Erosion of interspecific reproductive barriers resulting from hatchery supplementation of rainbow trout sympatric with cutthroat trout

The frequency of hybridization between cutthroat (Onchorhynchus clarki clarki) and rainbow (O. mykiss irideus) trout from coastal habitats in British Columbia, Canada, was examined in seven populations where the two species are sympatric with no history of rainbow trout stocking and compared with areas where native rainbow trout populations have been supplemented with hatchery fish (three populations). Four nuclear markers were used to identify each species and interspecific hybrids and one mitochondrial marker showed the direction of gene exchange between species. The frequency of hybrids was significantly higher (Fisher exact test, P < 0.001) in river systems where hatchery rainbow trout have been introduced (50.6% hybrids) than in populations where the two species naturally co-occur without supplementation (9.9% hybrids).     

Early dry-season community structure and habitat use of young fish in tributaries of the River Sinnamary (French Guiana, South America) before and after hydrodam operation

We examined fish community structure and habitat use at the start of the dry seasons: (1) in 10 tributaries of the River Sinnamary (French Guiana) before and after the start of dam operation, and (2) in 10 upstream tributaries and at 10 littoral sites in the newly-created reservoir after the start of operation to assess the impact on fish juveniles of a hydroelectric dam built on the river's lower section. After the first year of dam operation, juvenile fish communities downstream of the dam showed an important decrease of the relative abundance of Characiformes, and Perciformes dominated. Principal components analysis revealed a distinct upstream-to-downstream progression in the juvenile fish communities with post-reservoir downstream and reservoir sites representing transitions between the upstream and pre-reservoir downstream sites. Canonical correspondence analysis and electivity indices of fish-habitat associations revealed three relatively distinct groups of sites, corresponding to the downstream, reservoir and upstream taxa. The proportion of juveniles presenting higher-than expected frequencies (Fisher's exact test) towards local environmental variables was higher for taxa more often caught in upstream sites. Inversely, juvenile taxa more frequently observed in downstream and reservoir sites appeared less selective towards local environmental characteristics. In the downstream reaches of the river, hydrodam operation is expected to drive the fish community towards a new biologically accommodated state where tolerant species will dominate and sensitive species will be lacking. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Movements of Hoplias aimara during the filling phase of the Petit-Saut dam, French Guyana

Twenty Hoplias aimara were tagged intraperitoneally with radio-transmitters in the Sinnamary River, French Guyana. In November 1993, 13 tagged fish were released in an area which would be flooded by the Petit-Saut reservoir impoundment in mid-1994. Seven other tagged fish were released in January 1994, 20 km upstream of the upper limit of the reservoir. Hoplias aimara showed site fidelity: 75% of fish returned to their capture site before the test area was inundated. The remaining fish stayed close to the release area. Monitoring during three 24-h cycles before reservoir filling showed that H. aimara has a limited home range, which is less marked in unconstrained reaches during the wet season (April to August) than in constrained reaches during the dry season (September to November). In natural conditions, H. aimara has a wider home range in unconstrained river reaches than in constrained river reaches. After closure of the dam, in September and October 1994 (dry season, low water) more than half of the total H. aimara tagged in the flooded zone migrated upstream following the rise of water.     

The lake sturgeon,Acipenser fulvescens,in the Menominee River,Wisconsin-Michigan

Synopsis The Menominee River is the boundary between the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northeastern Wisconsin. It contains one of the few fishable lake sturgeon populations remaining in either state. Two sections of the river harbor naturally reproducing sturgeon stocks. Dams at either end of these sections curtail upstream movement of fish; however, some sturgeon move downstream over the dams. Surveys conducted in 1969 and 1970 and again in 1978 and 1979 intensively studied the sturgeons in a 42 km stretch of the river. Mark and recapture estimates of the number of sturgeon longer than 25 cm in this section ranged from 1884 to 2865. The number of fish longer than 107 cm ranged from 185 to 243. An estimate of 2834 sturgeon between 25 and 165 cm was made on a different 34 km stretch in 1979. Censuses on the hook and line fishery in 1969 and 1970 estimated sturgeon harvests of 59 and 48 fish, respectively. In 1974, the size limit was raised from 107 to 127 cm. Harvests of these larger fish were estimated at 19 and 41 in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Some other characteristics of the sturgeons and the fishery on the Menominee are also included.     

