Competitive exclusion of brown trout Salmo trutta L., by rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, in lake tributaries, New Zealand

Spawning runs of brown trout Salmo trutta L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, were compared in three tributaries of two lakes for timing, numbers and redd characteristics. Redd characteristics for the two species in four other streams were examined. No significant differences in redd characteristics between the two species were observed, but in all lake tributaries the possibilities of superimposition of spring spawning rainbow trout on redds of brown trout were examined. A common feature was the high ratio of numbers of spawners to the area of preferred spawning gravel, and it was concluded that in the lake tributaries, superimposition resulted in increased mortality of brown trout eggs, and in one case elimination of the brown trout population. Management possibilities for control of the species proportions in comparable situations are discussed.     

Genetic persistence of an initially introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) population despite restocking of foreign conspecifics

The persistence of the initial genetic structure despite later stocking with foreign conspecifics is influenced by several factors, leading to different levels of introgression. Stream spawning has been assumed to be the prevailing recruitment strategy of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). However, in lakes with limited stream spawning habitat, but still with high natural recruitment, lake spawning has been proposed. Using fourteen microsatellites, we assessed the genetic structure in a small allopatric brown trout population in the Lake Skavatn, located on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, Norway. A total of 265 brown trout were obtained from the lake itself, the outlet stream, two tributaries, a littoral sample from a presumed lake spawning site, a suggested stocking source, and a lake sample from 1967, representing the initial lake population. The six Skavatn samples were best represented by three genetic components, showing a shift from the initial population, but with no genetic signal from the suggested stocking source. The littoral sample had the largest similarity to the initial lake population, possibly indicating the importance of lake spawning in a system where streams offer unpredictable spawning and rearing conditions. Due to large annual variations in recruitment contributions from the different spawning and rearing locations, the genetic structure of the lake population probably vary over time.     

High genetic introgression in alpine brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations from Hardangervidda, Norway

Abstract –  We studied the effect of stocking brown trout in three alpine lakes (Skavatn, Midtre Grøndalsvatn and Nordmannslågen) of the Hardangervidda mountain plateau by comparing microsatellite data from historical (1933 and 1967) and contemporary (2003) population samples. Historical and contemporary samples from a control lake (Krokavatn) and a contemporary sample from Gjuvsjå (suspected donor lake) were included as well. A total of 331 brown trout were genotyped with 11 microsatellites. Very low level of genetic diversity is observed in the historical samples from Nordmannslågen and Midtre Grøndalsvatn but not in the contemporary samples. In Skavatn historical and contemporary samples show similar genetic diversity as in the other contemporary samples. Admixture analyses with the structure program indicate high levels of introgression by nonnative brown trout in all three lakes. The stocking source for two lakes (i.e. from Gjuvsjå) is partially verifiable via our analyses. The high introgression in these lakes is discussed and the management issues are briefly addressed.     

Creation of artificial upwelling areas for brown trout, Salmo trutta, spawning in still water bodies

Abstract  Brown trout, Salmo trutta L., spawning sites were constructed by creating areas of artificial upwelling water, 252 ± 37 mL m⁻² min⁻¹ (95% CL), through appropriately sized spawning gravel substrate in 3 m² vessels buried in the bottom of a 150-m² pond. Natural spawning occurred in the vessels during autumn 2001–2004, with hatching and alevin swim up the following spring. In areas of upwelling, egg survival was 85–95%, while no live eggs were observed in areas without upwelling. In areas with upwelling, the maximum density of live eggs at the eyed stage was 570–1510 eggs m⁻². In spring 2004 and 2005, the density of alevins was estimated at 322 (±187) m⁻² and 567 (±217) m⁻², respectively, in areas with upwelling water, compared with 35.2 ± 25.4 m⁻² in areas without upwelling water in 2004.     

