Metapopulations and salmonids: a synthesis of life history patterns and empirical observations

Abstract – Metapopulation theory has attracted considerable interest with reference to the salmonids. There has been little empirical evidence, however, to guide the evaluation or application of metapopulation concepts. From knowledge of salmonid life histories and our own work with bull trout ( Salvelinus confluentus ), Lahontan cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi ) and westslope cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi ), we suggest that simple generalizations of salmonid metapopulations are inappropriate. Although spatial structuring and dispersal mechanisms are evident, the relevance of extinction and colonization processes are likely to vary with life history, species, scale, and landscape. Understanding dispersal, the role of suitable but unoccupied habitats, and the potential for extinction debts in non-equilibrium metapopulations are key issues. With regard to conservation of salmonids, we suggest that efforts to understand and conserve key processes likely to influence the persistence of populations or metapopulations will be more successful than efforts to design minimal habitat reserves based on metapopulation theory. ^NOTE