Reproduction, Growth, and Migration of Fishes in a Regulated Lowland Tributary: Potential Recruitment to the River Meuse

Many European rivers are characterized by a canalized main channel, steep stony embankments, the absence of aquatic vegetation, regulated flow dynamics, reduced hydrological connectivity to the floodplains and a lack of spawning and nursery areas for many fish species. In such regulated rivers, tributaries may be particularly important for recruitment of fish populations in the main channel. This paper describes the reproduction, growth and migration of fishes in the Everlose Beek, a regulated lowland tributary stream of the river Meuse (The Netherlands), using bi-weekly sampling from January to December 2002. A total of 8615 fishes were caught, belonging to 13 different species. The fish species were classified into three groups, viz., residents, migrants and transients, based on the presence of various life-stages in the tributary. Size-frequency data suggest that each group uses the Everlose Beek differently: (i) Stone loach (Barbatula barbatula), Gudgeon (Gobio gobio) and Three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were resident species using the tributary as a spawning, nursery and adult habitat; (ii) Bream (Abramis brama), Roach (Rutilus rutilus), Rudd (R. erythrophthalmus), Tench (Tinca tinca), and Pike (Esox lucius) were migratory species, using the tributary as a spawning area, as well as a nursery habitat during their first year of growth, but migrating towards the river Meuse typically at a length of 5–15 cm; and (iii) Bleak (Alburnus alburnus), Sunbleak (Leucaspius delineatus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and Perch (Perca _,fluviatilis) were transient species, characterized by an absence of reproduction, ^.and the occurrence in very low densities of >age-1 juveniles and adults only. Lowland tributaries, such as the Everlose Beek, can contribute to the recruitment of particularly migrant species, hence contributing to fish populations of the regulated river Meuse.     

Managed metapopulations: do salmon hatchery 'sources' lead to in-river 'sinks' in conservation?

Maintaining viable populations of salmon in the wild is a primary goal for many conservation and recovery programs. The frequency and extent of connectivity among natal sources defines the demographic and genetic boundaries of a population. Yet, the role that immigration of hatchery-produced adults may play in altering population dynamics and fitness of natural populations remains largely unquantified. Quantifying, whether natural populations are self-sustaining, functions as sources (population growth rate in the absence of dispersal, λ>1), or as sinks (λ<1) can be obscured by an inability to identify immigrants. In this study we use a new isotopic approach to demonstrate that a natural spawning population of Chinook salmon, (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) considered relatively healthy, represents a sink population when the contribution of hatchery immigrants is taken into consideration. We retrieved sulfur isotopes ((34)S/(32)S, referred to as δ(34)S) in adult Chinook salmon otoliths (ear bones) that were deposited during their early life history as juveniles to determine whether individuals were produced in hatcheries or naturally in rivers. Our results show that only 10.3% (CI = 5.5 to 18.1%) of adults spawning in the river had otolith δ(34)S values less than 8.5‰, which is characteristic of naturally produced salmon. When considering the total return to the watershed (total fish in river and hatchery), we estimate that 90.7 to 99.3% (CI) of returning adults were produced in a hatchery (best estimate = 95.9%). When population growth rate of the natural population was modeled to account for the contribution of previously unidentified hatchery immigrants, we found that hatchery-produced fish caused the false appearance of positive population growth. These findings highlight the potential dangers in ignoring source-sink dynamics in recovering natural populations, and question the extent to which declines in natural salmon populations are undetected by monitoring programs.     

Recruitment to adult habitats in terrestrial hermit crabs on the coast of Ishigakijima Island,Ryukyu Archipelago,Japan

Terrestrial hermit crabs in the family Coenobitidae (genera Coenobita and Birgus) are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. They occupy various habitats ranging from shore to inland forests, and the two shore‐dwelling species, Coenobita rugosus and C. violascens, possess different distributional characteristics on Ishigakijima Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Coenobita rugosus is distributed throughout the coast of the island and is abundant in beach areas, whereas C. violascens has mainly been found in river mouth areas. However, very little is known about the habitats used by the early life stages of coenobitid crabs because identifying the species of recently landed early juveniles is difficult. We tested whether the species compositions of early juveniles of coenobitids differed between beach and river mouth sites on Ishigakijima Island. We collected and identified the early stage coenobitids using PCR–RFLP techniques. A total of 576 early juveniles of five Coenobita species were collected, of which 0.7% were C. brevimanus, 7.3% were C. cavipes, 0.2% were C. purpureus, 70.1% were C. rugosus, and 21.7% were C. violascens. The early juveniles of Birgus latro were not found. The early juveniles of C. rugosus occurred at both beach and river mouth sites, and they were abundant at beach sites. The early juveniles of C. violascens were only found at river mouth sites. These findings indicate that C. rugosus and C. violascens complete their life cycles on land near the localities where they land. The early juveniles of the inland‐dwelling species, C. cavipes, were also mainly collected from river mouth sites, which suggested that juveniles of C. cavipes selected landing sites near river mouth areas and then migrated into the inland forests, passing through riverside areas. Our results highlighted the importance of river mouth areas for recruitment to adult habitats by some coenobitid species.     

