Lack of genetic differentiation between anadromous and resident sympatric brown trout (<i>Salmo trutta</i>) in a Normandy population

Abstract

The level of genetic differentiation between anadromous and non-andromous trout (Salmo trutta L.) coexisting in a Norman river (Oir river) was examined at 15 microsatellites markers. Despite a large amount of variation, no genetic differentiation was found between forms. Four domesticated stocks were also genotyped with the same loci. Highly significant differences were found with natural samples allowing to exclude a recent stocking effect on the Oir population. We conclude that the resident and anadromous trout form a single naturally reproducing unit in this river system. However, this conclusion could reflect particular ecological or demographic conditions in the Oir basin and needs to be validated in other hydrographical and ecological contexts.