Distribution of gill parasite (Lernaeocera branchialis) infection in Northwest Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and parasite-induced host mortality: inferences from tagging data

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Abstract

We describe geographic and host size related trends in the prevalence of the gill parasite Lernaeocera branchialis (Copepoda, Pennellidae) infecting Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in coastal Newfoundland and Labrador and assess the effect of parasitism on cod survival in the wild. Using cod-tagging studies conducted between 1962 and 1989, we test three null hypotheses: (1) parasite prevalence in the Northwest Atlantic is latitudinally invariant, (2) infected cod have the same survival probability as parasite-free cod, and (3) parasite prevalence is independent of fish length. The first hypothesis is rejected given a significantly negative relationship between prevalence and latitude. The second hypothesis is rejected in one geographic region where 8% fewer infected cod from northeast Newfoundland were recaptured relative to uninfected cod. This implies that parasitized cod can suffer an 8% differentially higher mortality relative to nonparasitized cod. The third hypothesis is rejected because the proportion of cod infected was generally greatest in the 43-49 cm length-class and decreased significantly with increasing length. Differential survival between infected and uninfected cod within length-classes was not observed. The use of L. branchialis as a population marker warrants caution. The parasite has the potential to affect the recovery of depleted Northwest Atlantic cod stocks in a geographically differential manner.

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