Ecological and Genetic Effects of Salmonid Introductions in North America

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Stocking of non-native Salmoninae into North American waters began around 1870. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) from Europe established populations across North America and is the only successful inter-continental introduction. Introductions of native salmonids within North America but outside their native ranges have been common. Ecological effects of salmonid introductions. include competition, predation on native salmonids and other fishes, environmental modification through digging of redds in stream bottom substrates during spawning, and introduction of parasites and disease to native fish. Direct genetic effects from stocked salmonids are caused by interbreeding with native species. Indirect genetic effects may result through selective forces and/or a reduction of effective population size, genetic drift, and inbreeding. Management actions used to remove non-native salmonid populations include chemical reclamation and construction of barriers to movement. Salmonid stocking as a management practice is appropriate for species or population rehabilitation. Continued stocking of non-native salmonids should cease where viable native salmonid populations exist. New introductions of Eurasian species should not be made because effects are unpredictable. Aquaculture and the creation of transgenic fish pose special threats to North American salmonids. The era of widespread, intentional introductions of salmonids by man justifiably is drawing to a close.