Conservation genetics and metapopulation structure of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in Nipigon Bay (Lake Superior, Ontario)

Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) are native to eastern North America and exhibit both resident and migratory forms. Within Lake Superior, potadromous brook trout called ‘coasters’ spend a portion of their life in the lake, but migrate up tributary rivers in the fall to spawn. Coaster numbers have declined dramatically over the past 150 years, but conservation and rehabilitative efforts have been hampered by a lack of basic biological information. This study demonstrates the genetic identity of coaster brook as a life history variant, and identifies their sources of origin among Nipigon Bay tributaries. This study additionally examines the metapopulation structure of resident brook trout within the tributary rivers of Nipigon Bay. The results of this research provide much needed information for conservation and management of brook trout in Nipigon Bay and provide a framework for future research.