Evidence for the recent extinction of two Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus (L.) populations in the West of Ireland

Abstract

Abstract1. This paper highlights the recent extinctions of two native Arctic charr populations in the West of Ireland, one population from the Lough Conn catchment, and a second from the Lough Corrib catchment, respectively.2. The distribution of charr populations in the two catchments is reviewed. The current distribution information is drawn from recent fish stock surveys (Lough Corrib in 1996, and Lough Conn in 1997 and 1998). Previous records of charr in the literature and unpublished data are described to place the current distribution of charr within these catchments into a historical perspective.3. The importance of the charr population in Lough Mask (Lough Corrib catchment) is emphasized, as it is one of the last extant examples of charr from a large Irish alkaline lake.4. Impacts on charr populations in both catchments are discussed and conservation measures proposed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.