Life history and population dynamics

Abstract

Lake charr Salvelinus namaycush life history and population dynamics metrics were reviewed to evaluate populations inside ( n = 462) and outside ( n = 24) the native range. Our goals were to create a database of metrics useful for evaluating population status and to test for large-scale patterns between metrics and latitude and lake size. An average lake charr grew from a 69-mm length at age-0 ( L 0 ) at 89 mm/year early growth rate ( ω ) to 50% maturity at 420 mm ( L 50 ) at age 8 ( t 50 ), and then continued to grow toward a 717-mm asymptotic length ( L ∞ ). L 50 was positively correlated to ω , whereas t 50 was inversely correlated to ω . Lake charr grew slower toward larger size and older age in northern latitudes and larger lakes than in southern latitudes and smaller lakes. Population density (number/ha) and yield density (kg/ha) decreased with lake size, and yield and total annual mortality ( A ) decreased with latitude. Native populations grew slower ( ω ), were heavier at 500 mm ( W 500 ), matured at shorter L 50 , grew to a shorter L ∞ , and suffered lower annual mortality A than non-native populations. Our review and database should be useful to managers and researchers for quantifying lake charr population status across the species range.