Behavioural responses of naive Arctic charr young to chemical cues from salmonid and non-salmonid fish

The ability to distinguish among chemical cues from multiple predators is of key adaptive value for many prey fish. We examined the attractiveness and repulsiveness of chemical stimuli from different coexisting fish species fed on different diets on the behaviour of hatchery reared Arctic charr young in a Y-maze fluviarum, where the charr could choose between two sides either with control water or stimulus water with fish odour. We used stimuli from (1) matching sized conspecifics, large (2) Arctic charr, (3) salmon, (4) brown trout and (5) brown trout fed on Arctic charr fry. Other salmonids were given pellet food. Additional fish odour treatments included piscivorous (6) pike and (7) burbot. In the control trials both sides received control water. Arctic charr young were expected to respond adaptively to the stimuli from coexisting piscivorous fish. The charr most strongly preferred water with the odour of their matching sized conspecifics, which was the only fish odour they were familiar with before the experiments. They also showed significant preference for other salmonid odours, even though these fish are potential predators on small charr. Chemical stimuli from pike and burbot, on the contrary, were strongly avoided, and burbot odour even prevented the charr to swim and enter the lateral halves of the fluviarum. Moreover, odour from brown trout fed on Arctic charr fry was avoided when compared to stimuli from trout fed on pellets. Although the Arctic charr young were completely naive regarding piscivores, the fact that they could distinguish between different predator taxa and diets on the basis of chemical cues only reflects the long coevolutionary history of these fish populations.     

Similarity in seasonal flow regimes,not regional environmental classifications explain synchrony in brown trout population dynamics in France

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A small number of anadromous females drive reproduction in a brown trout (Salmo trutta) population in an English chalk stream

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Recruitment variation in a stream galaxiid fish: multiple influences on fry dynamics in a heterogeneous environment

1. The relative importance of density‐dependent and density‐independent processes in explaining fluctuations in natural populations has been widely debated. In particular, the importance of larval supply and whether it may control the type of regulatory processes a population experiences has proved contentious. 2. Using surveys and field experiments conducted in streams in Canterbury, New Zealand, we investigated how variation in the survival of non‐migratory Galaxias vulgaris fry was affected by density‐dependent and density‐independent processes and how this variation influenced recruitment dynamics. 3. Fry populations with high settlement densities experienced a 70–80% reduction in population size from density‐related mortality during the first fourteen days after peak settlement but thereafter the influence of density‐dependent processes on fry was weak. The impact of environmental conditions on fry populations was dependent on fry size and the magnitude of the perturbation, such that flooding effects on fry survival were most severe when fry were small. 4. In streams not affected by flooding, the size and density of introduced trout (Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss) were the most significant factors determining the abundance of eventual recruits. A field experiment manipulating brown trout access to fry populations revealed that trout as small as 110 mm may be capable of greatly reducing and possibly preventing galaxiid recruitment. 5. Overall, the results indicated density‐dependent population regulation was only possible at sites with high native fish densities because trout were likely to be suppressing the number of potential recruits at sites with low native fish numbers. Whilst density‐dependent processes had a strong effect on fry survival following the period of peak fry abundance, density‐independent processes associated with flow and predatory trout influences on fry survival largely determined recruitment variability among galaxiid populations. Focusing conservation efforts on improving habitat to increase fry retention and reducing the impacts of trout on galaxiids would ensure more native fish populations reached their potential abundance.     

Detection of elemental composition and caloric value variability at individual level in newly emerged brown trout Salmo trutta L.

The carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen sulphur and oxygen (CHNSO) analysis method was used to measure individual elemental and energetic values of newly emerged brown trout Salmo trutta . Elemental analysis was shown to be a reliable method to detect individual variability amongst emerging brown trout fry. It also provided some evidence that energy might be involved in emergence behaviour.     

