Worldwide status of burbot and conservation measures

  1. Martin A Stapanian1,
  2. Vaughn L Paragamian2,
  3. Charles P Madenjian3,
  4. James R Jackson4,
  5. Jyrki Lappalainen5,
  6. Matthew J Evenson6,
  7. Matthew D Neufeld7

Article first published online: 30 OCT 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2979.2009.00340.x

Issue

Fish and Fisheries

Fish and Fisheries

Volume 11, Issue 1, pages 34–56, March 2010

Additional Information

How to Cite

Stapanian, M. A., Paragamian, V. L., Madenjian, C. P., Jackson, J. R., Lappalainen, J., Evenson, M. J. and Neufeld, M. D. (2010), Worldwide status of burbot and conservation measures. Fish and Fisheries, 11: 34–56. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2979.2009.00340.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    U. S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Erie Biological Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA

  2. 2

    Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 2885 W. Kathleen Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, USA

  3. 3

    U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, 1451 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

  4. 4

    Department of Natural Resources, Cornell Biological Field Station, 900 Shackelton Point Road, Bridgeport, NY 13030, USA

  5. 5

    Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, P.O. Box 65, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FIN-00014, Finland

  6. 6

    Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701-1551, USA

  7. 7

    BC Ministry of Environment, #401-333 Victoria Street, Nelson, BC, Canada V1L 4K3

*Martin A Stapanian, U. S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Lake Erie Biological Station, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA Tel.: 419 625 1976 Fax: 419 625 7164 E-mail: mstapanian@usgs.gov

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 11 FEB 2010
  2. Article first published online: 30 OCT 2009
  3. Received 1 Apr 2009 Accepted 4 Aug 2009

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Keywords:

  • burbot Lota lota;
  • dams;
  • fishery management;
  • invasive species;
  • water quality;
  • worldwide stock status

Abstract

Although burbot (Lota lota Gadidae) are widespread and abundant throughout much of their natural range, there are many populations that have been extirpated, endangered or are in serious decline. Due in part to the species’ lack of popularity as a game and commercial fish, few regions consider burbot in management plans. We review the worldwide population status of burbot and synthesize reasons why some burbot populations are endangered or declining, some burbot populations have recovered and some burbot populations do not recover despite management measures. Burbot have been extirpated in much of Western Europe and the United Kingdom and are threatened or endangered in much of North America and Eurasia. Pollution and habitat change, particularly the effects of dams, appear to be the main causes for declines in riverine burbot populations. Pollution and the adverse effects of invasive species appear to be the main reasons for declines in lacustrine populations. Warmer water temperatures, due either to discharge from dams or climate change, have been noted in declining burbot populations at the southern extent of their range. Currently, fishing pressure does not appear to be limiting burbot populations world-wide. We suggest mitigation measures for burbot population recovery, particularly those impacted by dams and invasive species.

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