Species composition and dynamics of larval and juvenile fishes in the surf zone of Mauritius

The importance of the surf zone as a nursery ground for larval and juvenile fishes has been widely recognized, however the zone has yet to be studied in Mauritius. Recently, the coastal area of the island has been increasingly affected by human activities, especially by tourism. We collected fish samples with a hand pulled seine net during the period of August 2001 to March 2003 to clarify the fish fauna and the dynamics of fishes in the surf zone. Two sampling sites adjacent to river mouth areas and one sampling site adjacent to a mangrove area were selected for comparison of fish fauna in relation to environmental conditions. A total of 9,429 fish larvae and juveniles, representing at least 112 species from 48 families were collected. The abundant species were hardyhead silverside, Atherinomorus lacunosus, bluespot mullet, Valamugil seheli, and Ambassis spp., each contributing 16.2, 12.4, and 11.8% of the total number of individuals, respectively. Estuarine species dominated in the surf zone adjacent to the river mouth areas. Species composition and diversity changed seasonally. The number of fish increased during the rainy season. Species diversity increased at the turn of the seasons from the dry season to the rainy season. We conclude that species composition in each site was affected by environmental factors, such as the scale of the flux from the rivers, which is related to the precipitation. The results indicated that freshwater from the river is a trigger to aggregate larvae and juveniles in the surf zone.     

Changes of nase Chondrostoma nasus L. occurrence in the Wislok River,southern Poland,after stocking with pond reared juveniles

Nase Chondrostoma nasus L., once one of the most common fish species in the upper reaches of central European rivers, is now considered endangered throughout its natural range. Since 2000 the Department of Ichthyobiology and Fisheries, Warsaw Agricultural University, has co‐operated with the Polish Anglers Association in Krosno to study the effects of river restocking with pond‐farmed nase juveniles. The experiment is carried out on Wislok River, where nase was very twenty years ago but has now completely disappeared. Selected parts of the river are stocked with tagged, one‐summer and 1 year‐old juveniles. Changes in nase occurrence, and their growth and foraging behaviour have been analysed.     

Evidence of sustained populations of a small reef fish on artificial structures. Does depth affect production on artificial reefs?

The length frequencies and age structures of resident Pseudanthias rubrizonatus (n = 407), a small protogynous serranid, were measured at four isolated artificial structures on the continental shelf of north-western Australia between June and August 2008, to determine whether these structures supported full (complete size and age-structured) populations of this species. The artificial structures were located in depths between 82 and 135 m, and growth rates of juveniles and adults, and body condition of adults, were compared among structures to determine the effect of depth on potential production. All life-history stages, including recently settled juveniles, females and terminal males, of P. rubrizonatus were caught, ranging in standard length (L(s)) from 16·9 to 96·5 mm. Presumed ages estimated from whole and sectioned otoliths ranged between 22 days and 5 years, and parameter ±s.e. estimates of the von Bertalanffy growth model were L(∞) = 152 ± 34 mm, k = 0·15(±0·05) and t(0) = -1·15(±0·15). Estimated annual growth rates were similar between shallow and deep artificial structures; however, otolith lengths and recent growth of juveniles differed among individual structures, irrespective of depth. The artificial structures therefore sustained full populations of P. rubrizonatus, from recently settled juveniles through to adults; however, confirmation of the maximum age attainable for the species is required from natural populations. Depth placement of artificial reefs may not affect the production of fish species with naturally wide depth ranges.     

