Conservation of freshwater fish in the British Isles: The current status and biology of threatened species

1. The objective of this paper is to review the status of all freshwater fishes in the British Isles and to identify theatened species, races and communities which are in need of conservation. 2. Using objective criteria to assess the degree of threat, two of the 55 freshwater species known in the British Isles are thought to be extinct here and eight are believed to be under significant threat. 3. The biology of these ten species is reviewed. They are: Sturgeon Acipenser sturio, Allis Shad Alosa alosa, Twaite Shad Alosa fallax, Arctic Charr Salvelinus alpinus, Houting Coregonus oxyrinchus (extinct), Powan Coregonus lavaretus, Pollan Coregonus autumnalis, Vendace Coregonus albula, Smelt Osmerus eperlanus and Burbot Lota lota (extinct). 4. In addition, there are several races of commoner species which are believed to be worthy of special conservation measures. These fish include the purely freshwater race of River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis in Loch Lomond, dwarf Brook Lampreys Lampetra planeri in the Inner Hebrides, spineless Three-spined Sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus in the Outer Hebrides and a number of important races of Brown Trout Salmo trutta in various waters in Ireland and Scotland. 5. There is also a range of fish communities in individual rivers and lakes which merit conservation attention. These are important for a variety of reasons, including high (and very low) diversity, unique assemblages, pristine stocks and highly characteristic communities. 6. The major threats to these species and communities include industrial and domestic pollution, acidification, land use changes, river barriers, drainage, fish farming, fishery management and the introduction of new species. 7. The identification of these threatened fishes and important freshwater sites provides a foundation for a review of existing protection in the British Isles and a major fish conservation management programme. These will be described in subsequent papers.     

Factors affecting the population viability of the burbot,Lota lota

Abstract Population viability analysis (PVA) is a frequently used conservation tool for the assessment of long‐term survival of populations. Based on demographic information from published literature, a PVA model using VORTEX was constructed for the burbot Lota lota (L.), a freshwater fish species believed extinct in the United Kingdom since the 1970s. The model was constructed to evaluate the persistence of a single burbot population over a 100‐year period as part of an assessment of the feasibility of reintroducing the species to rivers of its former distribution in England. Population persistence was highly variable and dependent on juvenile survival and spawning regularity. Under high juvenile survival scenarios, all populations persisted and were maintained at the carrying capacity. At low juvenile survival, population persistence was highly influenced by spawning regularity. Sensitivity analysis indicated that females must successfully spawn approximately every second year to guarantee 95% population survival. The analysis suggests that the long‐term viability of any potential reintroduced burbot population will be dependent on the environmental conditions related to spawning success.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of burbot Lota lota in Germany: Implications for conservation and management

The genetic structure of the gadiform fish species, burbot Lota lota L., was investigated across Germany to derive management options for facilitating the preservation of genetic diversity. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial control region (n = 244) and microsatellite analysis (n = 861) of specimens from 20 sites revealed genetic structuring between major river basins, and particularly between lake and river habitats. The admixture zone between the Eurasian and West European phylogenetic clades in Lake Constance was confirmed and expanded to include the drainage basins of the rivers Rhine and Schlei/Trave. Haplotype distribution and private haplotypes in single river basins indicated population differentiation and imply that German burbot constituted an important part of the entire species' diversity. The derived genetic structuring has implications for future stocking programmes and the preservation of the adaptive potential of burbot, a guiding species for oligotrophic lakes in Europe.     

Public and stakeholder attitudes to the reintroduction of the burbot,Lota lota

Abstract Consideration of key sociological factors, including the views and attitudes of the local population, is critical to species reintroduction project success. This study examined the opinions of anglers, conservationists and the general public to a potential reintroduction of burbot, Lota lota L., to UK rivers. An online survey targeted the key stakeholder groups and a questionnaire was used to obtain a snapshot of public attitudes. In both studies, more than 90% of respondents supported reintroduction. Anglers, participants with prior knowledge of the species, males and respondents who were not a member of a conservation organisation, exhibited the most positive attitudes. Anglers and participants with prior knowledge of the species cited burbot as an angling opportunity, suggesting these groups view burbot as an exploitable resource. Overall, the surveys indicated that reintroduction of the burbot, should it be deemed feasible on ecological and biological grounds, would not be met by major public opposition.     

