Chapter 6. Synthesis of management and research considerations

Abstract

The five subspecies of cutthroat trout considered in this assessment share one characteristic: the loss of populations throughout their historical ranges. Similar causes have led to these losses: the introduction of nonnative fishes, overharvest, habitat degradation, and probably habitat fragmentation. Synergism among these effects remains unstudied, and we do not understand the biology of some of these subspecies, hence our ability to reverse the loss of populations is handicapped. Ironically, such ignorance has been inappropriately interpreted as a reason to avoid management action until more research is conducted, risking the loss of these subspecies in the interim (cf. Nehlsenetal. 1991).

Parent Publication

• Conservation assessment for inland cutthroat trout

Citation

Young, Michael K. 1995. Chapter 6. Synthesis of management and research considerations. In: Young, Michael K., tech. ed. Conservation assessment for inland cutthroat trout. General Technical Report RM-256. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. p. 55-61