Assessment of Potential Threats to Arctic Char in Lake Geneva: Bacterial Kidney Disease (BRD)

Abstract

Evaluating the Impact of Bacterial Kidney Disease on Arctic Char Populations in Lake Geneva: A Critical Analysis – This study investigates a significant ecological concern: the notable reduction in Arctic char harvests from Lake Geneva since 1998. This decline is particularly perplexing given the consistent application of existing fishing regulations and ongoing restocking initiatives. Central to this research is the exploration of the hypothesis that Bacterial Kidney Disease (BKD) plays a pivotal role in escalating mortality rates among these fish populations. Utilizing advanced epistemological methodologies, our investigation rigorously identified the presence of BKD through laboratory analyses. Notably, the incidence of BKD in Lake Geneva’s Arctic char was found to be relatively minimal, with a prevalence of merely 0.6\% in 2004, diminishing to 0\% by 2005. Consequently, this study concludes that the presence of BKD, in isolation, is insufficient to account for the substantial decrease in Arctic char catches observed in the region. These findings prompt further research into alternative factors that might be influencing the decline of the Arctic char in Lake Geneva.