Salmonid introduction in Patagonia: the ghost of past, present and future management

Patricio J Macchi,Pablo H Vigliano

doi:10.25260/ea.15.24.2.0.19

Abstract

Salmonid introduction in Patagonia: the ghost of past, present and future management

Highlights

Species introduction has been, after habitat loss, characterized as the second most important risk to maintain fish biodiversity on the planet (Allan & Flecker 1993; Saunders et al 2002)
An analysis of the introductions between 1904 and 2011 in relation to 54 drainages showed that the differential success of salmonid species introduced into Patagonia is related to human actions, environment, evolutionary history and plasticity of the introduced species as well as to their abiotic and biotic interactions
The present paper aims to analyze the history of salmonid introductions in Patagonia and to discuss the strategies of stocking and management applied in order to gain better understanding of their actual distribution and success as invaders

Summary

Introduction

After habitat loss, characterized as the second most important risk to maintain fish biodiversity on the planet (Allan & Flecker 1993; Saunders et al 2002). Direct consequences are the introduction of diseases (Hershberger et al 2010), the degradation of native fish communities through competition and predation 1999; McIntosh 2000; Gratwicke & Marshal 2001; Hrabik et al 2001; Volpe et al 2001), the impoverishment of autochthonous fish populations (Krueger & May 1991; Blanco et al 1998), the ecosystem deterioration (Fukushima et al 1999; Donald et al 2001; McDowall 2003; Simon & Townsend 2003) and the disruption of ways of life and economic background related to the use of the natural resource (Ogutu-Ohwayo & Hecky 1991; Witte et al 1992). Despite all the consequences of introducing fish, this is still a common practice in all continents (Welcomme 1988).

Methods

Results

Conclusion