Approved Projects

RAINY LAKE FISHERIES CHARITY TRUST SUPPORTS FIRST RESEARCH PROJECT IN 2006

The RLFCT has recently approved funding for 2006 and 2007 to support the following post-graduate research program on Rainy Lake, Ontario:

Title: INVESTIGATIONS IN APPLIED SMALLMOUTH BASS BIOLOGY IN NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO

Principle Investigators:

CrappyDr. Steven Cooke
Assistant Professor of Fish Ecology & Conservation Physiology
Carleton University
Dr. Bruce Tufts
Professor of Fish Physiology
Queen’s University

Project 1: Comparative air exposure in smallmouth and largemouth bass

  • university lab work examining interspecific variation in responses to a gradient of air exposure durations using cardiovascular monitoring techniques
  • fish surgically affixed with Doppler flow probes

Project 2: Assessment of smallmouth bass physiology, post-release behaviour and fate in a fall bass tournament

  • field work to be done at the Fall Bass Classic on Rainy Lake
  • collection of physiological samples of smallmouth bass and water quality samples in livewells and holding tanks during tournament
  • radio-telemetry and non-invasive physiological techniques to evaluate fish behaviour, movement and survival of fish displaced from their site of capture
  • attempt characterize the extent of decompression using external and physiological indicators

Project 3: 2007 catch and release research

  • anticipate focusing research activity on a summer tournament (Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship) on Rainy Lake
  • details based on 2006 findings from Project 1 and 2

Project 4: Nesting biology and parental care research

  • study consequences of angling on nesting bass emulating previous research conducted in southeastern Ontario
  • document reproductive biology and physiology of smallmouth bass in northwestern Ontario compared to more temperate populations in Ontario and U.S.
  • deploy temperature loggers and use snorkeling/scuba surveys to individually mark nests and monitor nesting success
  • assess timing of reproduction, nest predation, preferred spawning habitats and hook wounding from pre-season angling Other Funding Partners or In-Kind Support:
  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology
  • Canadian Foundation for Innovation
  • Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada
  • Labelle’s Birch Point Camp
  • others pending??

Prepared: April 28, 2006