Diet of landlocked sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and trout in the Waitaki lakes,New Zealand

Landlocked sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), ranging in fork length (FL) from 105 to 313 mm, were captured in fine‐mesh gill nets set in the limnetic zone of the Waitaki hydro lakes (44° 30′ S, 170° 10’ E) in the South Island, New Zealand. A total of 443 stomachs was examined and the frequency of occurrence, volume and weight of prey items calculated. In the Ahuriri Arm of Lake Benmore the principal food (54% by weight) was zooplankton (Boeckella dilatata) whereas in the Haldon Arm of Lake Benmore it was larval and juvenile common bullies (Gobiomorphus cotidi‐anus) (73% by volume). In Lake Waitaki in winter, salmon had eaten insects (43% by volume) with smaller amounts of snails (Potamopyrgus antipo‐darum, 23%) and bullies (24%). In Lake Ohau adult insects may be an important food. There were also variations in diet with season and fish size. The stomachs of 147 brown trout (Salmo trutta) and 181 rainbow trout (S. gairdnerii) caught in the same gill nets were also examined. In contrast to sockeye salmon stomachs they contained negligible amounts of zooplankton (< 1% by weight) and large amounts of aquatic insects (50–58% by weight in the Ahuriri Arm of Lake Benmore). Comparisons with juvenile sockeye salmon and kokanee in North American lakes are made. The impact of introductions of sockeye salmon into other New Zealand lakes is discussed.     

Food and energy in the diet of brown and rainbow trout from Lake Benmore,New Zealand

The diet of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (S. gairdnerii) was studied in specimens from Lake Benmore, a deep, oligo‐trophic lake in South Island, New Zealand. Between November and July, both species fed mainly on small molluscs (Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Physa sp., and Gyraulus corinna) gleaned from the littoral weed beds. Energy values for the three species of mollusc were determined: P. antipodarum, 6000 J g^‐1; G. corinna, 5500 J g^‐1; Physa sp., 9800 J g^‐1. Potamopyrgus antipodarum yielded little energy to the fish, unless its shell broke during passage through the gut. Physa sp. was the most profitable mollusc, irrespective of shell breakage and Potamopyrgus antipodanim the least profitable. The mean energy value per snail for G. corinna and Physa sp. eaten by rainbow trout was 25–30% less than for snails eaten by brown trout, possibly because rainbow trout ingested empty shells from the sediment surface. Rainbow trout extracted about 20% more energy than brown trout from unbroken shells. In July, 84% of the brown trout switched to predation of common bullies, Gobio‐morphus cotidianus, probably as a result of bully reproductive behaviour. Rainbow trout did not show the same change, apparently because they were feeding in deeper water where few bullies were available. The low‐energy diet and its possible connection with growth rate are discussed.     

Lake‐shore spawning of rainbow trout at Lake Rotoma,New Zealand

The presence of suitable gravel size alone can stimulate female rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) to excavate nests for spawning on the shores of Lake Rotoma. Emergent fry result from lake‐shore spawning, and could contribute significantly to the trout fishery in Lake Rotoma. Lake‐shore spawning could be enhanced by the use of stable artificial spawning beds that have adequate depth and appropriate sizes of gravel.     

Fish community responses to invasive fish removal and installation of an exclusion barrier at Lake Ohinewai,Waikato

Introduced common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are a recognised threat to New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems. In 2011, an invasive fish removal programme was undertaken in 16.8 ha Lake Ohinewai, a Waikato riverine lake. Active fish removal using netting and boat electrofishing was supported by installation of a one-way exclusion barrier on the outflow to Lake Ohinewai. The barrier was designed to allow fish passage downstream out of the lake, while preventing adult carp from moving upstream. The estimated carp population was reduced from 8,548 fish (5,863–12,937, 95% confidence limits) in 2011–454 fish (251–889, 95% CL) in 2014. However, by 2016 the carp population had recovered to 2,063 fish (1,070–4,328, 95% CL) with increased abundance in invasive brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus) also observed. This research demonstrates that carp populations can be reduced to low abundances in the short to medium term, but continued removal will be required for on-going control.     

Organochlorine insecticides in rainbow trout from three North Island lakes

From 12 rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) taken from each of three lakes (Rerewhakaaitu, Opouri and Okataina) in the Rotorua district, N.Z., samples of liver, skeletal muscle and, from mature fish, the gonads were examined for organochlorine insecticides.

