1. Project Title: Early Life History of Northern Pike in Artificial Wetlands of Conesus Lake, New York
2. Contact
James V. Morrow
Waterways Experiment, CEWES-ER-A, Vicksburg, MS 39180
Tel.: (601) 634-3430; FAX: (601)634-3465
3. Agencies Involved
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Waterways Experiment Station
4. Restoration Goal
This study was a biological assessment of four artificial wetlands.
We were not involved in initial construction of the wetlands.
Purpose of the wetlands was to increase spawning habitat for
northern pike.
5. Project Type
This project was an evaluation of the attempted increase in northern pike spawning habitat.
6. Background and Rationale
Wetlands were constructed in 1990 and 1991. Data was collected for evaluation in 1992, 1993, and 1994. The wetlands were constructed as mitigation for a flood control project. Our study was part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland research project.
7. Regulatory Considerations
Collection permits were required for the evaluation. Wetland regulations may apply where dike or dam construction is required.
8. Criteria
Must have low lying areas adjacent to inlet streams for construction of this type of wetland to be feasible.
9. Project Design
Four wetlands were constructed adjacent to Conesus Inlet Creek by lowering ground levels below normal spring high water levels.
10. Implementation
Wetlands were constructed in 1990 and 1991. Vegetation had to be established before the wetlands could operate as viable spawning habitat; thus, one growing season was required between the end of construction and viable operation.
11. Degree of Environmental Intervention
A project of this type requires a bulldozer or other heavy earth moving equipment. No foreign materials are necessary, but high quality clay for construction of dikes may be desirable. Removal of trees may impact species that rely on forested habitats.
12. Cost
This evaluation did not consider cost of the project.
Cost would vary greatly depending on site characteristics.
13. Biological Assessment
This study was the assessment for the initial project. Reproductive success of northern pike as measured by numbers of pike larvae produced was the only variable examined.
14. Measures of Success
As measured by production of larval northern pike, the project was successful in the short term. Problems with maintaining the wetlands are discussed briefly in the report. Long-term evaluation of the Conesus Lake northern pike fishery will be necessary to determine if more northern pike are being recruited into the population.
Success Rating (short term): 4
15. Key References
Derksen, A.J., and Gillies, D.G. 1985. The seasonal utilization of the Saskeram Marshes by fish populations and its significance to the fisheries resources of the Saskatchewan River Delta in Manitoba, with special reference to northern pike. Manitoba Department of Natural Resources. Fisheries Branch MS Rep. No. 85-10.
Fago, D.M. 1977. Northern pike production in managed spawning and rearing marshes. Wisc. Dep. Nat. Resour.Tech. bull. 96:30 pp.
Forest, H. S., Wade, J. Q., and Maxwell, T. F. 1978. The limnology of Conesus Lake, p. 122-224. In J.A. Bloomfield, [editor]. Lakes of New York State. Volume T. Ecology of the Finger Lakes. Academic Press Inc. New York, NY USA.
Forney, J.L. 1968. Young northern pike in a regulated marsh. NY Fish Game J. 15:143-154.
Franklin, D.R., and Smith, L.L. 1963. Early life history of the northern pike Esox lucius L., with special reference to the factors influencing the numerical strength of year classes. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 92:91-110.
Hunt, B.P., and Carbine, W.F. 1951. Food of young pike, Esox lucius L. and associated fishes in Peterson's ditches Houghton Lake Michigan. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 80:67-83.
Ivanova, M.N., and Lopatko, A.M. 1983. Feeding behaviour of Pike, lucius (Esocidae), larvae from the progeny of a single pair of spawners. J. Ichthyol. 23:171-174.
Kleinert, S.J. 1970. Production of northern pike in a managed marsh, Lake Ripley, Wisconsin. Wisc. Dep. Nat. Resour. Res. Rep. 49:19 pp.
McCarraher, D.B. 1957. The natural propagation of northern pike in small drainable ponds. The Progr. Fish-Cult. 19:185-187.
McCarraher, D.B. 1972. Ecological significance of vegetation to northern pike, Esox lucius, spawning. Trans. Amer. Fish. Soc. 101:560-563.
Morrow, J.V., Killgore, K.J., and Miller, G.L. 1995. Early life history of northern pike, Esox lucius, in natural and artificial wetlands of Conesus Lake, New York. Army Corps of Engineers. Wetlands Res. Rep. Tech. Rep. (in press.)
Threinen, C.W. 1969. An evaluation of the effect and extent of habitat loss on northern pike populations and means of prevention of losses. Wisc. Dep. Nat. Res. Fish Manage. Bureau. Manage. Rep. 28:25 pp.
Wright, R.M., and Giles, N. 1987. The survival, growth and diet of pike fry, Esox lucius L., stocked at different densities in experimental ponds. J. Fish Biol. 30:617-629.
Correct citation for this contribution:
Morrow, J.V. 1995. Early life history of northern pike in artificial wetlands of Conesus Lake, New York, p. 236-238. In J.R.M. Kelso and J.H. Hartig [editors]. Methods of modifying habitat to benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem. CISTI (Can. Inst. Sci. Tech. Inf.) Occas. Pap. No. 1.