Timing an ontogenetic niche shift: responses of emerging salmon alevins to chemical cues from predators and competitors

Ontogenetic niche shifts are ubiquitous in nature. However, in most species little is known about phenotypic plasticity in the timing of shifts and in the associated characters. Following a period of endogenous feeding on yolk, salmonid alevins emerge from their gravel nests into the open water and start feeding exogenously. We studied, by using replicated artificial nests, whether the responses of emerging Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) alevins to chemical cues from two piscivorous fish predators and conspecific competitors are plastic. We hypothesised that the alevins should delay emergence in response to predator cues, whereas cues from competitors should induce earlier emergence. We found that chemical cues from predatory burbot ( Lota lota ) delayed emergence, whereas cues from brown trout ( S. trutta ) tended to induce earlier emergence. The earlier emergence in response to trout cues was associated with a smaller body size and more yolk resources remaining at emergence, but burbot cues did not alter these traits. Predator cues also influenced the daily pattern of emergence: more alevins emerged during the morning in the burbot treatment, and fewer alevins emerged during the afternoon in the trout treatment. Chemical cues from conspecific competitors had no effect on emergence patterns. The results indicate that salmon alevins exhibit flexible ontogenetic niche shifts in the timing of emergence in response to predator cues, and that the responses are predator-specific. As timing of emergence is a major determinant of territory acquisition, these responses are likely to have an impact on later fitness of the fry.     

Morphological differentiation among local trout (Salmo trutta) populations

The trout (Salmo trutta) has been divided into three forms: sea-run trout, lake-run brown trout, and resident brown trout. They differ in their living environment, migratory behaviour, growth and appearance. As local trout populations are often isolated, and gene flow between them is minimal, differentiation between populations can be expected. The morphology of 1-year-old trout from ten populations representing all three forms was studied in a common-garden experiment. The fish were reared under similar environmental conditions, and 20 morphometric characters were measured from each individual fish. Marked morphological differentiation was found, and differences between populations were greater than differences between forms. The results suggest that the differences have a genetic basis, and they are likely to indicate adaptation to local environmental conditions in the native habitat of the trout.     

The accumulation of 137-caesium from fresh water by alevins and fry of Atlantic salmon and brown trout

The accumulation of 137-caesium from water by alevins and fry of Atlantic salmon and brown trout was studied, At 'normal' pH (∼7.4), input rates (k_WF) and equilibrium concentration factors (CF_eq) of 137-caesium were four to five times greater in both species of alevins than those in the fry. Input rates and equilibrium concentration factors were consistently greater in brown trout than in Atlantic salmon. The input rate of 137-caesium was most rapid in kidney, gill and gut of fry. The majority of the radiocaesium was, however, deposited in muscle tissue which had consistently the longest biological half-life of 50–90 days. 137-Caesium input was significantly reduced at low pH (∼5.0) but output rates (k_FW) were little affected. It is concluded that juvenile fish are more susceptible than adults to radiocaesium accumulation from freshwater but that food is the major source of 137-caesium in freshwater fish. The behaviour of 137-caesium is discussed with respect to potassium.     

The impact of trout on galaxiid fishes in New Zealand

Compared with the effect of invaders on the native terrestrial fauna of New Zealand, interactions between native fishes and introduced trout (sports fish in the genera Salmo, Oncorhynchus and Salvelinus) are less well known and there have been fewer efforts to remedy their effects. Trout have caused widespread reductions in the distribution and abundance of native galaxiid fishes, a family dominated by threatened species. The effects have been most severe on non-diadromous species (those lacking a marine migratory stage), which are commonly eliminated from streams by trout. Galaxiid populations in lakes, and those with migratory ?whitebait? stages, have also been affected, but the extent of the impacts are less understood. The mechanisms controlling negative interactions between trout and native fish, and how the environment modifies those interactions, will be important for future management. Experiments and field comparisons indicate size-specific predation by trout is the main driver of negative interactions. Large trout (>150 mm long) do the greatest damage and small galaxiids (those with adult sizes <150 mm long) are the most at risk. The fry stage of non-diadromous galaxiids is particularly vulnerable. Despite galaxiid fry production in some trout-invaded reaches, often no fry survive making them population ?sinks? that must be sustained by adult dispersal. Trout are also associated with changes in galaxiid behaviour and alterations to stream benthic communities. However, effects on galaxiid growth and fecundity have been little studied. Recent work also indicates that habitat conditions, especially floods, low flows and natural acidity, can mediate trout?galaxiid interactions. We argue that managers should be more proactive in their response to the plight of galaxiids, and we identify avenues of research that will benefit native fish conservation activities in the future.     

