Applying genomic approaches to delineate conservation strategies using the freshwater mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in the Iberian Peninsula as a model

Perea‍, Silvia; Mendes, Sofia L.; Sousa-Santos, C.; Ondina, Paz; Amaro, Rafaela; Castro, Jaime; San-Miguel, E.; Lima, Camilla S.; Garcia, Maxime; Velasquez, V.; Garcia-Roves, P.; Fernandez, Dawn; Araújo, Rafael; Sousa, Vitor C.; Reis, Jorge dos

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-20947-5

Cited by 7 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 73 publications

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“…The brown trout in particular is an important angling species with high socio-economic value, creating a complex legislative situation that makes effective management and conservation di cult (Almodóvar et al, 2002). Exemplary, it should be noted that past declines in brown trout and Atlantic salmon accelerated recent declines in the European freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera which relies on either species for its reproduction (Geist et al, 2006;Filipsson et al, 2018), but seemingly persists in the study area (Perea et al, 2022). However, having observed an increase in the share of naturally spawned individuals towards the end of the study, raises hope for a potential future recovery at least for the Atlantic salmon.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction

Soto

Dietrich

Monteoliva

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Healthy populations of salmonids are integral for the functioning of ecosystems and valuable for the socio-cultural well-being of humans. Past declines were attributed to anthropogenic stressors, raising concern about the sustainability of populations. Accordingly, many salmonids are listed on red lists and protected by national legislation. One region where salmonid populations are threatened is Northern Spain, the most southern distribution of both the Atlantic salmon (protected under the EU Habitat Directive) and the brown trout. Here, we collated ~ 700 biomonitoring samples of both species collected across 177 sites over a 10-year period (2010–2019) to describe ongoing trends in these species and to relate them to site characteristics and potential drivers. We showed that both species have declined substantially, with stocked individuals constituting the majority of both populations. Natural reproduction was almost entirely absent for the brown trout (< 1%), but present in the Atlantic salmon (~ 20%). Both species expressed distinct spatial patterns, likely related to their stocking. As such, the observed trends for both species illustrate that reproduction is almost entirely lacking, underlined by a lack of adult salmonids. As a result, we not only underline alarming conditions of both species, but also question the effectiveness of currently employed stocking. Given that both species are of increasing conservation concern, targeted restoration measures like dam removal and pollution reduction must be applied to generate self-sustaining populations. River basin specific analyses of constraints are required to detect limiting factors on which conservation actions can be taken to ultimately make stocking dispensable.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 89%

Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction

Soto

Dietrich

Monteoliva

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…that could potentially be preyed by this species. Furthermore, the Nalón‐Narcea Basin hosts one of the most important populations of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Álvarez‐Claudio et al., 2000 ; Lopes‐Lima et al., 2015 ; Perea et al., 2022 ), an endangered species included in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species (Order AAA/1351/2016 modifying the Royal Decree 139/2011) and the European Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC). Likewise, the lower reaches of the Nalón River are also reproductive habitats for the threatened sea lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ) (Mateus et al., 2012 ; Mota et al., 2016 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…that could potentially be preyed by this species. Furthermore, the Nalón-Narcea Basin hosts one of the most important populations of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera (Álvarez-Claudio et al, 2000;Lopes-Lima et al, 2015;Perea et al, 2022) Likewise, the lower reaches of the Nalón River are also reproductive habitats for the threatened sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) (Mateus et al, 2012;Mota et al, 2016). As has been demonstrated, the presence of invasive crayfish can cause serious problems in M. margaritifera populations (Morales, 2023) and P. marinus (Hume et al, 2021;Smith & Marsden, 2009), so the presence of P. virginalis can cause similar effects of direct predation of adults, eggs and/ F I G U R E 3 Cladogram of the genus Procambarus.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017: A new threat to Iberian inland waters

Sánchez,

Oficialdegui,

Torralba‐Burrial

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

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An eco‐monitoring programme to assess faunal biodiversity in the main rivers of the northern Iberian Peninsula (Spain) reveals the first occurrence of the marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis (Decapoda: Cambaridae) in Iberian inland waters. Iberian specimens have been identified by combining morphological and genetic traits. We discuss the most plausible pathways and introduction vectors, its potential invasiveness and subsequent impacts on host localities. Our preliminary results raise concern about the potential threat of P. virginalis to native fauna and ecosystem dynamics, as P. virginalis was found in an area of great cultural and ecological importance with relevant populations of endangered species. Due to the invasive history of the marbled crayfish, eradication of these individuals is urgent. This study confirms the importance of early warning systems for exotic species, keeping the population, forest guards and field technicians informed about potential invasive species to execute a rapid and effective response.

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“…While environmental changes can partially explain these trends (Fairchild et al, 1999; Isaak et al, 2012; Mills et al, 2013), unrecorded factors in our study (e.g., overexploitation, pollution, or hydromorphological degradation) could affect both species substantially; albeit—due to their ecological differences (e.g., habitat preferences)—possibly to a different degree. Past declines in brown trout and Atlantic salmon contributed to recent declines in the European freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera which depends on these species for reproduction (Filipsson et al, 2018; Geist et al, 2006; Perea et al, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long‐term data of maintained salmonid populations show alarming conditions, albeit signs of natural reproduction

Soto,

Dietrich,

Monteoliva

et al. 2023

Int Rev Hydrobiol

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Healthy populations of salmonids are integral for the functioning of ecosystems and a valuable part of the socio‐cultural identity of locals. Past declines were attributed to anthropogenic stressors, raising concern about the sustainability of populations. Accordingly, many salmonids are listed on red lists and protected by national legislation. One region where salmonid populations are threatened is Northern Spain, the most southern distribution of both the Atlantic salmon (protected under the EU Habitat Directive) and the brown trout. Here, we collated ~700 biomonitoring samples of both species collected across 177 sites over a 10‐year period (2010–2019) to describe ongoing trends in these species and to relate them to site characteristics and potential drivers which may modulate these trends. We showed that both species have declined substantially, with stocked individuals constituting the majority of both populations. Natural reproduction was almost entirely absent for the brown trout (<1%), but present in the Atlantic salmon (~20%). Both species expressed distinct spatial patterns, likely related to their stocking and habitat preferences. As such, the observed trends for both species illustrate that reproduction is almost entirely lacking, underlined by a lack of adult salmonids. As a result, we not only underline alarming conditions of both species, but also question the effectiveness of currently employed stocking. Given that both species are of increasing conservation concern, river basin‐specific analyses are required to identify limiting factors on which conservation actions can be taken. In the river systems evaluated, identified targets include dam removal and pollution reduction. Just as the implementation of more effective stocking practices to reduce dependency and maximize conservation benefits for aquatic populations.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Applying genomic approaches to delineate conservation strategies using the freshwater mussel Margaritifera margaritifera in the Iberian Peninsula as a model

Cited by 7 publications

References 73 publications

Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction

Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction

Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017: A new threat to Iberian inland waters

Long‐term data of maintained salmonid populations show alarming conditions, albeit signs of natural reproduction

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