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Metapopulation Dynamics of Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in Lower Weber River, Utah

This research explores the metapopulation and source-sink dynamics of Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) in the Lower Weber River. The study aims to describe the BCT metapopulation structure, assess historical and contemporary factors affecting population viability, and evaluate connectivity. Sampling through methods like electrofishing and mark-recapture was employed across various habitats. Results indicate limited connectivity due to barriers, which may affect spawning success and population persistence. Findings will inform habitat restoration and conservation strategies for native fish.

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Metapopulation Dynamics of Bonneville Cutthroat Trout in Lower Weber River, Utah

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  1. Weber River metapopulation and source-sink dynamics of native and endemic fishes Samuel McKay Utah State University / Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Phaedra BudyUS Geologic Survey/Utah Cooperative Fish Wildlife Research Unit Paul Thompson and the Northern Region Office Utah Division of Wildlife Resources J. R. Tomelleri J. R. Tomelleri

  2. Metapopulations in Aquatic Systems • Populations interacting over space and time • Range of habitats • Dispersal in river systems: • Linear • Easily obstructed

  3. Basin scale • Segment scale • Reach scale Fausch et al. 2002

  4. The Lower Weber River Flow

  5. The Weber River • Fragmented and degraded • Home to Bonneville cutthroat trout and bluehead sucker • Conservation agreement species

  6. Research Goals • Describe the BCT metapopulation structure • Contemporary • Historical • Determine factors limiting population viability and persistence • Connectivity

  7. Objectives • Characterize lower Weber River BCT metapopulation • Determine if fluvial life-history expression is still present • Investigate barrier permeability

  8. Sampling Methodology • Electrofishing • Raft, canoe, backpack • Seines / nets • Picket weir • Mark-recapture

  9. Obj 1: Characterize lower Weber River BCT metapopulation • Compare tributaries and mainstem • Population size • Mark-recapture • Population structure • Length-frequency

  10. Mainstem and Tributary Comparison • Population size structure differences • Potential source-sink metapopulation dynamics • ─ Limited recruitment in mainstem?

  11. Source-Sink Metapopulation Source Sink Flow

  12. Source-Sink Metapopulation Source Sink Flow

  13. Objectives • Characterize lower Weber River BCT metapopulation • Determine if fluvial life-history expression is still present • Investigate barrier permeability

  14. Determine if fluvial life-history expression is still present • Mark-recapture • Passive PIT antennas • Importance: Connectivity • Spawning • >330 mm TL potentially Fluvial

  15. Population Size Structure • Fluvial BCT! • ─ resident fish in tributaries would not get this large • Large fish below barriers

  16. Objectives • Characterize lower Weber River BCT metapopulation • Determine if fluvial life-history expression is still present • Investigate barrier permeability

  17. Obj. 3: Investigate Barrier Permeability • Document location of barriers • Type, height, velocity • Mark-recapture • above and below • Picket weir

  18. N Ogden Flow

  19. N Ogden Flow = mainstem

  20. N Ogden Flow = mainstem = tributary

  21. Strawberry Movement Example Ogden • Marked 2 ripe fish >350 mm TL in tributary

  22. Strawberry Movement Example Ogden • Recaptured in mainstem • Barrier disrupted spawning?

  23. Preliminary Results 2011 • Population estimate section 04 • 704 (475-1098 +- 95% CI) • Population size structure • Mainstem • Tributaries • Identified 3 mainstem and 7 tributary barriers

  24. Summary • Barriers are a potentially limiting factor • Limited connectivity • Fluvial life-history expression prevails

  25. Management Implications • Allow managers to focus restoration efforts where they will be most effective • Guide habitat connectivity restoration • Barrier removal • Assist with the development of an effective conservation strategy for both species

  26. Thank you! • UDWR Northern Region and Salt Lake • Advisor: Phaedra Budy • FEL • Trout Unlimited • PacifiCorp Energy • UDOT • Weber Basin Water Conservancy District

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