Effects of sea trout stocking on the population genetics of landlocked brown trout, Salmo trutta L., in the Conwy River system, North Wales, U.K.

The effect of the introduction of fry of anadromous sea trout, Salmo trutta L., on the genetic integrity of landlocked brown trout populations was evaluated. Samples were taken from six brown trout populations from streams above impassable waterfalls in the Conwy river system (North Wales, U.K.) in 1989 and 1990. Three of these streams had no known stocking history and three had been stocked with sea trout fry from the lower Conwy system over the last few years. Representatives of these sea trout were collected from two streams in the lower Conwy system and from a hatchery. Allele frequencies at 13 loci, six of which were polymorphic, were determined by starch gel electrophoresis.
The stocked populations were intermediate in their allele frequencies between unstocked brown trout and sea trout samples. A principal component analysis suggested significant numbers of hybrids in all of the stocked streams. This shows that some of the introduced sea trout did not migrate down the falls to the sea, but stayed in fresh water and hybridized with the local population. The significance of this finding for the conservation of the genetic resource of brown trout stocks is discussed.     

Effects of pulsed discharges from a hydropower station on summer diel feeding activity and diet of brown trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) in an Iberian stream

The influence of pulsed discharges associated with hydroelectric power generation (i.e. hydropeaking) on feeding activity and diet composition of adult brown trout (Salmo trutta) was studied during the summer by comparing two sites: upstream (control site) and downstream from a power plant (hydropeaking site). Twenty fish were captured from each study site by electrofishing at 4‐hour intervals for two consecutive days and stomach contents were collected with pulsed gastric lavage. Hydropeaking events affected brown trout feeding behaviour as well as prey availability. Feeding intensity, measured by the stomach Fullness Index, showed pronounced variations with maximum values after flow pulses, which were linked to variations in prey availability because of increased drift rates of invertebrates. In contrast, brown trout living at the control site showed smoother variations in feeding activity not linked to invertebrate drift. Overall, brown trout at the hydropeaking site had higher food consumption rates and a more generalist and heterogeneous diet than trout from the control site, indicating an opportunistic feeding behaviour during flow pulses. Therefore, the hydrological disturbance caused by hydropeaking did not appear to cause direct negative impacts on feeding of adult brown trout. However, reduced trout density and imbalanced size structure in the hydropeaking site were detected, requiring further research to clarify the spatial influence of hydropeaking on other factors that could negatively affect brown trout populations.     

Estimating the success of natural spawning of salmonids in streams

A new method is described to estimate the survival of salmonids in streams from fertilization of the eggs to the emergence of the fry. The method is compared to other techniques generally used to estimate the egg-to-fry survival: fry traps, excavation of redds, construction of artificial redds and laboratory experiments. Especially designed boxes filled with substratum and freshly fertilized eggs are buried in the stream bed. Survival is determined at three different embryological development stages: eyed stage, hatching and emergence. Boxes are planted inside the stream bed using a special injector, so that substratum alterations are minimal around the boxes. This method was tested successfully in two different studies, one in Switzerland on the brown trout, the other one in Sweden on the sea trout.     

