Issue 2015 cover
Eerste River in South Africa, photo by Dean Impson
ISSN 2386-8228
Fishes in Mediterranean Environments
Issue 2015
California’s freshwater fishes: status and management
Rebecca M. Quiñones and Peter B. Moyle
FiSHMED 2015.001:20p.
Abstract – Fishes in Mediterranean climates are adapted to thrive in streams with dynamic environmental conditions such as strong seasonality in flows. However, anthropogenic threats to species viability, in combination with climate change, can alter habitats beyond native species’ environmental tolerances and may result in extirpation. Although the effects of a Mediterranean climate on aquatic habitats in California have resulted in a diverse fish fauna, freshwater fishes are significantly threatened by alien species invasions, the presence of dams, and water withdrawals associated with agricultural and urban use. A long history of habitat degradation and dependence of salmonid taxa on hatchery supplementation are also contributing to the decline of fishes in the state. These threats are exacerbated by climate change, which is also reducing suitable habitats through increases in temperatures and changes to flow regimes. Approximately 80% of freshwater fishes are now facing extinction in the next 100 years, unless current trends are reversed by active conservation. Here, we review threats to California freshwater fishes and update a five-tiered approach to preserve aquatic biodiversity in California, with emphasis on fish species diversity. Central to the approach are management actions that address conservation at different scales, from single taxon and species assemblages to Aquatic Diversity Management Areas, watersheds, and bioregions.
Keywords : alien fishes, climate change, conservation strategy, dams
Citation : Quiñones RM, Moyle PB (2015) California’s freshwater fishes: status and management. FiSHMED Fishes in Mediterranean Environments 2015.001:20p.
Article first published online : 01 January 2015
Current situation of the fish fauna in the Mediterranean region of Andean river systems in Chile
Irma Vila and Evelyn Habit
FiSHMED 2015.002:19p.
Abstract – The low number of native fish species of the Chilean Mediterranean region (27º S to 36º S) is a consequence of its geographic and hydrological characteristics. The area has marked precipitation gradients as a result of both latitudinal differences in precipitation and the higher precipitation at high altitudes in the Andes. The seasonal hydrologic variability characteristic of Mediterranean climatic zones occurs in the area together with inter-annual variations due to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a significant oceanic climatic influence which determines lower daily and seasonal temperature gradients compared to similar northern latitudes. River catchment areas above 3000 elevation generate short and torrential channels with high velocity, a snow–pluvial regime without riparian vegetation and high total salinity composition.
Only 21 native species have been described in this region. They are important due to their high endemism and primitiveness, along with their biogeographical relations, especially the Siluriforms with the northern tropical fauna and the Galaxiidae with Gondwana fish. Currently 75% of the fish species of this region are classified as endangered or vulnerable according to Chilean regulations.
Knowledge of the biology and ecology of these species is still incomplete. The information available is mostly classical morphological descriptions, although recently there have been studies of genetics and speciation. This review describes the current distribution and knowledge of the biology and ecology of the native fauna of the Chilean Mediterranean zone and the main threats for their conservation.
Keywords : freshwater fish, distribution, conservation, Siluriforms, Galaxiidae
Citation : Vila I, Habit E (2015) Current situation of the fish fauna in the Mediterranean region of Andean river systems in Chile. FiSHMED Fishes in Mediterranean Environments 2015.002:19p.
Article first published online : 01 January 2015
Non-native and translocated freshwater fish species in Turkey
A. Serhan Tarkan, Sean M. Marr and F. Guler Ekmekçi
FiSHMED 2015.003:28p.
Abstract – Turkey is a hotspot of freshwater fish diversity and endemism, holding a unique ichthyofauna containing distinct European and Asian elements. Currently, 78 endemic species are recognised from Turkey, 65 of which are classified as Critically Endangered or Endangered. Habitat degradation, pollution, and the introduction of non-native fishes are the greatest threats to this unique ichthyofauna. We compiled data on the introduction and distribution of freshwater fishes in Turkey, both nonnative and translocated, based on historical accounts and recent surveys. Thirty fish species have been introduced, 11 of which are translocations within Turkey. The overall establishment success was 64% (44% for non-natives and 100% for translocated species). New species continue to be introduced at a rate of 4.8 species per decade, of which 3.1 species establish per decade. Fisheries and aquaculture are two main vectors of deliberate introduction, but the contaminant of stockings is the primary pathway for secondary spread, in particular for Carassius gibelio, Pseudorasbora parva and Lepomis gibbosus. Natural dispersion of species introduced into neighbouring countries through trans-boundary river systems is highlighted as the most likely pathway for future species introductions. We discuss the management options available and outline how these can be incorporated into freshwater fish conservation and non-native fish management programmes. Education, public awareness and information are central components to reduce current rate of fish introductions in Turkey.
Keywords : non-native, freshwater fish, conservation, management, biological
invasions, fisheries
Citation : Tarkan AS, Marr SM, Ekmekçi FG (2015) Non-native and translocated freshwater fish species in Turkey. FISHMED Fishes in Mediterranean Environments 2015.003:28p.
Article first published online : 01 January 2015
FiSHMED is an international scientific journal edited by
the Iberian Society of Ichthyology – SIBIC
