Downstream migration of European lake trout, Salmo trutta f. lacustris L., and resident brown trout, Salmo trutta f. fario L., progeny in a Lake Constance affluent river

Abstract The local migratory behaviour of lake trout, Salmo trutta L., and resident brown trout, S. trutta L., progeny from an inflowing stream of Lake Constance was compared. No differences were detected with respect to emigration rate (3.5% and 4.2% for lake trout and resident trout, respectively), rate of residency (6.8% and 8.2% for lake trout and resident trout, respectively) and rate of survival (12.3% and 12.1% for lake trout and resident trout, respectively) one year after stocking. Some of the resident brown trout offspring became migrants and vice versa . The results indicate that the progeny of riverine brown trout contribute considerable numbers to lake trout stock.     

Migration strategies of brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a subarctic river system as revealed by stable isotope analysis

We estimated the proportions of anadromous and freshwater‐resident brown trout (Salmo trutta) in different parts of the subarctic River Näätämöjoki/Neidenelva system (Finland and Norway) using carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen stable isotope analyses of archived scales as identifiers of migration strategy. Our results showed that carbon stable isotope values were the best predictor of migration strategy. Most individuals fell into two clearly distinct groups representing anadromous (47%) or freshwater‐resident (42%) individuals, but some fish had intermediate carbon values suggesting repeated movement between freshwater and the sea. The proportion of anadromous individuals decreased steadily with distance from the sea forming a spatial continuum in migration strategies which is probably maintained by the combination of several factors such as divergent availability of food resources, variable migration costs and genetic differences. These within‐catchment differences in migration strategies should be taken into account in fisheries management practices.     

Water level influences migratory patterns of anadromous brown trout in small streams

Habitats modify the population ecology of species. Here, we show how low water level influences abundance and size of adult anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta) entering a small, South Norwegian stream for spawning. After smolting, the fish appear chiefly to feed within 10 km of the home stream. In the autumn, South Norwegian streams typically flood because of heavy rainfall, when the anadromous brown trout entered from the sea. Mean annual duration of the upstream migration period was 34 days and ended when the flooding ended and the water temperature dropped to below 4°C. During most of the migration period, on average two trout ascended the river per day. The sexes entered the spawning area concurrently, and the male:female ratio of the anadromous trout was 1.27. No fish entered when the water depth just downstream of the spawning area was below 5 cm, and mean number of fish increased with increasing water depth to ca. 30 cm, but not at higher flows when the ascent gradually decreased. Mean and maximum size of the entering spawners increased with water depth between 5 and 16 cm. Among those that had been to sea, most were recaptured in the home stream, 4% in other streams, but only two of the strays were caught close to spawning time. The present results illustrate that population traits of anadromous brown trout from a small stream differ from those in larger rivers, probably because of selection associated with water flow.     

The effects of ration size on migration by hatchery‐raised Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Abstract – The possibility to increase the proportion of migrating hatchery‐reared smolts by reducing their food ration was studied. Lake‐migrating, hatchery‐reared salmon (Salmo salar) and trout (Salmo trutta) smolts were either fed normal rations, based on recommendations from the fish‐farming industry, or reduced (15–20%) rations. They were released into the River Klarälven, western Sweden, and followed as they swam downstream to Lake Vänern, a distance of around 25 km. For both Atlantic salmon and brown trout, smolts fed a reduced ration migrated faster than fish fed a normal ration. Furthermore, a higher proportion of salmon smolts fed reduced rations migrated to the lake than fish fed normal rations in 2007 but not in 2006. This difference between years corresponded to greater treatment differences in size and smolt status in 2007 than in 2006. For trout, the proportion of migrating individuals and smolt development did not differ with ration size. Trout migrants fed a normal ration had a higher standard metabolic rate (SMR) than nonmigrants, whereas there was no difference in SMR between migrating and nonmigrating salmon. These results show that it is possible to use a reduced food ration to increase the migration speed of both Atlantic salmon and brown trout and to increase the proportion of migrating Atlantic salmon.     

