Using Underwater Telemetry to Monitor Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Invasive Northern Pike in Utah Lake

Authors: Wesley Franklin, Brian Kesner, Paul Reap, Paul Marsh, Cora McClelland

Year: 2024

Abstract

In 2021 Marsh & Associates began a three-year Northern Pike monitoring and telemetry project in Utah Lake, Utah . Forty-three Northern Pike were captured using trammel nets, implanted with combination radio/acoustic tags, and tracked throughout Utah Lake using submersible underwater receivers. Telemetry data was used to describe when and where Northern Pike were moving into near shore areas to spawn. Temporal data reveals that Northern Pike are contacted most during the Spring. Spatial data shows that Northern Pike are contacted most in two locations: the Provo River Old Channel and Lincoln Beach and that Northern Pike in Utah Lake are highly mobile. The motive of this research was to gain ample movement and location data to inform an effective suppression and removal effort of Northern Pike in critical June Sucker habitat.