Using gravel for environmental enrichment in salmonid hatcheries: The effect of gravel size during egg incubation,endogenous and first feeding in rainbow trout

Environmental enrichment aims for a deliberate increase in structural complexity in otherwise plain rearing units, helping to reduce aberrant traits and promote welfare of fish kept in captivity. Before putting enrichment protocols into practice, however, practitioners like hatchery managers need clear guidelines on enrichment measures and on the substrates used. In the present study, we used rainbow trout as a model species for salmonid rearing and investigated the use of a single layer of three different gravel types, i.e., small (4–8 mm), medium (8–16 mm) and large (16–32 mm), for environmental enrichment during egg incubation, endogenous and first feeding of rainbow trout and compared this to a barren control. From the egg stage onwards, we determined mortality, fungal prevalence as well as growth of larvae and fingerlings. We found that gravel size significantly affected mortality and fungal prevalence with the smallest gravel size and the control showing the lowest incidents. Growth of larvae and fingerlings was not affected by gravel, both when compared between gravel types and to the barren control. When using gravel for environmental enrichment in salmonid hatcheries, a small gravel size should be used. Small gravel provides the fish with a more natural environment without compromising practical feasibility of enrichment in hatcheries, still allowing for easy visual inspection and manual control of the reared fish.     

Intra- and Interspecific Competition in Hatchery Landlocked Salmon and Brown Trout in Semi-Natural Streams

I studied inter- and intraspecific competition in two hatchery stocks: landlocked salmon with long-hatchery background and a heterogenic brown trout stock. These species are potential competitors in the natural environment when landlocked salmon is being restored to wild by stocking hatchery juveniles. Behavioural responses were studied in four indoor laboratory flumes (400 cm long and 37 cm wide) and habitat use in six semi-natural outdoor streams (26 m long and 1.5 m long). Video recordings were used to monitor fish behaviour and electrofishing for fish positioning in the outdoor channels. The study design included five treatments: two densities of brown trout and salmon in solitary and both species together. The results of the study demonstrated that juvenile brown trout changed their behaviour in laboratory streams in response to presence of the landlocked salmon and the density of the conspecifics also tended to alter the habitat use by brown trout in semi-natural streams. Landlocked salmon juveniles showed no response to treatments. I conclude that possible poor adaptive ability to conditions outside hatchery by the hatchery salmon together and more competitive brown trout stocks may limit the success of management action in restoring landlocked salmon back to their natural streams of stocking.     

Interpopulation variation in reproductive traits of anadromous female brown trout, Salmo trutta L.

We studied reproductive traits in nine anadromous brown trout, Salmo trutta L., populations in seven Norwegian rivers. Within populations we found a positive significant correlation between fish length and fecundity in all populations, and between fish length and egg diameter in five populations. There were significant differences in these relationships between populations from different rivers, and between populations from different locations within rivers. When adjusted for variation in fish length, mean fecundity and mean egg diameter showed a negative significant correlation among populations. The ratio of gonadal weight to somatic weight (gonadosomatic index) varied significantly among populations but was not associated with variation in fish length. Comparatively few large eggs were found in brown trout populations co-existing with several other fish species.     

The influence of habitat availability and adult density on non-diadromous galaxiid fry settlement in New Zealand

This study investigated factors controlling settlement and initial density of two species, Galaxias vulgaris and Galaxias paucispondylus (Galaxiidae), in New Zealand streams. Factors affecting maximum fry abundance were assessed at 10 sites (eight streams) differing in habitat characteristics and the presence or absence of introduced brown Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss . Regression analysis indicated that conspecific adult numbers, extent of backwater habitat and brown and rainbow trout density were the most important factors determining initial fry density. Experimental additions of backwater habitat increased fry settlement tenfold compared with control reaches, demonstrating that the area available for fry settlement had a substantial effect on fry abundance. Results from this study indicate that fry settlement may be a critical limiting phase for some non-diadromous galaxiid populations. Increasing settlement area to enhance fry retention offers a practical conservation tool for fisheries managers that may aid conservation of threatened fishes like galaxiids.     

