Editing Bull trout (section)

== Dispersal ==
Bull trout are known for their extensive movements within river systems. They exhibit short-distance and long-distance movements, which are crucial in maintaining healthy populations and genetic diversity.<ref name="dx.doi.org">{{Cite journal |last1=Howell |first1=Philip J. |last2=Colvin |first2=Michael E. |last3=Sankovich |first3=Paul M. |last4=Buchanan |first4=David V. |last5=Hemmingsen |first5=Alan R. |date=January 2016 |title=Life Histories, Demography, and Distribution of a Fluvial Bull Trout Population |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00028487.2015.1105870 |journal=Transactions of the American Fisheries Society |volume=145 |issue=1 |pages=173–194 |doi=10.1080/00028487.2015.1105870 |bibcode=2016TrAFS.145..173H |issn=0002-8487|url-access=subscription }}</ref> During the early life stages, bull trout are often found in small, low-gradient streams or near the shores of larger rivers and lakes.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite journal |last1=Meeuwig |first1=Michael H. |last2=Guy |first2=Christopher S. |last3=Fredenberg |first3=Wade A. |date=2010-11-26 |title=Use of cover habitat by bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus, and lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, in a laboratory environment |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-010-9747-1 |journal=Environmental Biology of Fishes |volume=90 |issue=4 |pages=367–378 |doi=10.1007/s10641-010-9747-1 |s2cid=24018113 |issn=0378-1909|url-access=subscription }}</ref> As they grow and mature, they start to disperse in search of suitable [[spawning grounds]] and feeding habitats.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

One of the primary reasons for bull trout dispersal is the need to find appropriate spawning areas. Bull trout rely on clean, cold water and gravels of specific sizes for successful reproduction.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite book |last1=Rieman |first1=Bruce |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.100154 |title=Demographic and habitat requirements for conservation of bull trout |last2=McIntyre |first2=John D. |date=1993 |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station |location=Ogden, UT|doi=10.5962/bhl.title.100154 }}</ref> Once mature, they migrate upstream to spawn in the same streams where they were born.<ref name="dx.doi.org"/> This behavior ensures that the population remains connected and allows for the exchange of [[genetic material]].<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite journal |last1=Spruell |first1=P. |last2=Hemmingsen |first2=A.R. |last3=Howell |first3=P.J. |last4=Kanda |first4=N. |last5=Allendorf |first5=F.W. |date=2003 |title=Conservation genetics of bull trout: Geographic distribution of variation at microsatellite loci |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/a:1021841000262 |journal=Conservation Genetics |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=17–29 |doi=10.1023/a:1021841000262 |bibcode=2003ConG....4...17S |s2cid=19880632 |issn=1566-0621|url-access=subscription }}</ref> The dispersal distances can vary greatly, with some individuals traveling only a few miles while others undertake extensive migrations of over a hundred miles.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Fraley |first1=John |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.68098 |title=Cumulative effects of human activities on bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) in the upper Flathead drainage, Montana |last2=Vashro |first2=Jim |last3=Weaver |first3=Thomas M. |date=1989 |publisher=s.n. |location=S.l. |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.68098 }}</ref>

Long-distance dispersal is also an essential aspect of bull trout [[ecology]].<ref name="ReferenceD">{{Cite journal |last1=Dunham |first1=Jason |last2=Baxter |first2=Colden |last3=Fausch |first3=Kurt |last4=Fredenberg |first4=Wade |last5=Kitano |first5=Satoshi |last6=Koizumi |first6=Itsuro |last7=Morita |first7=Kentaro |last8=Nakamura |first8=Tomoyuki |last9=Rieman |first9=Bruce |last10=Savvaitova |first10=Ksenia |last11=Stanford |first11=Jack |last12=Taylor |first12=Eric |last13=Yamamoto |first13=Shoichiro |date=November 2008 |title=Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation of Dolly Varden, White spotted Char, and Bull Trout |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1577/1548-8446-33.11.537 |journal=Fisheries |volume=33 |issue=11 |pages=537–550 |doi=10.1577/1548-8446-33.11.537 |bibcode=2008Fish...33..537D |issn=0363-2415|url-access=subscription }}</ref> These movements often occur during the non-spawning season when the fish search for suitable feeding grounds or escape unfavorable conditions such as high water temperatures or low oxygen levels.<ref name="ReferenceD"/> In some cases, bull trout have been observed moving between different river basins, crossing over mountain ranges, and even traversing large lakes.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Downs |first1=Christopher C. |last2=Horan |first2=Dona |last3=Morgan-Harris |first3=Erin |last4=Jakubowski |first4=Robert |date=February 2006 |title=Spawning Demographics and Juvenile Dispersal of an Adfluvial Bull Trout Population in Trestle Creek, Idaho |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1577/m04-180.1 |journal=North American Journal of Fisheries Management |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=190–200 |doi=10.1577/m04-180.1 |bibcode=2006NAJFM..26..190D |s2cid=14334731 |issn=0275-5947|url-access=subscription }}</ref> These long-distance dispersal events contribute to [[gene flow]] between isolated populations, maintaining [[genetic diversity]] and increasing the species’ resilience.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Dunham |first1=J. B. |last2=Rieman |first2=B. E. |title=Metapopulation Structure of Bull Trout: Influences of Physical, Biotic, and Geometrical Landscape Characteristics |date=May 1999 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/1051-0761(1999)009[0642:msobti]2.0.co;2 |journal=Ecological Applications |volume=9 |issue=2 |pages=642–655 |doi=10.1890/1051-0761(1999)009[0642:msobti]2.0.co;2 |s2cid=55800379 |issn=1051-0761|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Understanding bull trout dispersal patterns is crucial for effective [[Conservation biology|conservation]] and [[management]] strategies.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> Conservation efforts can be focused on protecting [[critical habitat]]s and maintaining [[Connectivity (graph theory)|connectivity]] between populations.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Conservation biologists use various techniques to study bull trout dispersal, including [[Telemetry|radio telemetry]], [[genetic analysis]], and [[mark-recapture]] studies.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> By tracking the movements of individual fish and analyzing their genetic makeup, researchers can gain valuable insights into dispersal patterns, population dynamics, and potential barriers to migration.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rieman |first1=Bruce |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.5962/bhl.title.100154 |title=Demographic and habitat requirements for conservation of bull trout |last2=McIntyre |first2=John D. |date=1993 |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Statio |location=Ogden, UT|doi=10.5962/bhl.title.100154 }}</ref>

Bull trout dispersal is a complex and vital aspect of their life history. Their movements are critical to maintaining population connectivity, [[genetic diversity]], and [[ecosystem health]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=LEARY |first1=ROBB F. |last2=ALLENDORF |first2=FRED W. |last3=FORBES |first3=STEPHEN H. |date=December 1993 |title=Conservation Genetics of Bull Trout in the Columbia and Klamath River Drainages |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-1739.1993.740856.x |journal=Conservation Biology |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=856–865 |doi=10.1046/j.1523-1739.1993.740856.x |bibcode=1993ConBi...7..856L |issn=0888-8892|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Protecting and restoring essential habitats, ensuring the connectivity of river systems, and managing [[Anthropogenic hazard|anthropogenic]] influences in bull trout habitats are all crucial steps in conserving this iconic species.<ref name="ReferenceC"/>