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Collier Dissertation 29 April 18.pdf (2.84 MB)

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Creating a Spatially-Explicit Habitat Suitability Index Model for Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Maumee River, Ohio

Collier, Jessica J.
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3819-7016
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525350340081516

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Biology (Ecology).
Biodiversity and ecological function are increasingly threatened by human impacts including fragmented systems, modified water and sediment flow, pollution, habitat degradation and alteration, overexploitation of species, and invasive species introduction. These impacts necessitate the need for conservation and restoration practices to protect natural resources and biodiversity. This dissertation outlines the development and implementation of habitat suitability index (HSI) models as tools to support species reintroduction efforts and monitor populations of imperiled species. Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), a state listed species in Ohio, are a candidate for reintroduction in the Maumee River, Ohio, where they were historically abundant, but are now functionally extirpated. The goal of my dissertation was to determine if current habitat quantity and quality in the Maumee River are sufficient to support lake sturgeon reintroduction using habitat suitability index models for two important life stages: spawning adult and age-0 fish. The models I developed, using substrate, water velocity, and water depth, indicated that habitat quality, quantity, and connectivity for both spawning adult and age-0 lake sturgeon would support efforts to reintroduce this species. The results of these HSI models were used in the development of a reintroduction plan to summarize important elements for successful reintroduction efforts. The reintroduction plan provided a comprehensive outline incorporating biological, managerial, and societal perspectives, to identify potential barriers to lake sturgeon reintroduction and highlight direct actions to increase success. HSI models are valuable tools for reinforcing species restoration plans and improve conservation monitoring. After the development of the lake sturgeon HSI models for the Maumee River, I wanted to further investigate if the model structure and habitat data could be utilized for other species in the Maumee River. I tested model transferability on native unionid communities, a highly imperiled group of organisms, and found that the HSI model structure successfully predicted higher unionid abundances in habitats designated as high-quality, compared to marginal and unsuitable habitats. The models developed in this dissertation provide a tool for resource managers to evaluate restoration practices and monitor species populations which will help protect biodiversity and sustain our natural resources.
Jonathan Bossenbroek, PhD (Committee Chair)
Christine Mayer , PhD (Committee Member)
Daryl Moorhead, PhD (Committee Member)
Todd Crail, PhD (Committee Member)
Christopher Vandergoot, PhD (Committee Member)
158 p.
Conservation; Freshwater Ecology
Lake Sturgeon; Restoration; Reintroduction; Habitat Suitability Index Models; Freshwater Mussels; Unionids

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Collier, J. J. (2018). Creating a Spatially-Explicit Habitat Suitability Index Model for Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Maumee River, Ohio [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525350340081516

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Collier, Jessica. Creating a Spatially-Explicit Habitat Suitability Index Model for Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Maumee River, Ohio. 2018. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525350340081516.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Collier, Jessica. "Creating a Spatially-Explicit Habitat Suitability Index Model for Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Maumee River, Ohio." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1525350340081516

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1525350340081516
632
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This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.