Mysis remains deep during the day, migrating upwards in the water column at night to feed on zooplankton. This diet vertical migration appears to be an extremely important adaptation to avoiding fish predation, as Mysis in the open water could be easily detected by fish under well lit conditions. My first research question will investigate the effects of turbidity on the vertical distribution of Mysis and the implications for zooplankton predation. My second research question addresses the effects of Mysis predation on zooplankton diet vertical migration. The bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus , is native to the northwest regions of Montana, Northern Idaho and reaching into Washington State.
Present populations represent a fraction of original range once inhabited by native bull trout.
Bull trout are born into tributary steams and migrate to larger lakes and rivers during adolescence, returning to their natal streams at maturity to breed. Conservation of bull trout is a major concern of local, state and federal agencies. Because much of their original habitat has been fragmented by the construction of dams, we lack data on the original ranges of given populations. Understanding of population genetics within and between sub-populations remains vital to understanding past and present migratory habits of local bull trout populations. Such understanding is essential to maintaining genetic diversity and accurate assessment of habitat requirements.