Evidence for three morphotypes among anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) sampled in the marine environment

Variable resource use and responses to environmental conditions can lead to phenotypic diversity and distinct morphotypes within salmonids, including Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). Despite the cultural and economic importance of Arctic char in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR), limited data exist on the extent and presence of morphological diversity in this region. This is of concern for management given climate change impacts on regional fish populations. The authors investigated morphological diversity in anadromous Arctic char sampled during their summer marine migration-residency period when seasonal harvesting occurs in a coastal mixed-stock fishery. Geometric morphometric analysis was conducted using digital photographs of live Arctic char (n = 103) of which a sub-set was subsequently implanted with acoustic transmitters (n = 90) and released, and their overwintering lakes determined using active acoustic telemetry surveys. Twenty-three morphological landmarks were established and overlaid on digital images, and nine linear measurements of the body and head were recorded. Principle component analysis and K-means clustering based on linear measurements categorised fish into three morphotypes: slender body and slim head (n = 31), small and short head with a small mouth (n = 46) and elongated head shape with large mouth (n = 26). Tagged individuals of the three morphotypes occupied all lakes with no distinction observed. The three Arctic char morphotypes detected in this coastal mixed-stock fishery could represent adaptation to specific feeding-movement behaviours potentially tied to juvenile residency in freshwater systems, efficient exploitation of the marine prey pulse, or are relicts from ancestral types. To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to identify distinct Arctic char morphotypes occurring in sympatry in the marine environment. Identifying phenotypic diversity will assist management to promote the sustainability of this regional fishery.