Review of Genetics of Lake Trout in the Great Lakes: History, Molecular Genetics, Physiology, Strain Comparisons, and Restoration Management

January 1, 1995 - Charles C. Krueger; Peter E. Ihssen

Journal or Book Title: Journal of Great Lakes Research

Keywords: Siscowet; reproduction; stocking; mitochondrial DNA; genetics; lake trout; Great Lakes

Volume/Issue: 21 (Supplement 1)

Page Number(s): 348-363

Year Published: 1995

This paper reviews historical differences among native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) populations, genetic comparisons of populations, heritability of physiological traits, performance ofstrains after stocking, and the role of genetics in management. Differences among lake trout were historically recognized by aborignal people, Jesuit missionaries, and French voyageurs, and later by naturalists and biologists. Lean trout represented trout that typically spawned on shallow rocky shoals. Exceptions included river spawning populations in Lake Superior and stocks reported to spawn over beds of algae in Lakes Superior and Michigan. Sisco wets had high fat content, were caught in deep water, and likely spawned year-round. Humpers resembled the siscowet but had thin ventral body walls, intermediate fatcontent, and small size at maturity. The siscowet form and different stocks of lean trout were reported from all the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario. Data from chromosomal banding, allozyme data, and mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed that genetic differences occur among the three forms. Genetic data also provided evidence for distinctive populations within forms. Fat content, swimbladder gas retention, and developmental rates of eggs were different among some populations and appear to be heritable. Differences among strains after stocking have occurred in survival, dispersal from stocking location, depth distribution, and reproduction. Genetic considerations have been incorporated in species restoration plans but full use has not been made of available genetic information about lake trout. Reproductive performance of different strains should be a central focus in the evaluation of stocking programs. In Lake Superior, high priority should be given to the conservation of native stocks, the last remaining gene pools of Great Lakes lake trout. Goals for management should embrace a vision that restoration is accomplished only when some level of diversity has been re-established. Achievement of restoration should require the existence of naturally-reproducing, self-sustaining populations of different lake trout forms that use a variety of habitats.

Type of Publication: Journal Article

Publisher: International Association for Great Lakes Research

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • center for systems integration and sustainability,
  • genetics,
  • great lakes,
  • lake trout,
  • mitochondrial dna,
  • reproduction,
  • siscowet,
  • stocking
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).