Lake enrichment and the status of Windermere charr, <i>Salvelinus alpinus</i> (L.)

Abstract

All English populations of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), are found in the Lake District (northwest England). There are at least four races of charr in Windermere, the largest lake in England; the North and South basins of the lake each contain two distinct races that spawn in autumn and spring respectively. The spring spawners in both basins probably represent less than 15% of the total population in the lake. Changes in the population density of charr in the lake are described briefly and examined in relation to the trophic status of the lake. Other factors that could possibly affect the charr population are reviewed, especially the influence of climate change.