The status of the Mira River population of Lake Whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis, in Canada

A unique and possibly genetically distinct population of Lake Whitefish is found in the Mira River and its tributary the Salmon River, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The Mira River population of Lake Whitefish is another interesting example of the plasticity that can be expressed within the Coregonus clupeaformis 'species complex'. Previously, it was thought that the Mira River population became established as a result of introductions of Lake Whitefish stock originating from the Great Lakes. Recent genetic studies indicate, however, that it is most closely related to the Acadian geographic race of Lake Whitefish (found only in Maine, Gaspe peninsula of Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), suggesting that the Mira River population may in fact be indigenous. Unfortunately, genetic studies conducted to date have not been at a sufficient level of resolution to confirm whether the Mira River population has diverged sufficiently to be considered a genetically discrete or distinct population. The Mira River population of Lake Whitefish is probably indigenous, differs morphologically from other Lake Whitefish populations in Nova Scotia and is geographically isolated from other populations in eastern North America. Therefore further genetic study at a sufficient level of resolution to verify whether the population is an evolutionarily significant unit is warranted.