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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Investigating Population Differentiation of Lake Trout in Québec’S Largest Lake

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A Multidisciplinary Approach to Investigating Population Differentiation of Lake Trout in Québec’S Largest Lake A multidisciplinary approach to investigating population differentiation of lake trout in Québec’s largest lake Kia Marin A thesis in The Department of Biology Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Science (Biology) at Concordia University Montréal, Québec, Canada July 2015 © Kia Marin, 2015 CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY School of Graduate Studies This is to certify that the thesis prepared By: Kia Marin Entitled: A multidisciplinary approach to investigating population differentiation of lake trout in Québec’s largest lake and submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Biology) complies with the regulations of the University and meets the accepted standards with respect to originality and quality. Signed by the final examining committee: Chair Dr. Michael Sacher External Examiner Dr. Chris Wilson Examiner Dr. James Grant Examiner Dr. Selvadurai Dayanandan Supervisor Dr. Dylan J. Fraser Approved by Dr. Selvadurai Dayanandan, Graduate Program Director Dr. André Roy, Dean of Faculty Date ii ABSTRACT A multidisciplinary approach to investigating population differentiation of lake trout in Québec’s largest lake Kia Marin Maintaining population diversity is important for species survival and fisheries productivity. Research on several large lakes has documented the presence of multiple genetically- and morphologically-distinct populations within harvested fish species but less is known of population structuring in pristine lakes. I characterized population structuring of lake trout throughout Mistassini Lake, Quebec (2,335km2), using data from nineteen microsatellite DNA loci, spatial habitat use, morphology and local Cree traditional knowledge. I found that the lake is home to a minimum of five populations. These exhibit low to modest levels of genetic differentiation, partial spatial segregation by depth and basin, indiscriminate body and head morphologies, but remarkable within-population variation in morphology. The relationship between genetic and ecological differentiation was inconsistent across ecological metrics assessed, and traditional knowledge recognized attributes of some, but not all of the demarcated populations. Adopting the conceptual framework of ecological speciation as a continuum, I contend that the higher apparent level of within-population phenotypic variation in lake trout relative to other previously studied fish species may explain their lower level of population differentiation, despite their use of numerous distinct habitat niches. I discuss how identifying and recognizing multiple forms in such a pristine boreal lake system, both with western and traditional knowledge, has implications for a better understanding of population diversity and conservation in lake trout and related species elsewhere. iii Acknowledgements This research would not have been possible without the guidance and support of my supervisor, Dr. Dylan J. Fraser. I would also like to thank my committee members, Dr. James Grant and Dr. Selvadurai Dayanandan, for their assistance with this project. Funding for this research was provided by Niskamoon Corporation. I would like to thank Andrew Coon, Mistissini Tourism Coordinator, for helping coordinate and execute the months of fieldwork required for this project. Additionally, I’d like to thank many members of the Cree Nation of Mistissini – the guides and clients of Osprey Excursions, and the employees and clients at La réserve faunique des Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi for their help in collecting tissues samples. This work was greatly facilitated by Cree guide Norman Neeposh, field assistant Ryan Beach, research associate Robert Carson, post-doctoral fellow Paul V. Debes and all members of the Fraser Lab. To my parents, Clive and Frances Marin – thank you for your unconditional encouragement, guidance and support over the last twenty-nine years. I would also like to thank Adam Chatelois for his motivational support for the last two and a half years. Finally, to the people of Mistissini and the animals of Mistassini Lake – you will forever hold a special place in heart. Contributions of authors The principal author of this study, Kia Marin, performed the research, statistical analyses and writing for this project, with advice in regards to fieldwork, statistical tests and writing from Dylan J. Fraser. Mr. Andrew Coon coordinated the fieldwork, including logistical support for the collection of samples and coordination of compiling traditional ecological knowledge from local fishing experts. Mr. Robert Carson performed all of the molecular analyses completed in Chapter 1. iv Table of Contents List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. ix General Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: Early stage ‘lakescape’ ecological speciation shaped by depth, basin, and plasticity in lake trout ......................................................................................................................................... 5 Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 7 Materials and Methods .............................................................................................................. 11 Fish sampling ........................................................................................................................ 11 Genotyping............................................................................................................................. 11 Population genetic diversity .................................................................................................. 12 Population genetic differentiation ......................................................................................... 12 Contemporary effective population sizes and gene flow ....................................................... 13 Morphological analysis ......................................................................................................... 14 Associations between genetic, morphological and ecological differentiation ...................... 16 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Population genetic diversity .................................................................................................. 18 Population genetic differentiation ......................................................................................... 18 Contemporary effective population sizes and gene flow ....................................................... 19 Morphological analysis ......................................................................................................... 19 Associations between genetic, morphological and ecological differentiation ...................... 20 Discussion ................................................................................................................................. 23 Factors influencing the weak extent of population divergence ............................................. 23 v Phenotypic differentiation, associations with genetic differentiation, and comparisons with lake trout morphs in other large, postglacial lakes ............................................................... 25 Population divergence and ecological speciation relative to other post-glacial fishes ........ 27 Conservation and management implications ........................................................................ 28 References ................................................................................................................................. 36 Chapter 2: Lake trout diversity and ecological preferences as revealed by Cree Traditional Ecological Knowledge .................................................................................................................. 46 Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 48 Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 49 Materials and Methods .............................................................................................................. 53 Collaborative fieldwork ......................................................................................................... 53 Semi-directive interviews ....................................................................................................... 53 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 55 Summary of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) ........................................................... 55 Cree concerns regarding the status of lake trout populations in Mistassini Lake ................ 57 Discussion ................................................................................................................................
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