Self-sustainability of trout populations in currently-stocked alpine lakes in Californi's Sierra Nevada

摘要: Trout are often stocked into alpine lakes based on the assumption that resident trout populations not self-sustaining and would go extinct without regular stocking. However, this has been rigorously tested. The objectives of our study were to (1) estimate proportion currently-stocked in California’s Sierra Nevada (USA) contain populations, (2) identify characteristics associated with self-sustainability, (3) quantify effects stocking termination density individual growth rates populations. We surveyed 95 John Muir Wilderness (JMW) before after a 4-8 year halt 111 Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI) ≥ 20 hiatus. Seventy-two percent JMW 66% SEKI contained evidence successful recruitment during no-stocking period. Regression analysis identified spawning habitat area lake elevation as significant factors influencing population persistence. >2.1 m2 located at elevations <3520 m nearly always self-sustaining. For did result changes or rates. conclude most could be permanently halted negatively impacting these fisheries.