Long-term variation in the population structure of Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, and brown trout, Salmo trutta

The effects of induced water level fluctuations and introduction of the mysid Mysis relicta Lovén on population structure of brown trout, Salmo trutta L., and Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), were studied during 1953–1995 in Limingen hydroelectric reservoir, Norway. The main response was a marked reduction in catch‐per‐unit‐effort (CPUE) for trout and charr, probably caused by reduced recruitment following increased variation in water level. For both species, mean length decreased until 1967 and increased thereafter, whereas mean mass‐at‐length increased for the whole period. Both length and mass‐at‐length were negatively correlated with CPUE. The increases in mean length and mass‐at‐length were probably because of reduced competition following the reduced recruitment. Mysis relicta has become an important food item for charr but not for brown trout, but the increases in mean length and mass‐at‐length of charr started prior to the appearance of M. relicta in the charr diet.     

Importance of life‐history and landscape characteristics for genetic structure and genetic diversity of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Abstract – Investigating the influence of evolutionary forces on the genetic structure and genetic diversity remains a major challenge. Yet, it is of considerable interest for conservation and management of a species. This study investigates the influence of life‐history and landscape features, such as altitude, connectivity and habitat size, on genetic diversity and genetic structure of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) with stream‐resident, lake‐dwelling and sea‐migrating life‐history in two river systems in northern Sweden. Using regression tree analysis including ecological and landscape characteristics, we show that life history is the most important variable explaining genetic diversity and population differentiation. Sea‐migrating populations show high diversity and low differentiation, and lake‐ and stream‐resident populations show low diversity and high population differentiation, among all samples. No overall genetic correlation with geographical distance was noted; however, among sea‐migrating populations within the River Vindelälven drainage, this pattern was observed. This study illustrates that life‐history and landscape features help to explain genetic structure and genetic variation. The information is important for conservation and management actions, such as fisheries regulations, habitat restorations, stocking of hatchery fish, defining management units and introducing genetic monitoring programmes.     

River temperature and adult anadromous Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar,and brown trout,Salmo trutta

Abstract In terms of the spawning migration of adult salmon, Salmo salar L., water flow is often considered the primary factor controlling river entry and fluctuations in flow controlling when the fish subsequently migrate upstream. However, water temperature has also been suggested to modify the spawning migration of salmon, particularly their movements within estuaries and the timing of freshwater entry. Freshwater temperature is more likely to impact salmonid biology than flow, particularly in relation to temperature dependant metabolic costs, time of spawning and fecundity. Therefore, temperature may be more of a factor regulating salmonid populations in fresh water than flow itself. This study focuses on two aspects of the impact of temperature on salmonids in fresh water: first, how salmon may modify their behaviour to adapt to changes in temperature and second the potential relationship between temperature, environmental conditions (e.g. water quality) and physiology (e.g. maturation and olfaction) in regulating adult migration.     

Stocking impact,population structure and conservation of wild brown trout populations in inner Galicia (NW Spain), an unstable hydrologic region

1. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is an important conservation resource in the Iberian Peninsula. The Atlantic is considered the most hydrologically stable region for the species, although inner Galicia (NW Spain) shows Mediterranean (unstable) climatic conditions. The Galician region, threatened by past releases of brown trout individuals from central European origin, harbours two native lineages, one of them endemic to the Iberian Peninsula. These populations are thus highly valuable for conservation, as well as being important for recreational fisheries. 2. In total, 546 individuals from 16 sampling sites (15 natural locations from inner Galicia and one from a central European hatchery stock) were genotyped for 11 nuclear markers (10 microsatellite loci and the LDH‐C* locus) to analyse genetic variability, population structure and introgression impact from stocking in order to assess the conservation status of brown trout in the region. Moreover, correlation among hatchery introgression and environmental variables relevant for species population dynamics was also investigated. 3. Genetic variability was within the range of Iberian brown trout (He = 0.500–0.600). Stocking impact was higher than previously reported values for the Atlantic region and was related to environmental instability. Highly significant native population differentiation was observed in the whole region (F_ST = 0.283), at least four main genetic groups being detected across the geographic distribution studied. 4. Conservation strategies at local level (including the creation of genetic refuges and temporal monitoring of genetic composition) are suggested to agencies and administrations for the sustainable management of brown trout.     

