Development of artificial spawning nests for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca L.) in a highly modified shallow lake (Lake Balaton, Hungary)

Abstract

The recent fish populations of Lake Balaton considered to be not-self-sustaining, although only recreational angling is allowed in the lake. Stocks of the most important angling fishes (such as common carp, pikeperch), are maintained by artificially hatched and reared specimens by Balaton Fisheries Nonprofit Ltd. The main reason of the decreased reproductive success of native fish species is the lack of natural spawning grounds and substrates. Water regulation works conducted till the middle of the 20th century caused the loss of these important habitats. During these works the water level decreased and most of the nursery areas have been detached from the original lake. The aim of our project is to develop and establish artificial spawning substrates for pikeperch. Previous studies reported, that the success of artificial nests depends mostly on their architectural complexity, and the material has only a secondary role. Tests were conducted for eight types (altogether 72 nests in three sites) of artificial nests over two spawning seasons. More than 70% of the deployed nests were used by pikeperch for spawning. No significant differences were found between the eight trial nest types regarding their occupation. This result confirmed the very low availability of natural spawning substrates and supports that fish may use artificial substrates as spawning grounds. This project was supported by the “GINOP 2.3.2 -15-2016-00004: Establishing the sustainable angling-aimed management of Lake Balaton.”; and the “EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00008” projects. Árpád Ferincz and Ádám Staszny was supported by the Bolyai János Postdoctoral Fellowship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Main references:

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