Genetic characterization of Portuguese brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) and comparison with other European populations

Abstract– Allozyme and other protein loci were examined to study the genetic structure of Portuguese brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) populations. A total of 247 individuals from three tributaries of the Lima hydrological basin and a hatchery, all located in northern Portugal, were analyzed. Four of 22 protein coding loci were found to be polymorphic: CK-A1^*, GPI-A2^*, MPI-2^* and TF^*. A new allelc at the latter locus was found in Atlantic populations. The data obtained for Portuguese brown trout were compared with published data for 14 European populations and three hatchery stocks. Six polymorphic loci (CK-A1^*, GPI-A2^*, GPI-B2^*, LDH-C^*, ME^* and MPI-2^*) were used in a cluster analysis. This showed the similarity of Portuguese natural populations and northern Iberian populations and that Portuguese hatchery fish have an autochthonous origin, distinct from that of other Atlantic hatchery stocks.     

Effects of stocking of piscivorous brown trout, Salmo trutta L., on stunted Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.)

To study the effects on a stunted freshwater population of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), two groups of large (26–45 cm) individually tagged brown trout, Salmo trutta L., were released and recaptured with gillnets after 1, 7, 11 and 63 weeks. One group of trout was trained on a fish diet before release, and the other, reared on commercial dry pellets, served as a control. Specific growth rates in both groups were negative 1 week after release and approached zero after 63 weeks. Condition factor and internal fat content decreased during the experiment. Although only 11% of the trout stomachs examined contained fish prey, charr represented 79% of the total stomach weight content. Gillnet samples of charr before and 63 weeks after the release of trout indicated a decreasing population size of charr. Individual growth and mean length of charr increased after release of trout, especially for charr at age 4 years. After the release of trout, 35% of the charr were longer than 20 cm as compared with 6% before the release.     

Heavy loads of parasitic freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) larvae impair foraging,activity and dominance performance in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

The life cycle of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) includes a parasitic larval phase (glochidia) on the gills of a salmonid host. Glochidia encystment has been shown to affect both swimming ability and prey capture success of brown trout (Salmo trutta), which suggests possible fitness consequences for host fish. To further investigate the relationship between glochidia encystment and behavioural parameters in brown trout, pairs (n = 14) of wild‐caught trout (infested vs. uninfested) were allowed to drift feed in large stream aquaria and foraging success, activity, agonistic behaviour and fish coloration were observed. No differences were found between infested and uninfested fish except for in coloration, where infested fish were significantly darker than uninfested fish. Glochidia load per fish varied from one to several hundred glochidia, however, and high loads had significant effects on foraging, activity and behaviour. Trout with high glochidia loads captured less prey, were less active and showed more subordinate behaviour than did fish with lower loads. Heavy glochidia loads therefore may negatively influence host fitness due to reduced competitive ability. These findings have implications not only for management of mussel populations in the streams, but also for captive breeding programmes which perhaps should avoid high infestation rates. Thus, low levels of infestation on host fish which do not affect trout behaviour but maintains mussel populations may be optimal in these cases.     

Gonadotropin releasing hormone‐analogue (GnRHa) treatment improves the milt production and sperm motility of endangered Caspian brown trout,Salmo trutta caspius,over the course of a spawning season

To determine the effect of gonadotropin releasing hormone‐analogue (GnRHa) treatment on the milt quality of endangered Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius, the sperm motility (percentage and duration of motility), sperm production (sperm density, spermatocrit and milt volume) and milt pH were measured for GnRHa‐treated (the treatment group) and untreated groups (the control group) during the spawning season. For untreated brooders, the values of the motility per cent, sperm density and spermatocrit decreased continuously during the spawning season while the milt volume, duration of motility and milt pH showed only a significant decrease at the end of the season. For GnRHa‐treated males, these parameters increased 14 days after GnRHa treatment (first milt collection) and then decreased continuously towards the end of the season. In addition, the values of milt and sperm density yielded per treated male were higher than that in the untreated group, although these were not statistically different. In any case, the total sum of yielded milt from the treatment group over the spawning season was higher than that in the untreated group. In this experiment, significant positive correlations were found between milt parameters as follows: sperm motility vs. milt pH; sperm density vs. spermatocrit; milt volume vs. spermatocrit; and milt volume vs. sperm density. The results show that the treatment of Caspian brown trout by GnRHa can improve the milt quality in terms of sperm motility and sperm production during a spawning season.     

Androgen levels and erythrocytosis in maturing brown trout,Salmo trutta L.