Structure and genetic diversity of small populations of brown trout Salmo trutta in Kandalaksha Bay,the White Sea

The phenetic variability (types of life strategy, age and sex structure of population, biological peculiarities), the anthropogenic pressure, and the genetic diversity were studied by five microsatellite loci for several minor populations of brown trout Salmo trutta inhabiting the waterbodies of Velikaya Salma Strait watershed area (Kandalaksha Bay, the White Sea). The level of genetic and phenetic diversity in small populations was comparable to those representing large water systems. Significant spatial dissimilarity of the populations located in less than 15-km distance was found. Low allelic and genetic diversity was observed for the studied populations. Variability of some studied loci through the time period was observed for the fish sampled from different populations. We assume that minor populations of brown trout may be treated as the standards of native populations for the monitoring activities on the brown trout populations and its environment both in short-term and long-term perspective.     

Reliance of brown trout on terrestrial prey varies with season but not fish density

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Fish cognition: what can we learn, and what do they need to learn?

Fish provide a wonderful opportunity to explore processes that shape and select cognitive ability. In this presentation, I will illustrate three aspects of work that my colleagues and I have used to investigate fish learning and memory over the last decade. First, I will discuss how comparing different populations sampled from contrasting habitats allows differences in cognitive ability to be related to the evolutionary ecology of the fish. I will use examples that have investigated how differences in learning ability between populations of the same species can arise. Here, the examples will be taken from the ubiquitous three‐spined stickleback, and a Panamanian poecilid, Brachyraphis .
The second approach has used fish cognition as a tool to quantify behaviour to enable assessment of different aspects of fish welfare. For example, the recent work investigating pain perception in trout required the use of a learning task to quantify how fish behaviour was modified after noxious stimulation. Ways in which these, and similar, processes can be used in future studies of fish welfare will be discussed.
The final part of the presentation will consider recent work that addresses the problems of releasing hatchery‐reared fish for restocking purposes. Although a common practice, most of the hatchery‐reared fish die shortly after they are released. Much of the observed mortality apparently stems from the fishes' inexperience with a variable environment. Experiments with juvenile cod and brown trout suggest that both age, and the early rearing environment, have profound effects on fish learning and behaviour. I will discuss how simple modifications to current rearing practices may have large beneficial effects on the post‐release survival of hatchery‐reared fish.     

Early effects of the strategies of creating a genetic refuge and direct translocation for conserving and restoring populations of native brown trout

1. The conservation of salmonid inter‐ and intra‐specific diversity is a well‐known challenge, and general management guidelines and conservation processes are available. However, research demonstrating the outcomes of practical conservation actions is largely lacking. 2. We monitored the spatiotemporal genetic and demographic evolution of a native Mediterranean brown trout population in a river in the French Alps to assess the efficacy and early effects of genetic refuge (i.e. cessation of stocking) and wild trout translocation strategies. We also studied the use of angling as a tool to limit the introgression of the wild standing population. 3. We found that the rate of non‐native alleles in wild populations was age dependent, underpinning the importance of using age profiles in the design of genetic conservation studies. 4. Genetic refuge and direct translocation of wild trout resulted in a rapid and significant decrease in the percentages of non‐native alleles. Moreover, the genetic refuge strategy resulted in a significant reduction in the number of pure non‐native individuals, without changing trout densities, whilst direct translocations resulted in the establishment of dense, self‐sustaining native trout populations. Direct translocations changed the distribution of genotype categories and increased densities up to 55‐fold in 3 years. Our results also showed that angling resulted in a selective pressure on non‐native trout introduced at fry stage, whereas non‐native trout issued from natural recruitment were not affected. 5. Our study provides insights for improving the efficacy of practical conservation policies and can be used in other native freshwater fish conservation plans. Proactive measures such as direct translocation need to be implemented together with passive approaches such as genetic refuge policies. Before implementing such actions, accurate genetic and demographic studies at small geographical scales are essential to ensure that no self‐sustaining population of non‐native fish is present. To obtain rapid colonisation, we recommend introducing fish along whole river sections rather than concentrating on a few river stretches. Angling pressure can be used as an additional tool to improve restoration.