This salmonid, recognisable by its adipose fin (a small fin behind the dorsal fin), is a fish that adapts very quickly to changes in its living conditions. This fish is a fast swimmer, hunting and swallowing any prey within its reach. It has an ingenious reproductive strategy: the female lays up to 5,000 eggs in a gravel bed, which are fertilised by several males. When they hatch, the larvae defend their territory vehemently, with only the hardiest juveniles surviving.
What's more, trout is a delicious dish that is much appreciated in the region.
Despite all these qualities, it is under threat: "The fact that this hardy, adaptable and very popular fish is threatened with extinction should give us pause for thought", says Roberto Zanetti, central president of the FSP, quoted in a press release.
The FSP raises "the 7 deadly sins of civilisation against this fish":
- Loss of habitat: a quarter of all streams and rivers have been channelled, dammed or buried.
- Hydraulic power: water abstraction, hydropeaking, insufficient residual flows that prevent reproduction.
- Water pollution: accidental leaks of liquid manure, building sites, pesticides, medicines.
- Climate change: water too warm, rivers drying up and flooding.
- Diseases: fungus, bacteria, increase in heat-related illnesses such as MRP
- Fish-eating birds: cormorants, mergansers and herons are over-protected
- Incorrect management: in recent years, artificial restocking with trout of Atlantic stock has displaced the original trout species and local forms".
For further information: Swiss Fishing Federation
Photo credit: ©Christophe Di Stadio