The number of circulating erythrocytes was monitored in two strains of brown trout during the spawning season. Erythrocyte numbers were significantly elevated in mature male fish of both strains compared with mature females or immature fish. This period of erythrocytosis coincided with elevated plasma 11-ketotestosterone levels in mature male fish, was out of phase with the testosterone peak in males and was not observed in females despite high levels of plasma testosterone. The results are discussed with reference to the control of erythropoiesis in higher vertebrates.     

Thyroid hormones in brown trout (Salmo trutta) reproduction and early development

Gravid brown trout (Salmo trutta) females were injected with various doses of a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa), given with or without an injection of triiodothyronine (T₃), in order to investigate the potential of T₃ (a) to enhance the stimulatory effect of GnRHa on ovulation, and (b) to enhance the growth and survival of the produced progeny. From the time the hormonal treatments were initiated until ovulation was detected 5–38 days later, endogenous plasma T₃ levels increased from an average of 3.6 to 11.6 ng ml⁻¹. Injection with 20 mg T₃ kg⁻¹ body weight, further elevated plasma T₃ levels at ovulation (16.0 ng ml⁻¹. Mean time to ovulation was reduced significantly in fish injected with 10 μg kg⁻¹ of GnRHa, whereas treatment with lower doses was ineffective. Injection with T₃ did not enhance the ovulatory response of brown trout to GnRHa. Unfertilized eggs obtained from T₃-injected females had a higher T₃ content, suggesting a transfer of T₃ from the maternal circulation into the oocytes. Maternal T₃ injection had no effect on egg fertilization rates, embryo survival to eyeing and hatching, or the prevalence of abnormal larvae at the time of hatching. Length and weight gain of the progeny during yolk absorption was also not influenced by maternal T₃ treatment. At the completion of yolk-sac absorption, progeny from females injected with T₃ had a higher prevalence of skeletal abnormalities than controls. The results suggest that in teleosts like brown trout, which have high endogenous circulating T₃ levels, treatment of females with T₃ does not enhance responsiveness to GnRHa and it has the potential for deleterious effects on their offspring.     

Response of resident brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), to the stocking of hatchery-reared brown trout

Two strains of hatchery-reared adult brown trout, Salmo trutta L., [208–334 mm total length (TL); n =  591] were individually marked and released into a limestone stream. The estimated survival after one month (86%; n =  508) was comparable to that for resident brown trout and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), (89%; n =  771), but declined to 14% ( n =  83) after 8 months compared with 52% ( n =  451) for resident trout. The movement of resident trout out of stocked stretches was higher (14%) than from control sites (5%), but the population size in both individual sites and the overall study area were unaffected. The growth of resident brown trout was unaffected by stocking, but rainbow trout showed lower growth rates in stocked versus unstocked stretches both one and 8 months after stocking ( P <  0.002).     

Genetic characterization of naturalized populations of brown trout Salmo trutta L. in southern Chile using allozyme and microsatellite markers

This study describes the genetic structure of five naturalized populations of brown trout in southern Chile using allozyme and microsatellite markers to establish levels of intra‐ and interpopulation genetic variability and divergence. Fourteen enzymatic systems were used comprising 20 loci and three microsatellite loci specific to brown trout. The genetic variability values (allozymes, P=20–35%, average=27%, H_O=0.118–0.160, average=0.141; microsatellites, P=33.3–100%, average=66.66%, H_O=0.202–0.274, average=0.229) are similar to values described in other naturalized populations of brown trout present in Chile, but higher than those observed in European populations of this species. Values of total genetic diversity (H_T) (allozymes=0.1216 and microsatellites=0.3504) and relative genetic divergence (G_ST) (allozymes=9.5% and microsatellites=15%) were also similar to the results obtained in previous studies of Chilean populations of brown trout. These values, when compared with those obtained in Europe, proved to be similar for H_T but lower for G_ST. The low interpopulational genetic differentiation was in accordance with the small genetic distance observed between the populations analysed (D Nei=0.004–0.025). On the other hand, the high frequency of one of the two alternative alleles of the phylogeographic marker locus LDH‐5* in the populations analysed (LDH‐5*90>0.84) would indicate a European origin, in particular Atlantic as opposed to Mediterranean, for the brown trout introduced into Chile. The high levels of genetic variability suggest a mixed origin for the naturalized brown trout in Chile, which could have originated either before or during the introduction process. Nevertheless, the low level of genetic differentiation between populations could reflect the short lapse of time in evolutionary terms, during which populations introduced into Chile have been exposed to different evolutionary forces, and which has not been sufficiently long to produce greater genetic differentiation between populations.     

