Historic decline and recent increase of Burbot (Lota lota) in the Netherlands

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 757; no. 1; pp. 49 - 60
• Main Authors: Bosveld, J, Kranenbarg, J, Lenders, H. J. R, Hendriks, A. J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01.09.2015; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: 20th century; Analysis; Aquatic environment; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Burbot Ecology; Ecology; Ecosystems; Endangered & extinct species; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; geographic information systems; Habitats; Intensive farming; lakes; Life Sciences; Lota lota; Medieval period; population; population distribution; Protection and preservation; regression analysis; Reptiles & amphibians; risk; Rivers; Spawning; Spawning populations; Zoology; Netherlands; Europe; River IJssel; Population dynamics; Species decline; River Vechte; Fish conservation; Historical data
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-015-2308-z

In the Netherlands, Burbot Lota lota have severely declined due to aquatic system modifications and agricultural intensification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the species’ distribution and population trends and to interpret its decline for conservation and management-planning. Historic and present distributions were examined by GIS analysis, while the decline was quantified using binary logistic regression of presence-absence data. Records suggest that at the beginning of the twentieth century the overall Burbot population was relatively stable but reached a turning point from a positive to a negative population phase around 1950. Today, only two areas with spawning populations remain. Recently, increasing numbers of Burbot have been recorded in one of these areas, viz. the lakes in the confluence area of the rivers Vechte and IJssel. This increase could be attributed to annual stockings in German reaches of the River Vechte since 2001, with stock material originating from the rivers Elbe and Weser. Because of the low numbers in which Burbot populations were present and the risks of introduction of non-local stock, Burbot requires imperative tools and action plans for recovery and conservation in the Netherlands.