长江口水域夏季鱼卵和仔稚鱼年间变化

基于2005年、2008年、2009年和2011年8月(夏季)在长江口水域(30°30'—31°45'N,121°15'—123°10'E)4个航次的浮游生物拖网资料,分析了长江口水域鱼卵和仔稚鱼的种类组成、数量分布特征及其年间变化。结果表明:4个航次采集的鱼卵和仔稚鱼鉴定到种的种类有17种,隶属于8目13科,以鲈形目种类最多,11种,其次是鲱形目,5种,其他各目种类均小于5种;种类数存在明显年间差异,2005年种类数最多(鱼卵3种,仔稚鱼8种),其次是2009年和2011年,2008年种类数最少(鱼卵1种,仔稚鱼5种)。优势种年间更替明显,长蛇鲻(Saurida elongata)、虾虎鱼(Gobiidae spp.)和中华小公鱼(Stolephorus chinensis)在2005年是优势种,2008年优势种为鳀鱼(Engraulis japonicus),2009年优势种为鳀鱼、寡鳞飘鱼(Pseudolaubuca engraulis)、虾虎鱼等,2011年虾虎鱼和小公鱼(包括小公鱼属未定种Stolephorus spp.和中华小公鱼Stolephorus chinensis)成为优势种。2005年鱼卵和仔稚鱼数量分布的密集区在嵊泗列岛附近水域,2008年鱼卵和仔稚鱼出现较少,未出现明显的数量密集区;2009年鱼卵数量较少,仔稚鱼数量较多,密集区主要分布在在长江口以外123°E附近水域;2011年鱼卵主要分布在在长江北支口门外附近水域,仔稚鱼在调查区内分布相对均匀。     

Migratory behaviour shapes spatial genetic structure of cyprinid fishes within the Lake Malawi catchment

• Genetic differences among freshwater fish populations are dependent on life‐history characteristics of the species, including the range of adult dispersal and the extent of homing to natal breeding grounds. However, the effects of variation in such characteristics on population genetic connectivity are rarely studied comparatively among closely related species.
• We studied population genetic structure within three congeneric cyprinid species from the Lake Malawi catchment that differ substantially in life‐history traits and conservation status, using a combination of microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers. Mpasa (Opsaridium microlepis) is a large (70 cm total length) migratory species that spawns in rivers, but as an adult is exclusively known from the main lake body. Sanjika (Opsaridium microcephalum), is a medium size (30 cm total length) species that exists in lake breeding, river‐lake migratory and apparently landlocked populations. Dwarf sanjika (Opsaridium tweddleorum) is a small non‐migratory species (15 cm total length) that persists in small tributaries surrounding the main lake and adjoining rivers.
• The results revealed striking differences among the three species in spatial genetic structuring. The river‐lake migratory mpasa showed only weak yet significant population genetic structure within the main Lake Malawi catchment, suggesting that there is no strong natal homing. The habitat‐generalist sanjika showed only weak spatial genetic differentiation at microsatellite loci within the Lake Malawi catchment, but moderate structure in mitochondrial DNA, potentially reflecting male‐biased dispersal. The river‐restricted dwarf sanjika showed strong genetic structure in both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA, suggesting strictly limited dispersal at both adult and juvenile stages.
• We conclude that contrasting migration life histories have resulted in dramatically different patterns of population genetic structure among these congeneric species. The observed patterns demonstrate how divergent life‐history evolution may strongly influence broader patterns of population genetic connectivity in freshwater fish, with consequences for management and conservation. Specifically the results suggesting gene flow among Lake Malawi populations of mpasa, an IUCN red‐listed ‘Endangered’ species endemic to the lake catchment, imply that conservation initiatives operating at both local and catchment scales are needed to reverse local population decline.

     

Ephemeral floodplain habitats provide best growth conditions for juvenile Chinook salmon in a California river

We reared juvenile Chinook salmon for two consecutive flood seasons within various habitats of the Cosumnes River and its floodplain to compare fish growth in river and floodplain habitats. Fish were placed in enclosures during times when wild salmon would naturally be rearing in floodplain habitats. We found significant differences in growth rates between salmon reared in floodplain and river enclosures. Salmon reared in seasonally inundated habitats with annual terrestrial vegetation experienced higher growth rates than those reared in a perennial pond on the floodplain. Growth of fish in the non-tidal river upstream of the floodplain varied with flow in the river. When flows were high, there was little growth and high mortality, but when the flows were low and clear, the fish grew rapidly. Fish displayed very poor growth in tidally influenced river habitat below the floodplain, a habitat type to which juveniles are commonly displaced during high flow events due to a lack of channel complexity in the main-stem river. Overall, ephemeral floodplain habitats supported higher growth rates for juvenile Chinook salmon than more permanent habitats in either the floodplain or river. Variable responses in both growth and mortality, however, indicate the importance of providing habitat complexity for juvenile salmon in floodplain reaches of streams, so fish can find optimal places for rearing under different flow conditions.     

