Managing Southern Appalachian Brook Trout

Conservation of native fish stocks is an increasingly important task for fishery managers. Genetic research has shown that brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) native to the southern Appalachian Mountains differ considerably from stocks originating outside the region. Inventories throughout the southern Appalachians during the past decade identified over 500 km of streams that continue to support native brook trout populations. Genetic information can now be integrated with population dynamics data (e.g., abundance and distribution trends) to shape appropriate management strategies for this important fishery and biological resource given the threats it currently faces. Consequently, the American Fisheries Society's Southern Division Trout Committee developed a position statement to advocate management approaches suitable for conserving native southern Appalachian brook trout. The committee's position emphasizes the significance of these stocks, but also recognizes the value of fisheries provided by wild brook trout populations of mixed genetic heritage. Recommendations are provided for addressing issues including habitat protection and improvement, population restorations, stocking of hatchery brook trout, and angling regulations. The committee believes that these recommendations and guidelines, if implemented, will help ensure the future viability of southern Appalachian brook trout.