Recruitment of burbot (Lota lota L.) in Lake Erie: an empirical modelling approach

Stapanian MA, Witzel LD, Cook A. Recruitment of burbot (Lota lota L.) in Lake Erie: an empirical modelling approach.
Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 326–337. Published 2010. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA Abstract – World‐wide, many burbot Lota lota (L.) populations have been extirpated or are otherwise in need of conservation measures. By contrast, burbot made a dramatic recovery in Lake Erie during 1993–2001 but declined during 2002–2007, due in part to a sharp decrease in recruitment. We used Akaike’s Information Criterion to evaluate 129 linear regression models that included all combinations of one to seven ecological indices as predictors of burbot recruitment. Two models were substantially supported by the data: (i) the number of days in which water temperatures were within optimal ranges for burbot spawning and development combined with biomass of yearling and older (YAO) yellow perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill); and (ii) biomass of YAO yellow perch. Warmer winter water temperatures and increases in yellow perch biomass were associated with decreases in burbot recruitment. Continued warm winter water temperatures could result in declines in burbot recruitment, particularly in the southern part of the species’ range.     

Characterization of susceptibility and carrier status of burbot,Lota lota (L.), to IHNV,IPNV, Flavobacterium psychrophilum,Aeromonas salmonicida and Renibacterium salmoninarum

In this study, susceptibility and potential carrier status of burbot, Lota lota, were assessed for five important fish pathogens. Burbot demonstrated susceptibility and elevated mortality following challenge with infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) by immersion and to Aeromonas salmonicida by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. IHNV persisted in fish for at least 28 days, whereas A. salmonicida was not re-isolated beyond 17 days post-challenge. In contrast, burbot appeared refractory to Flavobacterium psychrophilum following intramuscular (i.m.) injection and to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) by immersion. However, i.p injection of IPNV resulted in re-isolation of virus from fish for the duration of the 28 day challenge. Renibacterium salmoninarum appeared to induce an asymptomatic carrier state in burbot following i.p. injection, but overt manifestation of disease was not apparent. Viable bacteria persisted in fish for at least 41 days, and bacterial DNA isolated by diagnostic polymerase chain reaction was detected from burbot kidney tissue 90 days after initial exposure. This study is the first to investigate susceptibility of burbot to selected fish pathogens, and this information will aid in efforts to culture and manage this species.     

Energy allocation in juvenile roach and burbot under different temperature and feeding regimes

Cold-active burbot (Lota lota (L.)) display reduced food intake during the summer. The impact of temperature on their energy budget was investigated in starved fish in a laboratory setting, simulating summer (20°C) and winter (4°C) conditions, to elucidate the impact of high temperature on burbot metabolism. Metabolic effects in burbot were compared to roach (Rutilus rutilus (L.)), which typically fast in winter. During warm acclimation, starvation (four weeks) resulted in a metabolic depression of oxygen consumption in both species. In roach, metabolic rate decreased by 55% after two weeks of starvation. Burbot, in contrast, displayed an immediate depression of metabolic rate by 50%. In both species, no reductions were observed in the cold. The temperature-induced differences between the metabolic rates at 20°C and 4°C showed a lower thermal sensitivity in burbot (Q ₁₀ = 1.9) compared to roach (Q ₁₀ = 2.7). Notably, for each species, energy consumption during starvation was highest under experimental conditions simulating their natural active periods, respectively. Warm acclimated roach relied mainly on muscle reserves, whereas in cold acclimated burbot, liver metabolic stores made a major contribution to the energy turnover. In cold acclimated roach and warm acclimated burbot, however, starvation apparently reduced swimming activity, resulting in considerable savings of energy reserves. These lower energy expenditures in roach and burbot corresponded to their natural inactive periods. Thus, starvation in burbot caused a lower energy turnover when exposed to high temperatures. These season-dependent adaptations of metabolism represent an advantageous strategy in burbot to manage winter temperature and withstand metabolism-activating summer temperatures, whereas roach metabolism correlates with the seasonal temperature cycle.     