Lindane, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide were not detected in any of the samples. Traces of dieldrin were detected only in trout taken from Rerewhakaaitu Lake. In all fish examined, pp'‐DDT, pp’DDD and pp’‐DDE were detected in all three tissues. The highest concentrations were found in some of the ovaries of fish from Rerewhakaaitu Lake, the catchment area of which had been extensively topdressed with DDT. Although most of the catchment area of Lake Okataina had never been topdressed with DDT, fish from this lake contained small amounts of DDT and its metabolites.     

An examination of the trout population of five lakes near Rotorua,New Zealand

Five lakes, varying from 10 to 100 hectares in area and each containing an existing population of Salmo gairdneri, were gill‐netted and stocked with tagged fish each year from 1960 to 1965 to determine the effect of regular stocking on the size and numbers of fish present. There was little natural spawning of trout in most of the lakes. Growth in length and weight of tagged fish was computed and an annual estimate of population calculated from the netting returns. Appendices give details of the statistical analyses of the data.

Fish production has been correlated with the trophic status of the lakes as indicated by their temperature and oxygen content. There was no clear relationship between lake size and trout production but trout production decreased as the environment became more eutrophic. Results also showed a close inverse relationship between numbers supported and average weight achieved by the trout. It is concluded that the angling potential of local lakes can be maintained despite the eutrophication resulting from intensive agricultural development of the catchments. These lakes will produce large‐sized fish if the trout population is kept relatively small.

Loss in weight in brown and rainbow trout as a result of spawning activities in local lakes and streams was found to be similar. Both male and female fish lost between 22 and 40 percent of their weight over a spawning period. This probably accounted for the observed low‐condition factor among older fish in the lake populations.     

DDT in trout and its possible effect on reproductive potential

Eggs of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson) from five different lakes in North Island, New Zealand, were reared to discover whether they showed significant differences in survival which could be linked with DDT levels in the tissue. The muscle and gonads of pre‐breeding season fish and the parent females were assayed for DDT, as were the whole fry at the end of rearing. The highest DDT levels were found in fish from Lake Rerewhakaaitu, and eggs from these fish showed the least viability. Mortality was relatively low among eggs from fish out of the other lakes. Thus, DDT may possibly contribute to the high mortality found in eggs from Lake Rerewhakaaitu fish.     

The effects of suspended sediment on brown trout (Salmo trutta) feeding and respiration after macrophyte control

Sediment resuspension during and after mechanical excavation of macrophytes may have a significant impact on resident fish populations. Unfortunately, little is known about the influence of this sediment on the respiratory performance and feeding abilities of fishes in New Zealand waterways. We examined the effects of suspended sediment (SS) concentrations previously observed after a large-scale macrophyte removal operation on oxygen consumption (MO₂) and feeding rates of brown trout (Salmo trutta). MO₂ at 0 mg L^?1, 150 mg L^?1, 300 mg L^?1, 450 mg L^?1 and 600 mg L^?1 of SS was measured using semi-closed respirometry. Feeding rates at the same SS concentrations were also measured using laboratory tank experiments. Results suggest that SS concentrations up to 600 mg L^?1 have no effect on MO₂. Conversely, feeding rates were significantly reduced at 450 mg L^?1 (22% reduction) and 600 mg L^?1 (31% reduction), indicating that sediment concentrations above 450 mg L^?1 may negatively affect brown trout populations.     

Oxygen consumption in the epilimnia and hypolimnia of two eutrophic,warm‐monomictic lakes

Oxygen consumption was estimated for two eutrophic New Zealand lakes using a simple 2‐layer model, from estimates of net changes in oxygen, phytoplankton photosynthesis, inflow and outflow, diffusion, eddy diffusion, and changes in the depth of the thermocline. Of the total oxygen consumption, 75–85% occurred in the epilimnia. Epilimetic oxygen consumption per m³ and per m² in Lake Johnson were higher than in Lake Hayes, reflecting known differences in the trophic status of the lakes, but estimates for the hypolimnia of the two lakes were similar. Daily hypolimnetic areal deficits were sensitive to both the depths and time intervals chosen.

