The effect of suspended sediment on fertilization success in sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon

Abstract

Suspended sediment is a naturally occurring part of aquatic ecosystems, and unnatural elevation of suspended sediment in streams above background concentrations is known to adversely affect Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) at different life stages. Conspicuously lacking in the literature is knowledge of the effect of suspended sediment on egg fertilization success during spawning. Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka) and coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon gametes were used to investigate the impact of different concentrations of suspended sediment particles on the ability of sperm to successfully fertilize eggs. The fertilization process was simulated using a controlled-flow water flume with concentrations of suspended particles ranging from 800 to 47 000 mg·L–1. Egg fertilization success was assessed at eyed stage after incubating eggs in the streambed in the field or in artificial laboratory egg incubation (Heath) trays. Regression model analysis showed that suspended sediment concentrations reduced the percent of fertilized eggs and that reduction in successful fertilization below 80% could occur when suspended sediment levels are in excess of 9000 mg·L–1. The relationship derived herein serves as a preliminary guideline for determining the effect size of suspended sediment concentration on egg fertilization success during spawning.