Assessing the interdependence of assemblages from Rainy Lake fisheries data

In less disturbed communities, walleye Stizostedion vitreum contributed most to the synchronization in the fluctuations of the yearly relative CUE among six common species. In more disturbed locations, this contribution was primarily due to yellow perch Perca flavescens and sauger Stizostedion canadense. The disturbed community in one location (the North Arm) exhibited marked decrease in species diversity. Recent restrictions on the fisheries in the North Arm resulted in an increase in species diversity. Fish communities, particularly in large lakes, may differ in the detail of species interactions and population fluctuations among locations within the lake. -from Authors