Factors Affecting Japanese Pond Smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis) Stock Trajectory in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura

Singh, Ashneel Ajay and Sunoh, Noriyuki and Niwa, Shintaro and Tokoro, Fumitaka and Sakamoto, Daisuke and Suzuki, Naoki and Sakuramoto, Kazumi (2015) Factors Affecting Japanese Pond Smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis) Stock Trajectory in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura. Factors Affecting Japanese Pond Smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis) Stock Trajectory in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura, 5 . pp. 210-225. ISSN 2161-7384

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Abstract

The Japanese pond smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis) stock has been observed to fluctuate quite rigorously
over the years with sustained periods of low catch in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura of
the Ibaraki prefecture, Japan which would adversely affect the socioeconomic livelihood of the local
fishermen and fisheries industry. This study was aimed at determining the factors affecting the
stock fluctuation of the pond smelt through the different years in the two lakes. Through exploratory
analysis it was found that the pond smelt had significant relationship with total phosphorus
(TP) level in both lakes. The global mean land and ocean temperature index (LOTI) was also found
to be indirectly related to the pond smelt stock in lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura at the latitude
band of 24˚N to 90˚N (l). Both TP and LOTI had inverse relationship with pond smelt trajectory in
both lakes. For both Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura, TP for the individual lakes and LOTI (l) were
used as independent variables using generalized linear model and response surface methods for
modeling the stock dynamics of the pond smelt in the two lakes. Model selection was based on significant
parameter estimates (p < 0.05), Akaikes Information Criterion and R2 values. Phosphorus
loading is an indication of increasing anthropogenic activities in the surrounding area having negative
impact on the pond smelt population. When management decisions are being made regarding
pond smelt fishery and sustainability plans in the Ibaraki prefecture, the effects of TP and LOTI
should be taken into account. Future research needs to be directed towards deeper understanding
the mechanisms by which TP and LOTI affect pond smelt population in Lake Kasumigaura and Kitaura
for more effective management.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pond Smelt; Lake Kasumigaura; Lake Kitaura; Phosphorus; Surface Temperature
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology Q Science > QL Zoology
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS)
Depositing User:	Ashneel Singh
Date Deposited:	13 Nov 2025 22:00
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2025 22:00
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/15172

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