In the epilimnia, monthly oxygen production by photosynthesis averaged 1.1 and 1.8 times the initial oxygen content in Lakes Hayes and Johnson respectively. Diffusion appeared to be of similar magnitude to photosynthesis in the isothermal period, but was less important during stratification. Losses to the hypolimnia by eddy diffusion were less than 10% of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in the hypolimnia contributed 30–40% of the oxygen consumed there and eddy diffusion supplied a further 20%.

In Lake Johnson a 3–5 m stratum of water in the metalimnion became anoxic for 2–3 months each summer while there were still up to 5.2 g.rer³ of oxygen remaining in the hypolimnion. Metalimnetic anoxia is attributed largely to oxygen consumption in situ, resulting from the highly eutrophic state of the lake and intense thermal stratification. Zooplankton respiration accounted for less than 10% of the maximum net decline in metalimnetic oxygen in 1970–71, but was more important in the other 2 years.

Changes in the oxygen content of the hypolimnion indicate that Lake Hayes has become more eutrophic since 1954–55. In Lake Johnson low oxygen concentrations at the autumn overturn (<5 g.m^‐3) represent a threat to the trout population.     

Spread and status of seven submerged pest plants in New Zealand lakes

The distribution of seven submerged aquatic pest plants is reported. Lake vegetation surveys recorded pest plants in 27.9% of 344 lakes, with two species co‐occurring in 5.8%, and three species in 2.6% of lakes. Egeria densa was most frequent (15.4% of lakes), followed by Ceratophyllum demersum (9.0%), Lagarosiphon major (7.3%), and Utricularia gibba (5.5%). Spread since 2000 has continued for five pest plants, with 34 lakes invaded by U. gibba over 2004–08 alone. Early regional sites in proximity to human population centres were likely plant liberations and numerous potential founder colonies remain in garden ponds. Human activities were important for inter‐lake dispersal, with the exception of bird‐dispersed U. gibba. Significant lake associations between pest plants, and with presence of six exotic fish species, suggest common dispersal pathways and similar introduction risks. Therefore, predictions of future spread should be possible based on sources, dispersal pathways, and identifying key risk factors for lakes.     

Limnology of Lake Waikaremoana with special reference to littoral and pelagic primary producers

Lake Waikaremoana, the North Island's deepest lake (248 m), lies in a natural forested catchment, but the lake itself has been modified for hydro‐electric power generation and by the introduction of trout, smelt, and adventive aquatic plants. The lake is a warm monomictic water body of low conductivity (82 μS cm^‐1) and a high seasonal water column stability. The waters are oligotrophic, with epilimnetic dissolved reactive phosphorus concentrations typically < 1 mg m^‐3. The concentration of NO₃‐N is seasonally variable but generally high in winter and spring with maximum epilimnetic values approaching 70 mg m ³. This contrasts with other central North Island lakes. Horizontal variability in surface chlorophyll a is low as are the absolute values (< 1–2 mg m^‐3). A notable feature is the formation of a deep chlorophyll maximum within the metalim‐nion comprised largely of Sphaewcystis schweteri as opposed to diatoms and flagellates which normally dominate the epilimnion. Vascular macro‐phytes (maximum biomass 659 g m² dry weight) extended to 9 m and characeans (maximum biomass 447 g m²dry weight) to 16 m. Total phyto‐plankton primary production was calculated as 4524 tCy^‐1 and macrophyte production as 578 t C y^‐1. The proportion of macrophyte to phy‐toplankton production (0.14) is higher than in the other deep lakes of the central North Island.     

Production of fish in two small streams in the north island of New Zealand

Data are presented on biomass, mortality, growth, and production of fish populations inhabiting two small streams in the Wairarapa district of the North Island of New Zealand. The main water of both streams contained a mixed population of bullies (Philypnodon breviceps Stokell), brown trout (Salmo trutta Linn.), and eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii Gray, and A. australis schmidtii Phillipps). The headwater tributaries of one of the streams contained a large population of Galaxias divergens Stokell and a few eels, but other fish species were absent. All species of fish appeared to be using the same food supply of small benthic invertebrates, mainly ephemeropteran and dipteran larvae. Biomass of benthos per unit area was appreciably higher in the headwater tributary examined than in the main waters downstream. Mean annual stock of benthos in the tributary (Hinau north branch) was 19.75 g/m², in the Hinau main water 10.71 g/m² and in the Hinaki main water 13.47 g/m² Nevertheless, production per unit area from the nearly monospecific fish population in the Hinau north branch (14.28 g/m²) was less than that of the mixed populations in the main waters (24.17 g/m² in the Hinau, 73.54 g/m² in the Hinaki). Possibly fish production in the headwaters might be greater if the species composition of fish was more diverse.     