Growth and population structure of brown trout, Salmo trutta fario L., in homeothermous stream conditions from a management point of view

Abstract. A brown trout, Salmo trutta fario L., population in homeothermous stream conditions was investigated in terms of age, length-weight relationship, annual and seasonal growth, changes in seasonal condition and specific growth rates, as management variables. The growth of this species in the stream studied was very good, with the most rapid growth in the first year of its life (15·9cm) when the juvenile trout emerged early (April) from the stream bed. The greatest specific growth rate in length was between birth and the first year of life (182·6%). There was an agreement between the condition factor (K) and the growth rate. The values of K, for the juvenile trout, increased continuously because these mainly resulted from their growth through the year. The growth of the two sexes was similar except for the period from October to February when the growth of males was higher than that of females. Also the growth for both sexes was well described by the Von Bertalanffy growth model. No effect was found on the growth rate of tagged and untagged fish. The density and biomass were low, ranging between 0·008 and 0·035 fish.m^?2 and 1·25 and 5·63 g.m² respectively.     

Emigration and mortality of juvenile brown trout in a New Zealand headwater tributary

We investigated juvenile brown trout migration and mortality in a headwater tributary of the Motueka River, New Zealand, by tracking 1000 young‐of‐the‐year passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagged fish over autumn to summer to (i) partition total loss into emigration and mortality and (ii) determine the influence of season and flow on emigration. Fish were tracked using mobile and fixed PIT tag readers. Of the 1000 fish tagged, 173 remained within the Rainy River; emigration contributed 60% and mortality 29% to loss. Only 11% of fish tagged in autumn were predicted to remain in the upper reaches of the stream by early summer, and this agreed with density data collected in a parallel study. We identified a two‐phase downstream migration pattern with early movement of large young‐of‐the‐year fish in autumn (mainly during floods). This was followed by another substantial period of movement in spring (during floods and lower flows) by fish that were initially smaller at the time of PIT tagging. The management implications for damming and fish screening in headwater tributaries are discussed.     

Microsatellite diversity assessment of brown trout (Salmo trutta) population structure indicate limited genetic impact of stocking in a Norwegian alpine lake

Abstract – Releases of non-native trout often result in introgression into natural populations and negative genetic effects. The causal ecological mechanisms for a wide range of reported outcomes are poorly understood. Brown trout population structure in an alpine lake with three major recruitment streams was assessed by analysis for eight DNA microsatellite markers and compared with the non-native population. The lake is subject to a 40-year recorded history of stocking with exogenous trout. No certain deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were found. Tests for population differentiation and genetic distance indicated separate populations for all the sampled areas, and with the exogenous population as a cluster quite different from the others. Assignment tests indicated that only a small fraction of the fish sampled from the lake originated from the introduced trout strain (<3%). Wild discriminate, naturally reproducing populations characterize this alpine lake ecosystem, in spite of 40 years of stocking, which appears to have had a limited impact. It is unlikely that this population structure can ultimately be explained by trout movement patterns. Genetic analysis needs to be supplemented by studies of local life history strategies, to evaluate the relative importance of local adaptation versus random genetic differentiation, because implications for conservation and management are different.     

Determining the spatial distribution of spawning by anadromous and resident brown trout Salmo trutta L using strontium content of eggs collected from redds

Abstract – Strontium (Sr) content of eggs collected from redds were used to determine the spawning contribution of resident and anadromous female brown trout in the Taieri River, New Zealand and were analysed on the catchment and tributary scale. At the catchment scale, analysis of Sr showed differences between eggs collected above and below the Taieri River Gorge. Samples collected above the gorge all had low‐Sr concentrations similar to levels found in an entirely resident brown trout population. Samples collected below the gorge exhibited a broad range in Sr concentrations, ranging from levels comparable to the known anadromous samples to levels comparable to the known freshwater‐resident samples. This suggests that the gorge prevents upstream migration by anadromous brown trout in the Taieri River. At the tributary scale, this pattern of anadromous brown trout spawning downstream of freshwater‐resident fish was repeated in one of the two tributaries located downstream of the gorge. Energetic cost of migration is the most likely explanation for the observed patterns in catchment and tributary scale distribution of spawning by resident and anadromous brown trout. It is concluded that the use of Sr concentrations in eggs collected from redds is a cost‐effective and reliable method to investigate the spawning contribution by anadromous brown trout.     

