2.5 Protecting the genetic diversity of species: Protecting diversity to support the management of trout and European whitefish stocks

Trout and European whitefish are important species for both commercial and recreational fisheries. However, trout and migratory whitefish stocks in particular are under threat. This is due to migration barriers such as dams that block access to breeding waters, insufficient regulation of fisheries, and environmental changes. To ensure the viability of European whitefish and trout stocks so that they can be fished sustainably in the future, the genetic diversity of these species must be maintained and increased.

The genetic variation underlying ecological traits reflects the ability of fish stocks to adapt to change. Understanding the genetic structure of stocks is essential for designing accurate and effective fisheries management measures and for conserving the genetic diversity of fish stocks.

We have studied the structure of trout stocks in several Finnish waters and have laid the foundation for knowledge-based stock management. The research projects have usually been carried out in collaboration with local fishery operators, which has enabled the direct transfer of knowledge generated by the projects to decision-makers responsible for the management of local stocks.

There are many ways to protect and support the diversity of trout and whitefish stocks. Trout stocks are supported through statutory stocking using Luke-maintained broodstock fish that are as genetically diverse as possible. We have also promoted sustainable fishing of European whitefish stocks by using genome-based methods to determine the genetic make-up of whitefish caught in commercial fishery. This information can be used to regulate whitefish fishery both regionally and temporally to avoid pressure on vulnerable stocks.

We are also developing a more cost-effective method for determining the genetic make-up of European whitefish and trout stocks. This method will provide more accurate information on the genetic structure and genetic variation of whitefish and trout stocks.