Migratory behaviour of spawning rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Tongariro River,New Zealand,after habitat alteration

The movements of 92 adult rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from Lake Taupo into the Tongariro River, New Zealand, were monitored using radio‐telemetry every 3 days during the main spawning period between May and November 2003. This study repeated one previously conducted in 1995. Differences in spawning site preference and resting locations between 1995 and 2003 probably reflect differences in the nature of the river as a result of major natural floods that occurred in 1998. Average migration times were slower than in 1995 and the correlation between flow and mean daily movement was less distinct owing to the dry and settled weather during July and August, although fish did respond to freshets when they occurred. Peak movement occurred between 1600 and 2000 h NZ Standard Time with no movement occurring between midnight and 0400. Fish adjusted their movement in response to changing photoperiod. Nineteen fish were observed above the mouths of natal tributary streams for several weeks in the main river stem before entering these tributaries.     

Limnology of Lake Ngahewa,North Island,New Zealand

The water chemistry, flora, and fauna of Lake Ngahewa are described. Its waters are coloured by humic material from a flax swamp and the mean carbon: nitrogen ratio of the sediments lies in the range for dystrophic lakes. Thermal stratification is very weak or absent during summer, although deoxygenation occurs at depths below 3 m in late summer. The lake is highly productive and has a diverse phytoplankton and zooplankton population, which is different in species composition from other nearby eutrophic lakes; some algal species common in nearby eutrophic lakes are absent, and there is a high ratio of rotifers to cladocerans and copepods.

The high levels of dissolved phosphorus (42.2 mg.m^‐3) and nitrogen (up to 36.1 mg.m^‐3 NO3‐N) in the lake waters, and the differences in the flora and fauna compared with neighbouring lakes give only weak support to its tenuous classification as a dystrophic lake on the basis of water colour and sediment carbon values. The concept of dystrophy is discussed.     

Comparison on ecological and physiological characteristics of Drepanopus bispinosus (Copepoda: Calanoida) between two populations in Burton Lake and Fletcher Lake, two Antarctic lagoons

Calanoida copepod, Drepanopus bispinosus occurred in both saline lakes, Burton ( S=40) and Fletcher ( S = 56) in Vestfold Hills, Antarctica. Evident differences between two populations in biology and physiology were observed in September and December, 1984. The population in the Burton lake was denser with stronger body and more tolerant to temperature and salinity than that in the Fletcher Lake, reflecting their possible differences of genetic or nongenetic adaptation. The population in the Burton lake has been adaptated to the lake environment, and the population in the Flethcer Lake is in the acclimatization course in the lake habitat.     

Two new species of the marine genus Limnodriloides and a record of Tubificoides fraseri Brinkhurst (Oligochaeta: Tubificidae) from New Zealand

We characterised seasonal and ontogenetic changes in diet and prey energy density of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Lake Rotoiti, New Zealand, to better understand the prey requirements of trout in central North Island lakes. Common smelt (Retropinna retropinna) was the dominant prey item of rainbow trout larger than 200 mm (77.8% of diet by weight), followed by kōura (freshwater crayfish Paranephrops planifrons; 6.3%), common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus; 5.5%), and kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis; 3.4%). Juvenile rainbow trout (<200 mm) consumed amphipods, aquatic and terrestrial insects, oligochaetes, tanaid shrimps, and smelt. Trout consumed kōaro only in autumn and winter; consumption of other species did not vary seasonally. The maximum size of smelt consumed increased with increasing trout size, but trout continued to consume small smelt even as large adults. Consumption of larger prey items (kōaro and kōura) also increased with increasing trout size. This study indicates the importance of smelt for sustaining rainbow trout populations, as predation on other species was relatively low. These findings provide a basis for bioenergetic modelling of rainbow trout populations in lakes of the central North Island of New Zealand.     

