Model distribution of Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) in western Lake Erie

American Midland Naturalist
Chris Castiglione of USFWS
By:  and 

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Abstract

Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) was once a common forage fish in Lake Erie but has declined greatly since the 1950s. Identification of optimal and marginal habitats would help conserve and manage this species. We developed neural networks to use broad-scale habitat variables to predict abundance classes of Silver Chub in western Lake Erie, where its largest remaining population exists. Model performance was good, particularly for predicting locations of habitat with the potential to support the highest and lowest abundances of this species. Highest abundances are expected in waters >5 m deep; water depth and distance to coastal habitats were important model features. These models provide initial tools to help conserve this species, but their resolution can be improved with additional data and consideration of other ecological factors.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Model distribution of Silver Chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana) in western Lake Erie
Series title American Midland Naturalist
DOI 10.1674/0003-0031-171.2.301
Volume 171
Issue 2
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher University of Notre Dame
Publisher location Notre Dame, IN
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 10 p.
First page 301
Last page 310
Country Canada, United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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