Burbot and large hydropower in North America: benefits,threats and research needs for mitigation

In North America, burbot Lota lota (L.), interactions with hydropower are common, southern burbot populations are endangered and hydropower has been implicated in the decline. Thus, the objectives of this review were to identify threats and benefits of hydropower to riverine and reservoir dwelling burbot, assess overall impacts and identify key research needs for mitigation. Review findings suggest that while winter hydropower discharge regimes threaten riverine burbot spawning, burbot often successfully exploit reservoir environments. Further, while turbine entrainment has been hypothesised as a factor in the decline of burbot populations, low adult vulnerability to passage and a high resilience to juvenile removals likely mean risk to populations is low. Identified research needs include better definitions of flow and temperature requirements for riverine burbot and a quantification of the potential for reservoirs to act as source populations for downstream impacted zones. This review highlights the Pacific watershed focus of existing work and calls for status assessments and ecological research of burbot in North American Arctic and Atlantic watersheds where large hydropower and burbot interactions are common yet rarely studied.     

Winter movements of burbot (Lota lota) during an extreme drawdown in Bull Lake, Wyoming, USA

Winter movements of burbot (Lota lota) were monitored in Bull Lake, Wyoming during a record low water storage period in the winter of 1985–1986. Burbot with surgically implanted ultrasonic transmitters were commonly sedentary during the drawdown. The fish that did move were most active during dusk and at night in winter and during the day in spring. Burbot did not appear to occupy well defined home ranges or show discernible movement patterns. Movement into shallow water during winter was attributed to colder water temperatures and the onset of the spawning season. Burbot were always found associated with silt substrates during the drawdown. Aerial photographs of the exposed bottom revealed that virtually all suitable spawning and nursery habitat for burbot was eliminated by the 13.4-m drawdown.     

The dependence on temperature and pH of the effects of zinc and copper on proteolytic activities of the digestive tract mucosa in piscivorous fish and their potential preys

The dependence of the effects of zinc and copper on the activities of proteinases of the stomach and intestinal mucosa on temperature and pH in four species of boreal piscivorous fish (pike Esox lucius, zander Zander lucioperca, perch Perca fluviatilis and burbot Lota lota) as well as in some of their potential preys (kilka Clupeonella cultriventris, ruff Gymnocephalus cernuus, perch and roach Rutilus rutilus) was investigated. Species-specific differences of the effects of these heavy metals upon the activities of proteinases depending on temperature and pH were demonstrated. It was revealed that the stomach mucosa proteinases were more tolerant to the effects of the studied factors than the intestinal mucosa proteinases, especially true for pike. The effects of the heavy metals on the whole body proteinases of the fishes’ potential preys were mostly dependent on temperature than on pH. At pH 3.0, the negative action of zinc and copper on the fish digestive tract mucosa proteolytic activity to a considerable degree was compensated by the high activity of the hemoglobinlytic proteinases, probably, cathepsine D.     

Sampling techniques for burbot in a western non‐wadeable river

Burbot, Lota lota (L.), populations are declining throughout much of their native distribution. Although numerous aspects of burbot ecology are well understood, less is known about effective sampling techniques for burbot in lotic systems. Occupancy models were used to estimate the probability of detection () for three gears (6.4‐ and 19‐mm bar mesh hoop nets, night electric fishing), within the context of various habitat characteristics. During the summer, night electric fishing had the highest estimated detection probability for both juvenile (, 95% C.I.; 0.35, 0.26–0.46) and adult (0.30, 0.20–0.41) burbot. However, small‐mesh hoop nets (6.4‐mm bar mesh) had similar detection probabilities to night electric fishing for both juvenile (0.26, 0.17–0.36) and adult (0.27, 0.18–0.39) burbot during the summer. In autumn, a similar overlap between detection probabilities was observed for juvenile and adult burbot. Small‐mesh hoop nets had the highest estimated probability of detection for both juvenile and adult burbot (0.46, 0.33–0.59), whereas night electric fishing had a detection probability of 0.39 (0.28–0.52) for juvenile and adult burbot. By using detection probabilities to compare gears, the most effective sampling technique can be identified, leading to increased species detections and more effective management of burbot.     

Conserving the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) in the British Isles and Continental europe

1. This paper reviews the status of the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) in the British Isles and Continental Europe. 2. The mussel has continued to decline in recent decades throughout the European range, apparently caused mainly by pollution (especially by organic enrichment) and, in the British Isles, by a combination of this and overfishing for pearls. 3. Of particular concern is the almost complete absence of juveniles in most populations, with these occurring in numbers only in a very few rivers in remote locations. 4. M. margaritifera is now completely protected in most European countries and in Britain the government has recently made it an offence to kill or harm the mussel. However, it will still be permitted to take the mussel, examine it carefully for pearls, and then to return it unharmed to the river. This may prove difficult to enforce and it is concluded that it will be ineffective and that complete protection may still be needed. 5. There is no current monitoring programme for M. margaritifera anywhere in its range and without continuing evidence on its status and further research on the habitat requirements of the juveniles, it is difficult to be optimistic about its survival.     

