Dynamics of the Sander lucioperca Population in Lake Peipsi-Pihkva

Abstract

The dynamics of the population of pikeperch Sander lucioperca in lakes Pihkva and Peipsi in 1980−2009 has been studied based on cohort models. The conducted analysis indicates a weak relationship of the recruitment abundance with the spawning stock biomass and average annual level, temperature, and transparency of water in the lake. One of the main factors of dynamics of the pikeperch population is the rate of recruitment. Significant recruitment pulses occur synchronously in both lakes, which indicates the generality of the population of this species and a weak isolation of groupings that inhabit different parts of Lake Peipsi-Pihkva. The current state of pikeperch fishing in Lake Peipsi-Pihkva provides an annual yield close to the maximum level.