Nicholas E. Mandrak

Identifying Canadian Freshwater Fishes through DNA Barcodes

Background DNA barcoding aims to provide an efficient method for species-level identifications using an array of species specific molecular tags derived from the 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene. The efficiency of the method hinges on the degree of sequence divergence among species and species-level identifications are relatively straightforward when the average genetic distance among individuals within a species does not exceed the average genetic distance between sister species. Fishes constitute a highly diverse group of vertebrates that exhibit deep phenotypic changes during development. In this context, the identification of fish species is challenging and DNA barcoding provide new perspectives in ecology and systematics of fishes. Here we examined the degree to which DNA barcoding discriminate freshwater fish species from the well-known Canadian fauna, which currently encompasses nearly 200 species, some which are of high economic value like salmons and sturgeons. Methodology/Principal Findings We bi-directionally sequenced the standard 652 bp “barcode” region of COI for 1360 individuals belonging to 190 of the 203 Canadian freshwater fish species (95%). Most species were represented by multiple individuals (7.6 on average), the majority of which were retained as voucher specimens. The average genetic distance was 27 fold higher between species than within species, as K2P distance estimates averaged 8.3% among congeners and only 0.3% among concpecifics. However, shared polymorphism between sister-species was detected in 15 species (8% of the cases). The distribution of K2P distance between individuals and species overlapped and identifications were only possible to species group using DNA barcodes in these cases. Conversely, deep hidden genetic divergence was revealed within two species, suggesting the presence of cryptic species. Conclusions/Significance The present study evidenced that freshwater fish species can be efficiently identified through the use of DNA barcoding, especially the species complex of small-sized species, and that the present COI library can be used for subsequent applications in ecology and systematics.

Impacts of Alien Invasive Species on Freshwater Fauna at Risk in Canada

AbstractFreshwater aquatic organisms in North America are disproportionately imperilled when compared to their terrestrial counterparts due to widespread habitat alteration, pollution, overexploitation and the introduction of alien species. In this review, we examine the threat factors contributing to the endangerment of freshwater fishes and molluscs in Canada and further examine the nature of alien invasive species introductions affecting aquatic species at risk. Habitat loss and degradation is the predominant threat factor for Canadian freshwater fishes and molluscs that are listed as Extinct, Extirpated, Endangered and Threatened. Alien invasive species are the second most prevalent threat for fishes, affecting 26 of 41 listed species. Alien invasive species are a threat in most parts of Canada where listed fishes are found. Most (65%) of the alien invasive species affecting listed fishes are the result of intentional introductions related to sport fishing, and the majority of these introductions are unauthorized. Fifteen fishes and two plant species are cited as alien invasive species that impact listed fishes with brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus) and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) being the most prevalent. Alien species are a threat to 6 of 11 listed mollusc species. All six species are threatened by the alien zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Great Lakes basin.

Ecology of Freshwater Baitfish Use in Canada and the United States

Abstract The baitfish industry in Canada and the United States is conservatively estimated to be worth US

Potential Invasion of the Great Lakes by Fish Species Associated with Climatic Warming

1 billion annually. In addition to the economic impacts, this industry also has ecological impacts. We review the potential impacts of the use of baitfish on the harvested (donor) ecosystem as well as the ecosystem in which the baitfish are used (recipient). We summarized the current, provincial, territorial, and state baitfish regulations for both countries and compared our results to the findings of a similar study in 1956. Although the number of regulations in both countries has increased, clearly transport and release of baitfish is still poorly controlled. We undertook a more detailed examination of the US

A Comparison of Methods for Sampling Fish Diversity in Shallow Offshore Waters of Large Rivers

29 million baitfish industry in Ontario. The listing of 15 baitfish species as vulnerable or threatened and the presence of disjunct populations as a result of bait-bucket transfer of 12 species indicates Ontario baitfish regulations/enforcement have not adequately protected donor and recipie...

Least‐cost transportation networks predict spatial interaction of invasion vectors

Abstract Global warming associated with increasing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and other gases (i.e., the greenhouse effect) has been widely predicted. This warming process would likely alter the geographic distribution of numerous fish species in the Great Lakes region. The probability of 58 common, widely distributed species invading the upper Great Lakes (Lakes Huron and Superior) from the lower Great Lakes (Lakes Michigan, Erie, and Ontario), and the lower Great Lakes from the Mississippi and Atlantic Coastal basins was assessed by comparing ecological characteristics of possible invaders to those of 11 recently invading species, using discriminant function and principal components analyses. Twenty-seven of these 58 species were judged to be potential invaders of the Great Lakes as a response to climatic warming. These invading species would dramatically alter the present Great Lakes fish communities.

The effects of river barriers and range expansion of the population genetic structure and stability in Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) populations.