Sea-ranching of brown trout, Salmo trutta L.

Abstract  In total, 8211 1-year-old and 14839 2-year-old hatchery-reared brown trout, Salmo trutta L., from 11 stocks were released at the mouth of the River Imsa, southwestern Norway. The recapture rates and total estimated yield were higher for 2- than 1-year-old trout, although recapture rates varied between years of release and stocks. The recapture rate increased with mean individual weight at time of release. Total estimated yield from the individual groups of 1+ trout ranged from 2 to 20 kg per 1000 trout released and for 2+ trout between 11 and 250 kg per 1000 fish released. In all cases, yields were lower than the economic break-even yield. Most fish were recaptured the year of release (89.2% of 2+ and 76.2% of 1+ trout). Almost 31% of the recaptures were caught at sea and 69% in fresh water; 95.8% of the latter were taken in the River Imsa trap.     

Are growth and recapture of hatchery‐reared and resident brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) density dependent after stocking?

Abstract –  The population density of brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) in a small natural system was manipulated in six equal-length stream sections by stocking hatchery-reared 1+ brown trout (unstocked, tripled and quintupled) over two consecutive years. The results showed that hatchery-reared trout grew more slowly and were more mobile than resident trout, and that their growth was inversely density dependent. In contrast, growth of the resident trout was density independent. The recapture of 1+ resident and hatchery-reared trout was inversely density dependent. This is most likely a consequence of increased competition. However, after a single winter the population density returned to its base level prior stocking and older resident trout showed no density-dependent recapture. Thus, the advantage of stocking, here higher biomass, may have the detrimental effect of decreasing resident stocks of the same size class during summer.     

Seasonal movement patterns of Credit River brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Zimmer M, Schreer JF, Power M. Seasonal movement patterns of Credit River brown trout (Salmo trutta).
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 290–299. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Movement habits in riverine populations of brown trout vary among watersheds. Thus it is important to identify factors influencing differences in individual behaviour so as to improve the information resource base available for the design of river‐specific management strategies. Such information is particularly needed in the rapidly urbanising watersheds of eastern North America where relatively little is known about anthropogenic influences on brown trout populations. In this study, we examined the influence of water temperature on brown trout behaviour in the Credit River in south‐central Ontario, Canada with respect to seasonal movement patterns. Observed patterns of movement were also correlated with variations in river discharge and habitat quality. Forty‐three radio‐tagged, adult brown trout were tracked in a confined 39.8 km portion of the Credit River from 15 May 2002 to 28 July 2003. Fish were captured in three sections of the river that differed in distance downstream and habitat quality. Fish size had little impact on movement patterns. However, there was considerable variation in seasonal movement with upstream movements to summer positions, maintenance of summer positions, downstream and often extensive movements in fall. Also observed was maintenance of winter positions and repeated upstream movements in late spring‐early summer to previously used summer positions. The elaborate movement behaviour in the Credit River population was attributed to seasonal changes in thermal habitat quality. Fish tagged in less suitable thermal habitats moved significantly more than fish from more suitable thermal habitats.     

Current status of the brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations within eastern Pyrenees genetic refuges

Since the end of the 20th century, some headwaters of rivers in the eastern Pyrenees have been designated as genetic refuges to protect remaining native brown trout (Salmo trutta) diversity. The declaration was based on limited or no evidence of genetic impact from released non‐native Atlantic hatchery fish. Hatchery releases were completely banned into the genetic refuges, but pre‐existing fishing activities were maintained. Specific locations in each refuge have been monitored every 2–3 trout generations to update genetic information to accurately assess the contribution of these reservoirs to the preservation of native brown trout gene pools. This work updates genetic information to year 2014 in three of these locations (in Ter, Freser and Flamisell rivers). Previous studies identified hatchery introgressed populations within refuges and suggested discrepancies between the underlying intention of the genetic refuges and the gene pools detected. Therefore, we also examined genetic divergences among locations inside refuge river segments. Combined information at five microsatellite and the lactate dehydrogenase C (LDH‐C*) loci showed reduced but significant temporal native allele frequency fluctuations in some of the above specific locations that did not modify overall levels of local diversity and river divergences. Bayesian clustering analyses confirmed the presence of differentiated native units within each genetic refuge. Some locations of the Freser River within the genetic refuge area showed high hatchery impact of non‐native fish (over 20%). We discuss additional local actions (releases of native fish, selective removals and fishery reinforcement with sterile individuals) to improve the conservation objective of genetic refuges.     

