Loss of genetic integrity and biological invasions result from stocking and introductions of Barbus barbus: insights from rivers in England. Issue 5 (28th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Antognazza, Caterina Maria; Andreou, Demetra; Zaccara, Serena; Britton, Robert J.
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 6:Issue 5(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 1280
• Page End: 1292
• Publication Date: 2016-01-28
• Subjects: European barbel -- genetic differentiation -- indigenous -- invasive -- nonindigenous; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Anthropogenic activities, including the intentional releases of fish for enhancing populations (stocking), are recognized as adversely impacting the adaptive potential of wild populations. Here, the genetic characteristics of European barbel Barbus barbus were investigated using 18 populations in England, where it is indigenous to eastern‐flowing rivers and where stocking has been used to enhance these populations. Invasive populations are also present in western‐flowing rivers following introductions of translocated fish. Two genetic clusters were evident in the indigenous range, centered on catchments in northeast and southeast England. However, stocking activities, including the release of hatchery‐reared fish, have significantly reduced the genetic differentiation across the majority of this range. In addition, in smaller indigenous rivers, populations appeared to mainly comprise fish of hatchery origin. In the nonindigenous range, genetic data largely aligned to historical stocking records, corroborating information that one particular river (Kennet) in southeast England was the original source of most invasive B. barbus in England. It is recommended that these genetic outputs inform management measures to either restore or maintain the original genetic diversity of the indigenous rivers, as this should help ensure populations can maintain their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Where stocking is considered necessary, it is recommended that only broodstock from within the catchment is used. Abstract : We show that in the indigenous range, widespread stocking of hatchery‐reared fish has significantly reduced genetic differentiation between river catchments and in the smaller rivers, populations are primarily comprised of fish of hatchery origin. In the non‐indigenous range, genetic data largely aligned to historical stocking records, confirming that one particular river in southeast England was the original source of most invasive B. barbus in England.