Fillet texture and muscle structure in brown trout (Salmo trutta) subjected to long-term exercise

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) (2.7 g initial mean weight) were reared in freshwater for 8 months at water velocities of <0.1 (control group), 1 or 2 body lengths per second (BL s^?1) (exercise groups). Growth (body weight, body length and body width), muscle structure (muscle fibre diameter and width of myosepta) and flesh quality parameters (dry matter, muscle pH, collagen content and solubility, instrumental evaluation of texture) were measured at the end of the experiment. The body weight of fish at 1 BL s^?1 was 22% higher than the control group. Muscle development was stimulated at 1 and 2 BL s^?1, leading to a higher condition factor, greater body height and width, and muscle fibre hypertrophy (55 vs. 59.5 μm fibre diameter in the control and 2 BL s^?1 groups respectively). Connective tissue and collagen were only slightly affected by exercise (no difference in collagen solubility, but a greater proportion of γ trimer and fewer α chains in the control compared with the exercised group). Flesh quality was affected, with greater dry matter content and lower post‐mortem pH in the 1 BL s^?1 group compared with the control and 2 BL s^?1 groups. The mechanical resistance of the raw fillets was slightly but significantly increased by exercise. The exercise‐related changes in muscle structure and texture are discussed.     

Comparison of physiological smolt status in descending and nondescending wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a Danish stream

Abstract –  Downstream movement of a wild population of brown trout was examined in a small Danish stream in relation to morphological and physiological smolt status from March to May. Downstream movement was monitored in a Wolf-type trap covering all possible passage routes in the stream. Trout caught in the trap were classified as parr, pre-smolt or smolt based on morphological criteria and compared with trout randomly caught by electrofishing upstream of the trap. Representative gill samples from trap-caught and electrofished trout were analysed for gill Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and used as a measure of physiological smolt status. Only a few parr occurred in the trap. Few pre-smolts occurred in the trap evenly in March and early April. In late April, pre-smolt movement peaked. By comparison, the main downstream movement of smolts occurred in distinct peaks through late March and April. The majority of fish caught in the trap were judged as pre-smolts or smolts based on morphological criteria's and they were characterised by relatively high gill Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity compared with trout judged as parr. Trout caught by electrofishing upstream the trap, were classified as parr, pre-smolts and smolts early in the season (March). During and after the main smolt-run in April the distribution of the remaining trout in the brook became skewed in favour of pre-smolt and parr. The study suggests that smolting trout initiate downstream movement once having reached a certain physiological smolt condition (judged by increased gill Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity).     

Swimming performance of brown trout and grayling show species‐specific responses to changes in temperature

Fishways have historically been constructed to restore and preserve the ecological connectivity for fish in fragmented rivers. However, the fishways are often selective on species due to different size and swimming capacity. As the proportion of dammed rivers is still increasing, there is a growing need for more information on wild fish and their migration potential. In this study, we compared the swimming capacity of wild caught brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) until the fish were exhausted in a critical swimming speed (U_crit) test, under three different naturally occurring stream temperatures in Norway: 1.7, 5.5 and 10°C. The results indicated that trout swim better at the warmer temperatures than at colder temperatures. The grayling showed consistent swimming patterns with little variation across all tested temperatures. The results therefore signify the need to have operational fishways already early in the spring when the grayling migration starts and highlight the need for more studies on fish migration abilities across a wider range of species and seasons.     

Fish larvae dynamics in temperate estuaries: A review on processes,patterns and factors that determine recruitment

Early life stages of fish (eggs and larvae) are particularly vulnerable with mortality rates of up to 99% recorded for a large number of species. High mortality rates result from the limited swimming ability of larvae preventing them from escaping sub-optimal environmental conditions, predators or low prey density areas. In this context, estuaries are key nursery areas for larval and juvenile fish. Estuarine habitats offer environmental conditions favourable to the survival and growth of early stages, through abundant good-quality prey and protection from predators. A vast literature on larvae occurring in temperate estuaries exists, but an overall perspective is lacking. The occurrence of fish larvae in temperate estuaries depends on several factors. First, the choice of spawning time and location is primordial, as they have evolved to optimise the entry and the retention of larvae in the estuary as well as the conditions experienced by young stages. Secondly, larval growth and survival depend on key environmental factors (e.g. salinity, water temperature, freshwater inputs, turbidity and dissolved oxygen concentration). Knowledge of the larval dynamics in temperate estuaries is scarce for some topics and biased towards some species or geographical areas. The main goal of the present literature review is to synthesise existing knowledge regarding spawning timing and location and larval ecology for fish species occurring in coasts and estuaries, identifying the main patterns, consensus or conflicting hypotheses and highlighting major gaps. Research needs and future perspectives were outlined.     

