Abstract

Investigating the influence of evolutionary forces on the genetic structure and genetic diversity remains a major challenge. Yet, it is of considerable interest for conservation and management of a species. This study investigates the influence of life-history and landscape features, such as altitude, connectivity and habitat size, on genetic diversity and genetic structure of brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) with stream-resident, lake-dwelling and sea-migrating life-history in two river systems in northern Sweden. Using regression tree analysis including ecological and landscape characteristics, we show that life history is the most important variable explaining genetic diversity and population differentiation. Sea-migrating populations show high diversity and low differentiation, and lake- and stream-resident populations show low diversity and high population differentiation, among all samples. No overall genetic correlation with geographical distance was noted; however, among sea-migrating populations within the River Vindelälven drainage, this pattern was observed. This study illustrates that life-history and landscape features help to explain genetic structure and genetic variation. The information is important for conservation and management actions, such as fisheries regulations, habitat restorations, stocking of hatchery fish, defining management units and introducing genetic monitoring programmes.

Published in

Ecology of Freshwater Fish
2012, Volume: 21, number: 1, pages: 119-133

SLU Authors

• Östergren, Johan

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Nilsson, Jan

  • Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development


UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
Fish and Aquacultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0633.2011.00529.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/39514