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Measures for recovery of the Softhmouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris) in Croatia

A study was carried out on the Soft-mouth trout (Salmothymus obtusirostris) in order to find the bottle neck of population biology, especially the early life history of fish, with the aim of developing a recovery program through artificial breeding. The Soft-mouth trout is an endemic fish species restricted to Dinaric karst waters of the Adriatic basin in Croatia (Rivers Krka, Jadro, Vrljika, Neretva, and Žrnovnica), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Neretva and tributaries) and Montenegro (Zeta and Morača Rivers). Over the past few decades some genetically unique populations have drastically declined, especially in the River Krka where this species is practically extinct. The Soft-mouth trout is presently listed in Croatia as a critically endangered (CR) species. The major threats are pouching, especially in the spawning season, habitat destruction, introduction of alien species (Onchorhynchus mykiss) and overfishing. Conservation of this species additionally complicates genetic and morphological differences among populations. Despite enormous anthropogenic pressures that usually highly effect salmonid species, the Soft-mouth trout population in Vrljika River is relatively well preserved. In 2007 we started implementation of conservation measures through an experimental program of artificial breeding. Wild specimens were collected from natural habitats in Vrljika River, bred and then released.

Softhmouth trout; Conservation; Crotia

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