock is typical of the CKD as a rifting structure. The rocks in the Klyuchevskaya Group of Volcanoes are not typomorphic for this structure and reflect the phase of ordinary orogenic volcanism that has involved a much larger area. The Miocene plateau effusive rocks are only different from the rocks of this group in having a slightly higher potassium alkalinity. Rocks of the rifting type can be recognized, not only by their higher alkalinity, but also by a definite relationship among microcomponents: Ti/V > 0.004, Nb/Y > 0.28, Dy/Yb > 2.00, La/Yb > 6.5, Sm/Yb > 2.4, Lu/Hf < 0.08. Along with the isotope characteristics, these relationships suggest the existence of a common deep-seated asthenospheric mantle reservoir for the parent melts. The area of junction between the Kuril–Kamchatka and the Commander-Islands–Aleutian island arc system is marked by a higher fluid enrichment (the cerium REE group) in melts for rocks of some volcanoes, viz., Shiveluch, Kharchinskii, and Zarechnyi.

Suspended sediment yield characteristics variability in rivers of Kamchatka krai

The regularities of spatiotemporal variability of suspended sediment yield characteristics were studied. Based on the analysis of difference-integral yield curves, it was found that most of the rivers in Kamchatka krai are characterized by the presence of two relatively long trends in the suspended sediment yield variability: an increase until the end of the 1970s–early 1980s, and its subsequent decrease. This regularity disturbs in rivers under the influence of volcanic eruptions, where the most significant increasing of sediment yield is observed after major eruptions. Existent maps of mean annual suspended sediment concentration and mean annual specific suspended sediment yield were significantly specified (18 instead 4 and 13 instead two zones were marked respectively). The map of grain-size distribution of suspended sediment was compiled (three zones was marked in region under study). Maximum values of mean annual specific suspended sediment yield (more than 500 t km-2 yr-1), suspended sediment concentration (more than 1000 g m-3) and grain-size of sediments are observed in water runoff of volcanic areas. Minimum values of suspended sediment concentration, specific suspended sediment yield, as well as grain-size of sediments characterized the mainland part of the krai.

Phylogeography of Asian sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) based on the analysis of mtDNA D-loop polymorphism

Phylogeography of Asian sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) based on the analysis of mtDNA D-loop polymorphism

Genetic variability of the mtDNA control region and the intron of the nuclear gene tumor necrosis factor alpha in graylings, Thymallus

Genetic variability of the mtDNA control region and the intron of the nuclear gene tumor necrosis factor alpha in graylings, Thymallus

On the origin of endemic stone charr in the Kamchatka River basin

The Kamchatka River basin (Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia) is populated by numerous anadromous and resident forms of charr, Salvelinus, including the endemic stone charr, a specialized predator that inhabits the river and its tributaries along with the Northern Dolly Varden. Nucleotide sequences of the entire gene sequence of cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase-1, control region and locus of the lactate dehydrogenase gene (LDH-C1) were used for analysis of stone charr differentiation and its phylogenetic relationships with other representatives of the Bering group (Northern Dolly Varden S. malma malma and white charr S. albus). The ratio of within- to between-population divergence of mtDNA nucleotide sequences was analogous to that previously reported for S. malma malma populations. The genealogy of mtDNA haplotypes and analysis of LDH-C1 gene confirms the affinity of stone charr and white charr to the Northern Dolly Varden phylogenetic group. Two divergent mtDNA lineages have been identified in the Kamchatka River basin, with stone charr and white charr being the main carriers of the haplotypes of a new identified group in this region. Evidence has been obtained for the common origin of stone charr from the Kamchatka River basin and Northern Dolly Varden from the Chukchi Peninsula and Alaska.

Региональный подход к рыбохозяйственному нормированию содержания взвешенных веществ

The article discusses regional approach to fishery suspended sediment guidelines. The authors have proposed a system of regional normalizing with taking into account the ichthyofauna structure and background conditions to be realized at the basin level. We used the fish ranking against the sensitivity threshold by the tolerance decrease from sturgeon and catfish species (1000 mg/l) to carp (250 mg/l), perch (100 mg/l_ and salmon 910 mg/l, obvious changes with 25-35 mg/l). We have tested the system for three major territories of the Russian Federation (the Selenga River and Lena River basins and the Kamchatka Peninsula). For the Kamchatka rivers we have substantiated a critical value of the suspended matter content stable exceeding of which should lead to negative consequences for salmon species, within the concentration (S) range from 25 to 35 mg/lл; the norm’s action does not cover the rivers of the current volcanism territories. We recommend the differentiated following norm for the Selenga River basin: 25 mg/l for rivers that are habitats of salmon and grayling and 50 mg/l for rivers where whitefish species predominate. The norm for the Lena River basin is in the range from 25 to 35 mg/l for the whole river network but some downstream ranges with higher values of suspended matter content (50–100 mg/l).