Estimating relative abundance of juvenile brown trout in rivers by underwater census and electrofishing

Underwater census and single‐pass electrofishing were compared for estimating relative abundance of juvenile brown trout in the Kakanui River, South Island, NZ. Mean sampling efficiency was lower, and the variability of sampling efficiency was much greater, for underwater census (0+ trout: x = 0.38, s = 0.368; 1+ trout: x = 0.62, s = 0.822) than for single‐pass electrofishing (0+ trout: x = 0.61, s = 0.143; 1+ trout: x = 0.74, s = 0.171). Sampling efficiency of both methods was dependent on temperature. Electrofishing became less efficient at higher temperatures whereas underwater census became less efficient at colder temperatures. The low, and highly variable, sampling efficiency for underwater census of 0+ brown trout was related to substrate hiding behaviour which is dependent on temperature. A ratio method for comparing relative abundance estimates is presented. Minimum significance values for the ratio (R) were derived for 0+ trout using temperature adjusted sampling efficiencies. To be statistically significant, relative abundance estimates made by underwater census had to differ by a factor of 6–7 times, whereas those made by single‐pass electrofishing had to differ only by about 2 times, depending on the number of fish counted. By confining comparisons of relative abundance estimates made by underwater census to the summer period, differences of about 3.5–4 times could be detected statistically. It was concluded that single‐pass electrofishing is superior to underwater census for estimating the relative abundance of juvenile brown trout in shallow (< 1 m) river habitat, especially when temperature varies widely as with season and time of day.     

Processing RoxAnn sonar data to improve its categorization of lake bed surficial substrates†

To categorize spawning and nursery habitat for lake trout in Minnesota's near shore waters of Lake Superior, data was collected with a single beam echo sounder coupled with a RoxAnn bottom classification sensor. Test areas representative of the different bottom surficial substrates were sampled. The collected data consisted of acoustic signals which showed both depth and substrate type. The location of the signals was tagged in real-time with a DGPS. All data was imported into a GIS database. To better interpret the output signal from the RoxAnn, several pattern classifiers were developed by multivariate statistical method. From the data a detailed and accurate map of lake bed bathymetry and surficial substrate types was produced. This map will be of great value to fishery and other natural resource managers.     

Breeding,growth, and aestivation of the Canterbury mudfish,Neochanna burrowsius (Salmoniformes: Galaxiidae)

Neochanna burrowsius (Phillipps) breeds in late winter and spring. Eggs are widely scattered, and adhere to leaves, stems, and suspended roots of aquatic and bankside vegetation in the sluggish or still waters of the adult habitat. Fish were successfully bred in ponds and tanks; hatching time for eggs varied greatly under different conditions of light and temperature. Fry are free swimming until they adopt the nocturnal, cryptic habits of adults when 30–50 mm long. Growth in the first year is rapid, sexual maturity being reached at 1 year old; subsequent growth is slow. Aestivation occurred successfully in shaded vegetable detritus or gravel. Holes were sometimes used, but fish did not make their own burrows for aestivation. When dissolved oxygen was low, captive fish left the water if able to do so without leaving     

Physico‐chemical features of lake Ototoa,a sand‐dune lake in northern New Zealand

Lake Ototoa is a warm monomictic lake at 36° 31’ S, 174° 14'E. During a year's study (March 1969‐March 1970), the lake became thermally stratified in November, the metalimnion being between depths of 12 m and 16 m. Surface temperatures ranged between 10.2°c (in August) and 25.2°c (in late January), and bottom temperatures between 9.7°c and 17.5°c. The annual heat budget was calculated to be 642 354 KJ.m^‐2 (15 500 cal.cm^‐2) and the work of the wind in distributing the heat income 1.730 KJ.m^‐2 (1766 g.cm.cm^‐2). Secchi disc transparencies ranged between 5 m and 9.2 m (mean 7.07 m) and were greatest in the summer. Light transmission per metre was also high, ranging between 61% and 87%. Surface waters were normally supersaturated with oxygen, but during summer stratification oxygen concentrations in the bottom waters dropped to a minimum of 2.3 mg.litre^‐2 and a positive heterograde distribution of oxygen with depth was found. The oxygen deficit was 0.015 mg.cm^‐2.day^‐1 and showed the lake to be oligotrophic. Mean surface pH was 7.82, and the ionic composition of the waters was similar to that of other small New Zealand and Australian lakes located near the sea. Compared with other New Zealand lakes PO4‐P concentrations (range 1.00–10.20 μg.litre^‐1) were low and NO3—N concentrations (range 0.12–0.60 mg.litre^‐1) high.