First feeding of burbot, Lota lota (Gadidae, Teleostei) larvae under different temperature and light conditions

The burbot (Lota lota) is the only fresh water member of the cod family, Gadidae, and is adapted to cold waters. The effects of temperature and light on the growth and survival of burbot larvae were investigated under hatchery conditions. Three temperature regimes (12, 16 and 20°C) were applied under continuous light and darkness during the experiment. Rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus (L.) were fed to the larvae in the first 10 days and the diet was then replaced with Artemia nauplii. At the end of the feeding stage with rotifer, growth in terms of the total length and wet weight were larger at higher temperatures under continuous light. At day 10, survival rates of the fish held at 12°C under continuous light and darkness regime were higher than those held at 16°C and 20°C kept under the same conditions. From day 10 onwards, larval growth improved remarkably after changing the live food from rotifer to Artemia in all treatments. At the end of the study, the highest survival rate was recorded among the larvae held at 12°C exposed to continuous light. Under light condition, the temperature of 20°C did not result in an improved larval growth compared with 16°C. This may indicate that high temperature and continuous light are not beneficial for larval growth and survival when they reach older stage of development. The results indicate a significant interaction for the combination of temperature, light and time with respect to survival and wet weight, making unambiguous interpretation of the main effects difficult.     

Food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated net cages in mesotrophic Lake Maróz (north-eastern Poland)

Feeding and food selection of burbot (Lota lota L.) larvae reared in illuminated cages were studied. The experiment was carried out in mesotrophic Lake Maróz, in north-eastern Poland, for 6 weeks in two successive years. The initial stocking density was 1,250 larvae (20 DPH) per cage. Food selection according to the zooplankton groups (Rotifera, Cladocera and Copepoda) and length classes was expressed by the Strauss linear selectivity index (L). Zooplankton species composition in the lake was similar in the two seasons of the study and organisms shorter than 0.5 mm prevailed in the plankton. The mean number of prey found in burbot alimentary tracts increased from about 40 up to over 200 during the course of the study. A very large inter-individual variation in the amount of food organisms consumed by fish was noted. Analysis of the values of the Strauss food selectivity index shows that at the beginning of the first year of the experiment, burbot larvae preferred copepods, most numerous in the environment at that time; later, fish tended to select cladocerans. In the second year of the study, fish more often ate copepods, irrespective of their quantities in the environment. During the whole study, reared burbot larvae did not eat rotifers, even when they were numerous in cages. Similarly to the rotifers, the smallest planktonic organisms, measuring up to 0.5 mm in length, were typically neglected by fish, while the 0.6–1.0 mm group was most frequently selected. There were also considerable individual differences between particular burbot specimens in their food preferences.     

Empirical estimation of recreational exploitation of burbot,Lota lota,in the Wind River drainage of Wyoming using a multistate capture–recapture model

Burbot, Lota lota (Linnaeus), is a regionally popular sportfish in the Wind River drainage of Wyoming, USA, at the southern boundary of the range of the species. Recent declines in burbot abundances were hypothesised to be caused by overexploitation, entrainment in irrigation canals and habitat loss. This study addressed the overexploitation hypothesis using tagging data to generate reliable exploitation, abundance and density estimates from a multistate capture–recapture model that accounted for incomplete angler reporting and tag loss. Exploitation rate μ was variable among the study lakes and inversely correlated with density. Exploitation thresholds μ₄₀ associated with population densities remaining above 40% of carrying capacity were generated to characterise risk of overharvest using exploitation and density estimates from tagging data and a logistic surplus‐production model parameterised with data from other burbot populations. Bull Lake (μ = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.03–0.11; μ₄₀ = 0.18) and Torrey Lake (μ = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00–0.11; μ₄₀ = 0.18) had a low risk of overfishing, Upper Dinwoody Lake had intermediate risk (μ = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02–0.32; μ₄₀ = 0.18) and Lower Dinwoody Lake had high risk (μ = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.10–0.67; μ₄₀ = 0.08). These exploitation and density estimates can be used to guide sustainable management of the Wind River drainage recreational burbot fishery and inform management of other burbot fisheries elsewhere.     

