ISSN:
1095-8649
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
The world's biggest salmonid, the huchen, Huchu hucho (L.), is now threatened with extinction, especially the nominate form—the Danubian huchen—which is confined to the basin of the River Danube. About 50 years ago the huchen occupied almost 12 000 km of river in Europe but it is now common in only about 33% of its former distribution, is rare in 28% and has disappeared from 39%. The continuous area formerly inhabited by the huchen is now disrupted into isolated sections. This large predatory fish has been pushed back to the submountain zone of rivers, and its density has decreased considerably. This is the combined result of increased regulation of streams, damming of rivers, industrial and agricultural pollution and other factors causing the destruction of the huchen's habitat. Protective measures have been applied, involving legal restrictions, restocking, the establishment of reserves and introductions into rivers not previously inhabited by the huchen. These measures have failed due to continuing pollution of rivers and the low numbers of fingerlings available for restocking.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05027.x
Permalink