Wild brown trout Salmo trutta: an important national and international resource

Abstract

SUMMARY. 1. Brown trout were once given a variety of latin and common names, but are now regarded as belonging to only one polymorphic species, Salmo trutta L. A review of their geographical distribution shows that this species was originally native to Europe but has been successfully introduced in at least twenty‐four countries outside Europe.2. Brown trout provide valuable commercial and sports fisheries, e.g. commercial and rod catches of sea‐trout in England and Wales averaged 110,547 fish per year from 1983 to 1986 and the minimum value of these fisheries is estimated to be £55M.3. It is concluded from this brief review that the major objectives of scientific research on wild brown trout should be: (a) an assessment of the current status of stocks; (b) the maintenance of existing populations; (c) the development and improvement of mathematical models that can be used as tools for the conservation and management of this important national and international resource.