Production by Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Four Streams in the Matamek Watershed, Quebec

Abstract

Production by brook trout (S. fontinalis) in 4 infertile streams on the Canadian Precambrian Shield was estimated to be between 14.5-66.4 kg/ha per yr during 3 successive yr of study (1971-73). These values represent the range of total fish flesh elaborated annually in these streams because trout was the only species present. Differences between streams in annual production and P:B [production:biomass] ratios arose from variations in stream cover (and its effect on carrying capacity), recruitment and total biomass. Variations in age-specific growth rates were not critical. Production in the 2 most productive streams was controlled by food, while in the other 2 streams lack of suitable cover for adult trout limited production.