Functional response and size‐dependent foraging on aquatic and terrestrial prey by brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Gustafsson P, Bergman E, Greenberg LA. Functional response and size‐dependent foraging on aquatic and terrestrial prey by brown trout (Salmo trutta L.).Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 170–177. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Terrestrial invertebrate subsidies are believed to be important energy sources for drift‐feeding salmonids. Despite this, size‐specific use of and efficiency in procuring this resource have not been studied to any great extent. Therefore, we measured the functional responses of three size classes of wild brown trout Salmo trutta (0+, 1+ and ≥2+) when fed either benthic‐ (Gammarus sp.) or surface‐drifting prey (Musca domestica) in laboratory experiments. To test for size‐specific prey preferences, both benthic and surface prey were presented simultaneously by presenting the fish with a constant density of benthic prey and a variable density of surface prey. The results showed that the functional response of 0+ trout differed significantly from the larger size classes, with 0+ fish having the lowest capture rates. Capture rates did not differ significantly between prey types. In experiments when both prey items were presented simultaneously, capture rate differed significantly between size classes, with larger trout having higher capture rates than smaller trout. However, capture rates within each size class did not change with prey density or prey composition. The two‐prey experiments also showed that 1+ trout ate significantly more surface‐drifting prey than 0+ trout. In contrast, there was no difference between 0+ and ≥2+ trout. Analyses of the vertical position of the fish in the water column corroborated size‐specific foraging results: larger trout remained in the upper part of the water column between attacks on surface prey more often than smaller trout, which tended to seek refuge at the bottom between attacks. These size‐specific differences in foraging and vertical position suggest that larger trout may be able to use surface‐drifting prey to a greater extent than smaller conspecifics.     

Resource use of native and stocked brown trout Salmo trutta L., in a subarctic lake

Habitat use, food composition and growth of stocked and native brown trout, Salmo trutta L., were studied in the subarctic Lake Muddusjärvi in northern Finland. Stocked brown trout and native brown trout preferred littoral and pelagic areas. Trout were stocked in October. In June stocked trout fed primarily on invertebrates while native fish were piscivorous. From July onwards the composition of the diet of both stocked and native trout was similar and consisted almost entirely of small‐sized whitefish. Brown trout were already piscivorous at a length of about 20 cm. The mean length of prey consumed was about 12 cm. Mean length‐at‐age was similar from the second year in the lake despite of the larger size of stocked fish during the first year in the lake.     

Severity of summer drought as predictor for smolt recruitment in migratory brown trout (Salmo trutta)

The recruitment of anadromous brown trout smolt from a small Baltic stream, frequently exposed to summer drought, was quantified for 9 years, and the effect from drought on smolt number and age composition analysed. Drought was quantified by, (a) a newly developed index quantifying the severity of summer drought (Drought Severity Index—DSI—based on amount of precipitation, monthly mean temperature and number of hours with sun), and (b) the amount of precipitation. Both DSI and precipitation were measured 1 or 2 years prior to emigration. We found highly significant (negative) relations between DSI (1 year before emigration) and both the total number of smolt, and the number of age 1 smolt. In addition, precipitation was (positively) related to total number of smolt, but DSI proved to be a stronger predictor compared to precipitation. In addition to drought, our results support a negative influence from older parr on the survival of age 0 trout. Our results indicate that recruitment of brown trout smolt from streams, regularly affected by summer drought, may be predicted approx. 6 months before the actual emigration the following spring. This offers an opportunity for managers to adapt protective measures in accordance with local and temporal changes in recruitment.