Understanding the complex life history of a lacustrine sucker for conservation and management

Authors: Brian A. Hines, Todd A. Crowl

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

The federally endangered June sucker, Chasmistes liorus, is a planktivorous sucker endemic to Utah Lake, Utah. They are known only to spawn in the Provo River (the largest tributary to Utah Lake), but data collected during the summer of 2008 revealed that C. liorus were present at the mouths of other smaller tributaries during the pre-spawning period. Due to the diminished population and the complexity of the system, little is known about their life history outside of the Provo River. Understanding life history characteristics is a key component to this species’ recovery. Through a suite of methods including trap netting, trammel netting, light trapping, drift netting and stationary Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag antennae, spawning adult and larval C. liorus were documented in several of the smaller tributaries to Utah Lake. Results from this study suggest that stream rehabilitation of the smaller tributaries could increase the amount of spawning habitat for C. liorus and potentially increase natural recruitment. The knowledge gained from this study will enhance our understanding of the C. liorus’ life history and help in the recovery of this endangered species.