Effects of stocking on the genetic diversity of brown trout populations of the Adriatic and Danubian drainages in Switzerland

Abstract

This study focuses on genetic variation of brown trout Salmo trutta populations of the Adriatic and Danubian drainages in Switzerland. The allozyme and other protein loci data show a major replacement of native stocks from the Adriatic drainages by introduced hatchery trout of Atlantic basin origin. In most samples, diagnostic alleles for the Adriatic form of Salmo trutta f. fario and for the marbled trout Salmo trutta marmoratus are found at very low frequencies (f<0.15). Taking into account previous genetic studies on brown trout of this basin, the Danubian samples are not heavily contaminated with foreign alleles. The results are consistent with records of local stocking activities which account in part for the high introgression rates of Atlantic alleles into local populations of the Adriatic drainages. In addition, introgression is enhanced by a decrease of natural reproduction which is caused by a deterioration of trout habitats through human activities. Furthermore, a third mechanism is proposed that may contribute to the high introgression rates observed: if Atlantic trout are introduced, the reproductive barriers between the two native forms, marbled trout and Adriatic fario respectively, break down. Atlantic trout apparently hybridize with both native forms and generate gene flow between them. In some parts of Adriatic drainages in Switzerland, the patterns of introgression and hybridization are further complicated by introduction of trout from the Danubian system. Alleles of the marbled trout are also found in the samples of the Danubian drainage system. These are due to stocking activities across the watershed.