Integration of ecology,demography and genetics to reveal population structure and persistence: a mini review and case study of stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden

Abstract – Spatial structures can drive population dynamics and persistence. The roles of space and dispersal on dynamics, however, remain largely unknown in wild populations, mainly because of the difficulty in extensive/intensive field surveys at multiple locations. Here, I integrate results of ecological, demographic and genetic studies to elucidate detailed population structure and to identify the mechanisms of population persistence in a stream fish. Spatial structures, such as habitat size and connectivity, are particularly important in river and freshwater networks because such ecosystems are highly vulnerable to human activities. These issues are explored by examining results from a decadal research on the stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden charr in the Sorachi River basin, Japan. More than 100 local habitats (i.e. tributaries) were examined for spatial structure of populations by, such as, species presence, population census, redd counts, analysis of population synchrony and microsatellite DNA analysis. The results indicate that (i) population demography is largely independent in each tributary, (ii) some large tributaries support self‐sustaining populations, (iii) despite small population sizes in most tributaries (<30 spawning females), local extinction is rare, except in human‐influenced areas and (iv) probabilities of extinction are likely reduced by immigration of fish from neighbouring tributaries. The evidence suggests that Dolly Varden in this river system function as a source‐sink or mainland‐island metapopulation structure and that processes influencing these structures vary within the stream network. Overall, local populations may be highly persistent as long as local populations are well connected. I also discuss the vulnerability of stream fishes to habitat alterations.     

Growth and feeding responses of a hatchery population of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) at low temperatures

Abstract— Feed intake, specific growth rate and changes in body composition were studied in age 1+ (140-190 g) brown trout ( Salmo trutta L.) reared at three temperatures (2, 4 and 6°C) under continuous light conditions. Feed in take increased from 35.7 kJ-kg⁻¹.day⁻¹ at 2°C to 95.7 kJ-kg⁻¹-day⁻¹ at 6°C, and the growth rate increased from 0.19%-day⁻¹ to 0.42%-day⁻¹ over the same temperature range. The estimated lower temperature limits for feeding and growth were slightly above 0°C. For all groups of fish, the majority (about 75%) of the weight gain comprised water and protein, but lipid deposition tended to increase with increasing temperature. The deposition of lipid accounted for about 50% of the body energy gain at all temperatures.     

Accumulated snow and summer temperature – critical factors for recruitment to high mountain populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

Abstract –  In lake Krokavatn, 1236 m a.s.l., only six strong year-classes of brown trout appeared during the period 1970–2003. Eleven year-classes were missing during the same period. The observed recruitment failure depended significantly on the accumulated snow depth in April, whereas the mean August temperature in the year of birth was significant for the appearance of strong year-classes. Size of the young-of-the-year (YOY) trout at onset of the winter seemed to be crucial for survival. Also little snow and low temperatures during the winter may have led to recruitment failure, as small nursery streams may freeze completely under such conditions, as happened during the winter of 1995/1996. Thus, the recruitment to brown trout populations in western high mountain areas of Norway seemed to be strongly affected by accumulated snow depth and summer temperatures. A climate change with more winter precipitation, as predicted for the present century, may therefore be detrimental to recruitment. However, warmer summers may increase recruitment to levels that lead to overpopulation, but also to establishment of brown trout populations at higher elevations than today.     

Comparison of population dynamics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in a small tributary of the River Scorff (Brittany, France)

The population dynamics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) were compared in a small tributary of the River Scorff (Brittany, France) from spawning time to the beginning of the third growing season. The spawning and fry emergence of the two species took place at approximately the same time. In the first autumn, the densityof 0+ juveniles and settling rate from the egg stage were much higher in trout than in salmon. The emigration rate from 0+ population was much higher in trout than in salmon. The size of resident and migrating fish was always smaller in salmon than in trout, whatever the age. The low level of salmon production in the brook, compared with trout, was the result of low survival from egg to 0+ stage in autumn, combined with the small proportion of juveniles migrating after the first growing season. This was not compensated by a high number of migrants the next year. The role of physical habitat, inter-and intraspecific competition, predation and migration dependence on size and early sexual maturity is discussed. Indications are that small tributaries of the type studied are of great value for recruitment in trout but not very productive for juvenile salmon.