Spatial population dynamics of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a central Appalachian watershed

I examined the spatial population dynamics of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) in a central Appalachian watershed. The objectives of my research were: (1) identify factors that influence reproduction; (2) determine if factors that influence reproduction influence the distribution and abundance of juvenile and adults; and (3) to determine if the spatial arrangement of stream habitat influence growth, residency, and population fluctuation rates. I used visual surveys and redd counts to quantify spatial variation in habitat quality and brook trout spawning activity. I conducted a mark-recapture study over four seasons to quantify population parameters. The results of my research show that: (1) spawning occurred most often in the headwaters of Second Fork; (2) spawning intensity is a strong predictor of juvenile and small adult densities; and (3) growth and residency rates of juvenile and large adults was greatest in areas where the availability of spawning, feeding, and refuge habitats was greatest.