Ontogenetic behavior of Siberian sturgeon, Acipenser baerii: A synthesis between laboratory tests and field data

We have reviewed field data and studies on the behavior and development of Siberian sturgeon at early-life intervals and related them to different ecologically relevant environmental factors that may play a role in the distribution, recruitment, and survival of young fish. Four behavioral phases (swimming-up, rheotactism, shoaling, and foraging) are observed from hatching to the juvenile phase. Each behavior is associated with an early-life interval and might allow fish to occupy different river habitats, directly influencing their distribution, survival, and recruitment. River current intensity, substrate typology, food resources, and predation pressure seem to be the most important factors affecting the distribution of Siberian sturgeon free embryos and larvae, while juveniles and adult fish disperse and migrate according to food abundance and reproduction. Mechanisms involved in regulating downstream migration during Siberian sturgeon early life stages are different than those observed in anadromous sturgeon species. In all large Siberian rivers, with the exception of the Lake Baikal, the Siberian sturgeon is represented by population continuums, and in many cases the foraging range also includes the spawning areas. Ontogenetic changes in Siberian sturgeon behavior could be interpreted as a species-specific mechanism to maintain the population continuums described in this species without significant mixture of local populations within the river.     

Skeletochronological estimation of age and growth of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the western South Atlantic Ocean

Age and growth are important parameters for better understanding of life history and population dynamics of animal species, as well as for formulating management strategies. However, these data are difficult to obtain for sea turtles because of overall slow growth, delayed maturation and highly migratory behaviour. The loggerhead sea turtle, Caretta caretta, is a widely distributed species, globally listed as endangered. Although the species has been well‐studied in some regions, little is known about various aspects of its biology in other populations, such as those in the waters of the western South Atlantic Ocean, especially outside nesting areas. To address age and growth, loggerhead turtles found dead stranded on the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul during a period of 16 years (1994–2010) were utilized for estimation of age and growth rates using skeletochronology. The individuals analyzed were predominantly neritic juveniles, ranging from 53 to 101 cm curved carapace length (CCL; mean = 71 cm), with estimated ages between 10 and 29 years (mean = 15 years). Mean estimated annual growth rate was 2.1 cm CCL year^?1 (1.9 cm SCL yr^?1), showing large variation among individuals and between successive years in the same individual. Generalized additive mixed models analysis indicated that growth response was influenced by age, CCL and year. The results demonstrated that the southern coast of Brazil is an important area for the development of neritic juveniles of this species, which appear to recruit to this region beginning at about 12 years of age and sizes greater than 55 cm CCL.     

Determinants of fine‐scale homogenization and differentiation of native freshwater fish faunas in a Mediterranean Basin: implications for conservation

Aim Increasing threats to freshwater biodiversity are rapidly changing the distinctiveness of regional species pools and local assemblages. Biotic homogenization/differentiation processes are threatening the integrity and persistence of native biodiversity patterns at a range of spatial scales and pose a challenge for effective conservation planning. Here, we evaluate the extent and determinants of fine‐scale alteration in native freshwater fish assemblages among stream reaches throughout a large river basin and consider the implications of these changes for the long‐term conservation of native fishes. Location Guadiana River basin (South‐Western Iberian Peninsula). Methods We quantified the magnitude of change in compositional similarity between observed and reference assemblages and its potential effect on natural patterns of compositional distinctiveness. Reference assemblages were defined as the native species expected to occur naturally (in absence of anthropogenic alterations) and were reconstructed using a multivariate adaptive regression splines predictive model. We also evaluated the role of habitat degradation and introduced species as determinants of biotic homogenization/differentiation. Results We found a significant trend towards homogenization for native fish assemblages. Changes in native fish distributions led to the loss of distinctiveness patterns along natural environmental gradients. Introduced species were the most important factor explaining the homogenization process. Homogenization of native assemblages was stronger in areas close to reservoirs and in lowland reaches where introduced species were more abundant. Main conclusions The implementation of efficient conservation for the maintenance of native fish diversity is seriously threatened by the homogenization processes. The identification of priority areas for conservation is hindered by the fact that the most diverse communities are vanishing, which would require the selection of broader areas to adequately protect all the species. Given the principal role that introduced species play in the homogenization process and their relation with reservoirs, special attention must be paid to mitigating or preventing these threats.     

