Evaluating and prioritizing of coldwater fish genetic resoures to protect and exploit

Abstract

The diversity of cold water fishes in the water resources of iran is great. So the identification and classification of species is scientifically and economically very important. The study of biological traits, geographical distribution, species diversity, ecological status and abundance of species groups in inland water resources and cultured systems are considered as base of programming for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the genetic resources of these fish.According to the most reliable references, the most important indigenous cold water species in Iran with high economic value include 5 species of fish from salmonidae (Salmo trutta caspius and Salmo trutta fario), cyprinidae (Barbus brachycephalus, Leuciscus cephalus) and percidae (Sander lucioperca). Problems such as genetic disorders and subsequent adverse and unfaverable their effects on rainbow trout, reduced stock of caspian salmon (spring salmon), over-exploitation and smuggling (Salmo trutta fario, Barbus brachycephalus, Leuciscus cephalus, Sander lucioperca), the lack of biological information from other species (Barbus brachycephalus, Leuciscus cephalus) have caused the genetic reserves of these species to be critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable. The creation of a gene bank of living specimens, DNA and fish tissues samples, fishing restrictions (capture season, fishing gear, depth of fishing) and the creation of protected sites are the most important methods of conservation and exploitation of these genetic reserves. Rainbow trout, Salmo trutta caspius (because of their economic and nutritional importance) and brachycephalus are protected and exploited in the priority due to their vulnerability.