An unseen synchrony or recurrent resource pulse opportunity? linking fisheries with aeroecology

Authors

Henry H. Hansen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln & Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater, Ecology and Inland FisheriesFollow
Mark Pegg, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matthew Van Den Broeke, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Doug Watkinson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater InstitutesFollow
Eva C. Enders, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater InstitutesFollow

ORCID IDs

Henry H. Hansen

Matthew Van Den Broeke

Eva C. Enders

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation doi: 10.1002/rse2.147

Comments

(c) 2020 The Authors.

Abstract

Understanding insect and fish interactions from a spatial and temporal perspec-tive can have implications on large-scale phenology in freshwater systems, yet current information is limited. We employed a novel approach of combining information from acoustic telemetry for six freshwater fish species and weather radar to assess the phenology of mayfly emergence and foraging patterns of freshwater fish. We hypothesized that freshwater fish conduct synchronous movements with annual mayfly hatches as a pulse resource opportunity. Gener-alized additive models were developed to assess movement distance as a func-tion of species and time; before, during, and after annual mayfly hatch events. A cross-section abundance index was also employed to quantify dynamics of aerial mayflies. Hatch dynamics revealed nocturnal emergence behaviour with annual variations in intensity, spatial extent, and origin. We found that the hatch was likely a pulse resource feeding opportunity for channel catfish, com-mon carp, freshwater drum, and walleye instead of a synchronized feeding event. Bigmouth buffalo and lake sturgeon utilized riverine habitat away from the hatch and did not likely forage on the emerging mayflies. Remote sensing of fishes and emergent insects using our approach is the first attempt at bridg-ing the capabilities of fisheries ecology and aeroecology to advance movement ecology.