BATHYMETRIC STUDIES ON THE PONGOLO RIVER FLOODPLAIN

SUMMARY

Thirteen of the major pans on the Pongolo river floodplain have been studied. Most are shallow (>2.5 m) and regularly lose up to 70% of their water each year, although few dry out. Floods inundate considerable areas (1000 ha) around pans situated in the flatter parts of the floodplain. Whilst inundated, these areas provide an allochthonous energy and nutrient source for the pan and, as the water levels recede, the exposed Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers lawns provide grazing for cattle. The suitability of the various pans for fish production is discussed.     

The fish community of a high mountain stream in Taiwan and its relation to dam design

Synopsis The fish community of a high mountain stream in Taiwan was studied from 1988 to 1990 in a 16 km section of Ta-chia river where a new dam is planned for construction. There were 16 species of fish belonging to 7 families; 15 genera were recorded. Six species are endemic to Taiwan. The dominant species wereZacco pachycephalus, Acrosscheileus paradoxus andRhinogobius brunneus. The composition of fish fauna was different between the eight study sites. Adjacent sites did not show a higher similarity than remote ones. AdultZ. pachycephalus andA. paradoxus showed seasonal aggregation behavior in the stream. At two distinct sites, Kukan and Tungmau, these two species had similar breeding and stock composition patterns with an intensified production period of juveniles from late autumn to early winter and a low, but continuous production period of juveniles in summer months. This information suggest that fishes in the river have special adaptations to the typhoon season in summer and benthic algal blooming in winter. The similarity of fish community and the independent breeding sites of endemic fishes in Kukan and Tungmau also suggest that these are important factors to consider for conservation when the flooding area of a high mountain dam is designed.     

Pollen and seed flow patterns of Carapa guianensis Aublet. (Meliaceae) in two types of Amazonian forest

Various factors affect spatial genetic structure in plant populations, including adult density and primary and secondary seed dispersal mechanisms. We evaluated pollen and seed dispersal distances and spatial genetic structure of Carapa guianensis Aublet. (Meliaceae) in occasionally inundated and terra firme forest environments that differed in tree densities and secondary seed dispersal agents. We used parentage analysis to obtain contemporary gene flow estimates and assessed the spatial genetic structure of adults and juveniles. Despite the higher density of adults (diameter at breast height ≥ 25 cm) and spatial aggregation in occasionally inundated forest, the average pollen dispersal distance was similar in both types of forest (195 ± 106 m in terra firme and 175 ± 87 m in occasionally inundated plots). Higher seed flow rates (36.7% of juveniles were from outside the plot) and distances (155 ± 84 m) were found in terra firme compared to the occasionally inundated plot (25.4% and 114 ± 69 m). There was a weak spatial genetic structure in juveniles and in terra firme adults. These results indicate that inundation may not have had a significant role in seed dispersal in the occasionally inundated plot, probably because of the higher levels of seedling mortality.     

Recent status and life history traits of endangered soft‐mouth trout,Salmo obtusirostris in the River Neretva catchment (Bosnia and Herzegovina) as a consequence of river alteration

Soft‐mouth trout, Salmo obtusirostris has disappeared from most of its historical distribution range in the River Neretva catchment. Remnant groups are highly fragmented and distribution of the species is restricted to only 15% of it's historical area. The most abundant length range of remnant individuals is between 20 and 40 cm; with a significant decrease of the bigger individuals. Age population structure is dominated by younger fish aged 2, 3 and 4 years, however, age class 4⁺ and 6⁺ predominated in the lower river part. Specimens older than 8 years were not observed, and estimated fishing mortality (F) was high, particularly in the upper part of the river (0.786). The River Neretva soft‐mouth trout population is under heavy pressure including anthropogenic habitat changes and illegal fishery, leading to disappearance in number of formerly inhabited areas. The Upper and Lower Neretva are the only areas where the species is still abundant. However, the collapse of the number of old individuals increases the risk of extinction of the remaining wild subpopulations.