Distribution of Fish Species in Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories, with Reference to Zooplankton, Benthic Invertebrates, and Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Benthic invertebrates in Great Bear Lake are most highly concentrated in the upper 20 m. Densities between 20 and 100 m are low; below 100 m only Mysis relicta and Myoxocephalus quadricornis exist at measurable densities. All benthic organisms exhibit a high degree of patchiness.Lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, and M. quadricornis are two species that inhabit the lake at all depths (3–400 m) and temperatures (13.2 C for M. quadricornis and 15 C for S. namaycush).Whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, inhabit only the bays, seldom being caught in water over 20 m deep. The distribution of whitefish is considered to be restricted mainly by the density of benthic organisms.Three species are confined to the periphery of the lake, Stizostedion vitreum, Lota lota, and Catostomus catostomus. Two species, Couesius plumbeus and Percopsis omiscomaycus, are present in the headwaters and Great Bear River but have not been able to establish themselves in Great Bear Lake. Extreme oligotrophy is considered to have had the effect of reducing species diversity.