Author(s): K. Muraoka; S. Yamashita; M. Nakayama; J. Miwa
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Genetic diversity; Population; Sculpins; Translocation; Assessment
Abstract: The entire length of the Honmyo River on the Island of Kyushu in Japan has been modified for flood control. The construction of large weirs and sabou dams along the river has resulted in the fragmentation of indigenous sculpin populations, and only a 1 km stretch of suitable sculpin habitat is considered to remain. As part of a program to conserve this species, 81 individuals were translocated to the upper reaches of dams and a tributary. Genetic assays of Cottus pollux caught at 8 sample sites along the length of the river indicated that the populations in the upper river reaches are important for the recruitment of river reaches further downstream. Furthermore, it was assumed that there were other factors impacting the reproduction of this species. Our results show that rehabilitation of the spawning beds in the upper river reaches is valuable for ensuring the continued survival of the native population. In addition, translocation of several generations of fish is important for ensuring the continued survival of the sculpin populations.
Year: 2011