The Crowsnest River became a provincial priority to understand the impact of whirling disease on rainbow trout populations, prompting a comprehensive study of the watershed in 2019. Results of the...
Description
The Crowsnest River became a provincial priority to understand the impact of whirling disease on rainbow trout populations, prompting a comprehensive study of the watershed in 2019. Results of the study are contained in this report. The objectives of this study were to: determine the spatial distribution, infection prevalence and severity of Mc in the Crowsnest River; measure triactinomyxon density in free-flowing water; characterize oligochaete relative abundance throughout the Crowsnest River; measure the timing and location of optimal water temperatures for parasite development and transmission; and estimate density and age-class structure of juvenile rainbow trout. The Crowsnest River is a high-value sport fishery in southern Alberta.