Distribution, life history, and habitat use of bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus) in mountain streams of the southern and central Northwest Territories

During the past 30 years bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus ) populations have declined in various watersheds across their range. The decline has been attributed to loss of habitat, over harvesting, habitat disturbance from resource development activities, and interaction with exotic species. The declining population trends observed over the past three decades suggest that this species is sensitive to impacts. In response to these declines, bull trout are listed as “Threatened” in the United States and “Sensitive” in Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. In the Northwest Territories bull trout are listed as “May Be at Risk” and are a candidate for a detailed risk assessment in the area.; The presence of bull trout has been confirmed in the Northwest Territories; however, the distribution and biology of populations in the region are poorly understood. In an effort to prevent declines seen in other areas, a research project was undertaken to determine the geographic distribution, life history (chapter 2), and habitat use (chapter 3) of bull trout in the southern and central Northwest Territories. Management recommendations were developed from this study (chapter 4) to guide management practices for populations in the region. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...