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Historically,
anadromous brook trout were a common and valuable resource in the waters
along southern New England’s coast. These large and abundant fish were
prized for angling and eating. Overfishing and habitat loss has contributed to the decline of
these native anadromous salmonids, particularly at the southern end of
their range. While many
rivers in
Canada
still have healthy runs, populations in New England
and on Long Island, closer to developed urban
centers, have been lost or reduced significantly. But while much is understood about
sea-run brook trout in their northern range, few studies have focused on
declining southern populations where their habitats and migratory
behaviors are reportedly unique. An assessment of anadromy and genetic relationships in southern
New England populations would benefit several
existing efforts by various government and conservation groups to restore
remnant populations in the region, including TU’s efforts on the Quashnet
and at Red Brook.
The objective of
this proposed project is to document anadromy (salt water migration) and
determine genetic diversity among and between several remnant populations
of sea-run brook trout in coastal waters of southern New
England and Long Island. In this study, scale and fin
tissue will be sampled from brook trout in six regional streams and local
hatcheries. Chemical
composition of scale tissue will be analyzed using mass spectrometry to
identify marine specific signatures distinguishing anadromous from
resident freshwater trout. Polymorphism of microsatellite markers in DNA derived from fin
tissue will be analyzed with laboratory techniques and software
tools. Genetic relatedness
between anadromous and resident fish from the same stream, as well as
between regional stream populations, and between wild and hatchery stocks
will be quantitatively compared.
Anadromous
stocks of brook trout are currently indiscernible from the common
freshwater resident stocks, so documentation of anadromy will help
fisheries managers to prioritize populations for protection and to focus
restoration effort where it is needed. Understanding genetic
relationships will help managers to prevent further impacts from
indiscriminate stocking and will identify appropriate source populations
to rebuild this valuable fishery and unique piece of natural
heritage.
Results
will be shared with resource managers and restoration groups through
publication of peer reviewed journal articles as well as through workshops
and publications sponsored by cooperating groups, including the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine
Research Reserve, the Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries and Wildlife, the New York Bureau of
Fisheries and local chapters of Trout Unlimited.
In 2004,
Brendan Annett was with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research
Reserve at the time of this research. More recently, Brendan is with the Buzzards Bay Coalition.
(Written by Brendan
Annett, June, 2004. Brendan reports he's hoping to see some results
by the fall...) |
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