Research Document - 2010/028

Geographic distribution of smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu, in Nova Scotia: history of early introductions and factors affecting current range

By J. LeBlanc

Abstract

Since the first introduction of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) into Nova Scotia in 1942, the number of occurrences in lakes and rivers increased to 188 by 2008 due to accidental and illegal transfers and dispersal within watersheds. Smallmouth bass are present in all but five counties but are more concentrated in Halifax, Lunenburg and Yarmouth counties. The majority of smallmouth bass in Nova Scotia occupy lakes and the prevalence in and utilization of riverine habitat is not well understood. Lake morphology appears to be a good predictor of the probability of establishment and shorter aquatic growing seasons in certain regions may function to prohibit, reduce or delay establishment. Smallmouth bass were confirmed in Lake Ainslie, Inverness County in 2003 and by 2007 had limited reproductive success but show evidence of young of the year winter survival. All new occurrences of smallmouth bass, as reported by anglers, are assigned a confidence ranking and subsequently followed up on by field staff. Waterbodies are only added to the distribution list once the presence is confirmed.

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