Destruction of habitat is the major cause for loss of biodiversity including variation in life history and habitat ecology. Each species and population adapts to its environment, adaptations visible in morphology, ecology, behaviour, physiology and genetics. Here, the authors present the population ecology of Atlantic salmon and brown trout and how it is influenced by the environment in terms of growth, migration, spawning and recruitment. Salmonids appeared as freshwater fish some 50 million years ago. Atlantic salmon and brown trout evolved in the Atlantic basin, Atlantic salmon in North America and Europe, brown trout in Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia. The species live in small streams as well as large rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal seas and oceans, with brown trout better adapted to small streams and less well adapted to feeding in the ocean than Atlantic salmon. Smolt and adult sizes and longevity are constrained by habitat conditions of populations spawning in small streams. Feeding, wintering and spawning opportunities influence migratory versus resident lifestyles, while the growth rate influences egg size and number, age at maturity, reproductive success and longevity. Further, early experiences influence later performance. For instance, juvenile behaviour influences adult homing, competition for spawning habitat, partner finding and predator avoidance. The abundance of wild Atlantic salmon populations has declined in recent years; climate change and escaped farmed salmon are major threats. The climate influences through changes in temperature and flow, while escaped farmed salmon do so through ecological competition, interbreeding and the spreading of contagious diseases. The authors pinpoint essential problems and offer suggestions as to how they can be reduced. In this context, population enhancement, habitat restoration and management are also discussed. The text closes with a presentation of what the authors view as major scientific challenges in ecological research on these species.

This book provides, for the first time, a synthesis of quantitative information on the ecology of the brown trout, including seatrout, and comparisons with closely related species such as Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon, and rainbow trout. Much of this work, especially the case studies, is relevant to general problems in quantitative animal ecology as well as to fisheries management. One theme emphasized throughout is the development, testing, and use of realistic mathematical models as important tools for consecration and management of fish and other animals. The first eight chapters deal with: the global success of the polytypic brown trout; growth and energetics; natural selection and genetic differences between individuals and populations; population dynamics of both adults and juveniles; and detailed case studies of one sea-trout population in the English Lake District. The ninth chapter highlights the main conclusions that can be drawn from the earlier chapters and identifies remaining major gaps in knowledge. This volume will be of interest to all students of population ecology and fish biology, and especially to biologists engaged in managing fisheries. Few books illustrate so well the value of long-term studies in ecology.

Brown Trout: Biology, Ecology and Management A comprehensive guide to the most current research, history, genetics and ecology of the brown trout including challenging environmental problems The brown trout is an iconic species across its natural European distribution and has been introduced throughout the World. Brown Trout offers a comprehensive review of the scientific information and current research on this major fish species. While the brown trout is the most sought species by anglers, its introduction to various waters around the world is causing serious environmental problems. At the same time, introduction of exogenous brown trout lineages threats conservation of native gene pools of populations in many regions. The authors summarize the important aspects of the brown trout’s life history and ecology and focus on the impact caused by the species. The text explores potential management strategies in order to maintain numerous damaged populations within its natural distributional range and to ameliorate its impacts in exotic environments. The authors include information on a wide-range of topics such as recent updates in population genetics, evolutionary history, reproductive traits and early ontogeny, life history plasticity in anadromous brown trout and life history of the adfluvial brown trout and much more. This vital resource: Contains the latest research on the biology and ecology of brown trout Includes information on phylogeography, genetics, population dynamics and stock management Spotlights the brown trout’s introduction to regions around the world and the serious environmental impacts Offers a comprehensive review of conservation and management techniques Written for salmonid scientists and researchers, fishery and environmental managers, and students of population genetics, ecology and population dynamics, Brown Trout explores the most recent findings on the history, ecology and sustainability of this much-researched species.

This important book contains a great wealth of practical information on trout and salmon, species of fish that are of huge scientific and commercial interest. The introductory chapters of Trout and Salmon cover the biology and environmental variables of importance when considering these species. Further chapters encompass current information on the ecology of salmon and trout, with particular emphasis on the definition and quantification, where possible, of their environmental requirements and limitations. Comprehensive coverage of the impacts of human activities on trout and salmon is included, together with important aspects of relevance when considering issues of species conservation and habitat restoration. The book concentrates on the two species of the genus Salmo with many references and comparisons with the genus Oncorhynchus. Conclusions drawn within the book apply to both genera and as such the book will have relevance for both Europe and North America as well as other areas where these genera occur. Trevor Crisp has written a book that will be of great interest and use to fish biologists and fisheries scientists, to aquatic biologists, conservationists, ecologists and environmental scientists. The book will be particularly valuable for those working in government environment agencies and fish and wildlife departments and to all those involved in the management of these important species, their fisheries and habitats.

The Atlantic salmon is one of the most prized and exploited species worldwide, being at the centre of a massive sports fishing industry and increasingly as the major farmed species in many countries worldwide. Atlantic Salmon Ecology is a landmark publication, both scientifically important and visually attractive. Comprehensively covering all major aspects of the relationship of the Atlantic salmon with its environment, chapters include details of migration and dispersal, reproduction, habitat requirements, feeding, growth rates, competition, predation, parasitsm, population dynamics, effects of landscape use, hydro power development, climate change, and exploitation. The book closes with a summary and look at possible future research directions. Backed by the Norwegian Research Council and with editors and contributors widely known and respected, Atlantic Salmon Ecology is an essential purchase for all those working with this species, including fisheries scientists and managers, fish biologists, ecologists, physiologists, environmental biologists and aquatic scientists, fish and wildlife department personnel and regulatory bodies. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught should have copies of this important publication. Comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of Atlantic Salmon Atlantic Salmon is one of the world's most commercially important species Backed by the Norwegian Research Council Experienced editor and internationally respected contributors

From reviews of the hardback edition:- No matter how experienced a salmon man the reader is, I cannot believe he will study this extremely informative book without learning a great deal and gaining much enjoyment from doing so.The biology and life of the salmon . . .are all dealt with in a most interesting manner . . .Highly recommended. A book not to be read just once, but often to be consulted.; This book is dedicated to Salar the Salmon and what a tribute it is to this unique fish. Supporters of the Trust would be wise to purchase this book and to keep it on the shelf for future reference. - Atlantic Salmon Trust Progress Report