Spatial ecology of adult muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in the urban Ottawa reach of the historic Rideau Canal, Canada

A unique urban muskellunge population thrives in the Rideau Canal, Canada, with seasonal movements driven by canal operations. Radio-telemetry revealed that adult muskellunge (64–122 cm) exhibit greatest mobility during spring spawning, ranging across the 7 km urban reach before retreating to deeper embayments like Dow’s Lake for winter. None were stranded during canal drainage, though one died from winterkill. Environmental factors—seasonality and water depth—dictate habitat selection, with one fish emigrating upstream through a lock. This study provides critical insights into the spatial ecology of an apex predator in engineered ecosystems, informing conservation efforts to balance heritage and ecological values at this UNESCO-listed site.

Gillis, N. C., Rapp, T., Hasler, C. T., Wachelka, H., & Cooke, S. J. (2010). Spatial ecology of adult muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) in the urban Ottawa reach of the historic Rideau Canal, Canada. Aquatic Living Resources, 23(2), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1051/alr/2010019