1. Project Info

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The brown trout (Salmo trutta) is essential for the stability of aquatic ecosystems in the Šumava region and also serves as an important indicator of the ecological state of watercourses.

The goal of the project is to jointly monitor trout populations on both sides of the border in the Šumava region, create a shared knowledge base, and develop a coordinated cross-border conservation strategy for natural trout populations. Field surveys analyze the condition and genetic origin of different populations to identify original populations best adapted to local conditions. This joint cross-border conservation strategy aims to increase the resilience of trout populations to climate change and preserve aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

FRESHWATER PEARL MUSSEL LARVAE

The larvae (glochidia) of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) settle on the gills of brown trout for several months during their development. Native trout populations are usually more tolerant of this, which is especially important for the mussel’s survival.

BROWN TROUT

An electric fishing device is used to survey trout population abundance. For each fish, the species is identified, its length and weight are measured, and its overall condition is assessed.

GENETIC DIVERSITY

Due to their regional adaptation, native brown trout may be more resilient to environmental changes. Therefore, identifying the genetic origin of trout populations is very important.

SURVEY LOCATIONS

More than 150 sites on both sides of the border are surveyed using electrofishing. Characteristic 100-meter stream sections are sampled.

PARASITES

Typical parasites of brown trout include parasitic myxozoans and amoebae. Myxozoans can cause severe proliferative kidney disease and weaken trout populations.

eDNA

Environmental DNA (eDNA) fragments are obtained from the surroundings using water and sediment samples. With modern laboratory methods, the samples are analyzed to detect the presence of parasites in the water.

Project duration: 01.09.2023 - 31.08.2026
Project budget: 1,436,936.25€