Conservation implications of isotopic variation in nails and blood with wetland quality in three species of Australian freshwater turtle

相似文献   

Isolation and experimental challenge of cultured burbot (Lota lota maculosa) with Flavobacterium columnare and Aeromonas sp. isolates

Burbot (Lota lota maculosa) are a potential new species for commercial aquaculture. As burbot culture expands, there is a need to further define pathogen susceptibility and characterize aspects of the burbot immune response in an effort to assess fish health. A recent clinical diagnostic case from juvenile burbot reared at a commercial production facility resulted in the isolation and identification of Flavobacterium columnare along with several Aeromonas spp. The F. columnare isolate was assigned to genetic group 1 via multiplex PCR, a genetic group commonly associated with columnaris disease cases in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Virulence of the F. columnare isolate was assessed in vivo in both juvenile burbot and rainbow trout. Additionally, several of the Aeromonas sp. case isolates were identified via sequencing (16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD) and a putative A. sobria isolate (BI-3) was used to challenge burbot, along with a known virulent Aeromonas sp. (A141), but BI-3 was not found to be virulent. Burbot were refractory to F. columnare when challenged by immersion, and it is likely that this is a secondary pathogen for burbot. Although refractory in burbot, the identified F. columnare isolate (BI-1) was found to be virulent in rainbow trout.     

Early development and allometric growth patterns in burbot Lota lota L.

This study analyzed the morphological development and allometric growth patterns of Lota lota L. (burbot) larvae reared under controlled laboratory conditions. From hatching to day 50, twenty larvae were sampled each [between 1 and 14 days post-hatch (DPH)] or every second day (between 14 and 50 DPH) and measured under a stereoscopic microscope using analytic software. Based on the external morphology, the different stages during early development of burbot were identified: yolk sac larva 0–8 DPH [3.92–4.37 mm total length (TL)]; preflexion larva 9–26 DPH (4.57–12.06 mm TL); flexion larva (between notochord degradation and its replacement with rays) 28–34 DPH (14.00–16.34 mm TL) and postflexion larva/juvenile 36–50 DPH (18.20–29.27 mm TL). Allometric growth patterns of some parameters (e.g., total length, head length, body length, tail length, head depth, body depth, eye diameter) were modeled by a power function and described by the growth coefficient. Organogenesis and changes of body proportions in burbot larvae were more rapid and complex during the yolk sac and preflexion phase of development as larvae developed most of their sensorial, feeding, respiratory and swimming systems and after notochord flexion, when most morphological changes were related to the progressive transformation from pelagic larva to demersal larva/juvenile.     

The status of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera Linn. in Scotland

1. One hundred and sixty rivers in Scotland with historical records of freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera were surveyed between 1996 and 1999 for the presence of the species. 2. M. margaritifera populations were classed as either ‘extinct’ (no mussels remaining), ‘not currently viable’ (ranging from only dead shells present to no juveniles present, regardless of the number of adults found), or ‘functional’ (at least one juvenile was found, regardless of the overall numbers of adults present). 3. M. margaritifera populations could be classed as ‘functional’ in only 52 rivers (34% of total surveyed) and in only 17 of these were juveniles below 20 mm (5 yrs old) present. Furthermore, in only 10 of these functional rivers were mussels also still considered either to be common or abundant and these included both large easterly‐flowing rivers and small western rivers and streams. 4. In approximately two‐thirds (101) of the 155 rivers occupied 100 years ago, M. margaritifera is now extinct or is about to become extinct. Furthermore, analysis indicates that the rate of mussel population extinction has accelerated since 1970, with a recent average of two mussel river extinctions per year. 5. The predominant threat to the mussel populations has undoubtedly been pearl fishing. This has been occurring at every river, even in the most remote northwest areas, where most of the ‘functional’ populations remain. Recent legislation has provided full protection to M. margaritifera, so that all pearl harvesting is now illegal. 6. Locally, river engineering and host salmonid stock decline poses a serious threat and eutrophication has already eliminated populations in southern and eastern Scotland. 7. In every part of its global range, M. margaritifera has declined substantially and is now either threatened with extinction or is highly vulnerable. Based on recent estimates from across the species range, it appears that Scotland now probably holds at least half of the world's remaining functional M. margaritifera populations. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.