Abstract Few studies of fish assemblages have been conducted in large rivers owing to the difficulties of sampling such complex systems. We evaluated the effectiveness of six different gear types (seine nets, boat electrofishers, hoop nets, Windermere traps, trap nets, and minnow traps) in sampling the fish assemblage at 30 sites in the shallow offshore waters of the middle Detroit River in July and August 2003. A total of 2,449 fish representing 38 species in 15 families were captured by seining (1,293 fish, 29 species), boat electrofishing (398 fish, 23 species), hoop nets (524 fish, 26 species), and Windermere traps (234 fish, 14 species). Trap nets and minnow traps were not effective in sampling offshore littoral sites. Significantly higher fish species richness and abundance were obtained and more unique species were captured by seine nets than by any other gear type. When effort is constant, the highest richness and abundance are obtained by seine nets. Windermere traps produced significantly lower ...

An overview of the impact of non-indigenous species on the food web integrity of North American Great Lakes: Lake Erie example

Human-mediated dispersal among aquatic ecosystems often results in biotic transfer between drainage basins. Such activities may circumvent biogeographic factors, with considerable ecological, evolutionary, and economic implications. However, the efficacy of predictions concerning community changes following inter-basin movements are limited, often because the dispersal mechanism is poorly understood (e.g., quantified only partially). To date, spatial-interaction models that predict the movement of humans as vectors of biotic transfer have not incorporated patterns of human movement through transportation networks. As a necessary first step to determine the role of anglers as invasion vectors across a land-lake ecosystem, we investigate their movement potential within Ontario, Canada. To determine possible model improvements resulting from inclusion of network travel, spatial-interaction models were constructed using standard Euclidean (e.g., straight-line) distance measures and also with distances derived from least-cost routing of human transportation networks. Model comparisons determined that least-cost routing both provided the most parsimonious model and also excelled at forecasting spatial interactions, with a proportion of 0.477 total movement deviance explained. The distribution of movements was characterized by many relatively short to medium travel distances (median = 292.6 km) with fewer lengthier distances (75th percentile = 484.6 km, 95th percentile = 775.2 km); however, even the shortest movements were sufficient to overcome drainage-basin boundaries. Ranking of variables in order of their contribution within the most parsimonious model determined that distance traveled, origin outflow, lake attractiveness, and sportfish richness significantly influence movement patterns. Model improvements associated with least-cost routing of human transportation networks imply that patterns of human-mediated invasion are fundamentally linked to the spatial configuration and relative impedance of human transportation networks, placing increased importance on understanding their contribution to the invasion process.

The fall of Native Fishes and the rise of Non-native Fishes in the Great Lakes Basin

The genetic structure of a stream-dwelling fish, the Greenside Darter, Etheostoma blennioides, is described from variation at nine microsatellite loci in 26 populations in the northern-most portions of the species’ range in southern Ontario, Canada in two sampling years. We found relatively high levels of genetic structure at the among- and within-watershed scales, with some watersheds and populations exhibiting very high divergence. The Ausable River populations were especially isolated, containing distinct populations of potential conservation concern. Temporal replicates at selected localities showed evidence of substantial temporal variation in genetic structure, perhaps resulting from movement among sites. We found strong evidence for an effect of river barriers (dams and weirs) on dispersal measured by genotype assignment techniques. However, we found no bias in upstream vs downstream dispersal. Significant isolation-by-distance relationships in both sample years indicate that river distance is an important factor regulating gene flow in these watersheds. The Canadian Greenside Darter populations are expanding their range into more northerly watersheds, but also show substantial within-watershed genetic structure despite substantial dispersal.

Fish Assemblages and Environmental Variables Associated with Gobiids in Nearshore Areas of the Lower Great Lakes

For the past several decades, the North American Great Lakes have suffered from eutrophication. The deteriorating state of the Great Lakes alarmed both the governments of Canada and the United States resulting in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which has brought about substantial improvements in water quality. While phosphorus abatement resulted in a significant decrease in nutrients, the sudden invasions of exotic species posed a serious threat to Great Lakes food webs. The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the quagga mussel (D. bugensis), followed by other exotic species, infested Lakes Erie and Ontario causing a drastic reduction in phytoplankton biomass and increasing water clarity. In Lake Erie, post-Dreissena declines in phytoplankton size structure and changes in community composition were observed in this study, along with significant declines in primary productivity in the west basin. At the other end of the food web, exotic species such as alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and white perch (Morone americana) have become important to the Lake Erie commercial fishery, while other native fish species have declined. This paper presents an historical perspective and a general overview of the impact of nonindigenous species in the North American Great Lakes from the base of the food web to the fisheries. Lake Erie has been chosen as a case study to provide a detailed treatment. The expansion and growth of nonindigenous species has been responsible for significant modifications to the structural and functional characteristics of the food webs and fisheries of the Great Lakes. Our experience demonstrates the significance of the impact of exotics and the need to manage this serious problem on a global basis so that the integrity of food webs and fisheries throughout the world can be protected. This paper is dedicated to Dr. Jack Vallentyne for his contributions to Great Lakes research, especially for the implementation of the ‘ecosystem approach’. These contributions were in evidence in revisions to the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and more currently in the management of exotic species.