Proceedings - Teaching and Learning Centre - Simon Fraser ...

Fraser River Action Plan 3rd Research Workshop
Identification of Sentinel Species, Distributions and Life-History Patterns
FRAP Summary
J. D. McPhail
Department of Zoology
University of British Columbia
This project examined the distribution and life-history patterns of fish in the upper Fraser system (Prince George
area) with the aim of identifying potential sentinel species. The primary focal species was the mountain
whitefish, Prosopium williamsoni, but information also was gathered on other native species. From May 15 -
November 20, 1995, we examined habitat use, feeding, growth and movements in young-of-the-year (y-o-y),
juvenile, and adult mountain whitefish in the mainstem Fraser and in six major tributaries: Chilako, Nechako,
Salmon, McGregor, Bowron and Willow Rivers.
Young-of-the-Year
Newly emerged whitefish fry were present in the mainstem Fraser and all the major tributaries (except the
McGregor) by mid-May. From emergence to a size of about 40 mm, whitefish fry were associated with low
velocity, turbid sites, and typically occur over silt or sand substrates and at depths of