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EVALUATING FITNESS BENEFITS AND HABITAT INFLUENCE ON YOUNG-OF-THE-YEAR FISHES WITHIN RESTORED COASTAL WETLANDS ALONG LAKE ONTARIO’S SOUTHERN SHORE
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2026-01
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Great Lakes coastal wetlands provide vital corridors for fish and wildlife but have faced significant degradation in recent decades. Invasion by non-native cattail (Typha spp.) has reduced habitat availability for many fish species. Restoration practices such as channel creation and pothole excavation are increasingly used to reconnect and rehabilitate these wetlands. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of restoration on the condition factor and presence/absence of northern pike (Esox lucius), sunfish (Lepomis spp.), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and subsequently examine relationships with water quality (temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH) and nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus and nitrogen, chlorophyll-α). Passive fish sampling was used monthly in Braddock Bay, Buck Pond, and Cranberry Pond from July to October 2023 and June to September 2024 in both restored and reference habitats. Dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and restored habitat were significant predictors of species presence. Largemouth bass and sunfish displayed condition factors greater than one, indicating good health across wetlands, between habitat types, and over time. However, Braddock Bay consistently displayed the highest condition factors among targets species, although no distinct trends emerged between habitat types and temporal patterns were wetland specific. Northern pike were captured early in 2024 and exhibited condition factors below one. Water quality differed markedly among wetlands, between habitat types, and over time. Braddock Bay was consistently hypereutrophic in both years, with elevated nutrient 2 concentrations and persistently suboptimal dissolved oxygen. Conductivity was higher in Cranberry Pond and Buck Pond, while water depth was greater in restored habitats. Fish condition factors were significantly impacted by water depth and total phosphorus with increasing water depth associated with improved condition and increasing total phosphorus over time predicting declining condition. Collectively, these findings help address gaps in coastal wetland management and provide insight into species-specific habitat quality requirements in restored Great Lakes wetlands.