Abstract
Managed populations exhibit different phenotypic and genetic signatures from their natural counterparts. Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a heavily managed species recovering from population collapse in Alberta, Canada. In my thesis, I examined the effects of harvest on growth, mortality, and genetic structure. First, I used 8200 individuals to test associations between growth curves, lake characteristics and management strategies. Second, I used 17,763 individuals to determine how population mortality rates vary between management strategies. Third, I assessed the genetic population structure for seven populations and differences in genetic variation between the 1970s and 2000s. I found that growth rates were associated with certain lake characteristics, including management strategies, and mortality rates did not vary between strategies. I observed a substantial loss of genetic diversity between the 1970s and 2000s, which supports reports of population collapse. My results illustrate the effects of harvest on phenotypic and genetic diversity in managed populations.
