Does global warming threaten the dynamics of Arctic charr in Lake Geneva?
Résumé
In France, the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is native in only two lakes (Lakes Bourget and Geneva), in the most southerly part of its distribution area. It is a profundal morph living at depths of between 30 and 100 m in Lake Geneva. Following considerable stocking of Lake Geneva with juvenile Arctic charr and some good results during the 1980s, catches are currently declining. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain this decrease, but the potential influence of warming of the lake in the 1990s has not been considered. This article studies the relationship between the strength of the cohorts and the temperature in Lake Geneva from 1992 to 2002, and discusses the various potential causes of the population collapse observed. The findings reveal close correlation between water temperature and the strength of the cohorts. It is concluded that the recent warming of Lake Geneva may have a significant direct or indirect impact on the Arctic charr population.
Auteurs, date et publication :
Auteurs Daniel Gerdeaux
Publication : Hydrobiologia
Date : 2025
Volume : 660
Issue : 1
Pages : 69-78