Spatial and Temporal Variation in the Life-History Traits of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in the Canadian Waters of Lake Huron

Abstract

The yellow perch (Perca flavescens) is an economically important fish species in the Laurentian Great Lakes of North America. The largest commercial harvests occur in Lakes Erie and Huron. In the Canadian waters of Lake Huron, the yellow perch is managed based on 17 spatially distinct management units established decades ago. Despite being the basis for commercial harvest quotas, it is unknown if management units reflect current yellow perch population structure, or if yellow perch life-history traits changed following a major ecosystem shift associated with invasive mussels in the early 2000s. We calculated life-history trait parameter values (size at maturity, age at maturity, maximum size, lifespan and growth rate) for female yellow perch across the Canadian portion of Lake Huron in recent (2009–2018, 9264 fish) and historical (1990–1999, 3540 fish) timeframes. We spatially compared recent life-history trait values and found four discrete clusters of yellow perch driven by latitudinal variation in age at maturity and maximum size, and longitudinal variation in maximum size and lifespan. The depth of capture was an important influence on yellow perch growth rate. We compared recent and historical life-history trait values and found no temporal variation before and after dreissenid mussel invasion. Our findings demonstrate significant spatial variation in yellow perch life-history traits but, over spatial scales, much larger than the current management units. Correspondingly, life-history trait values alone are likely not sufficient for understanding population subdivision in the Canadian waters of Lake Huron.