Genetic Diversity of European Grayling and Tench

The conservation of biological diversity and the use of biological resources in a sustainable manner are not only an objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity, but also a common concern of humankind. To achieve this goal and to better assess e.g. the potential impact of human-induced global change on biodiversity, it is necessary to gather information about the genetic diversity of natural and cultivated species.

Within this project, on behalf of the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung, BLE), we are estimating the genetic diversity of the European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and the Tench (Tinca tinca) in German river basins. These data will provide the basis of recommendations for future management of Grayling and Tench fisheries in Germany.

To assess the genetic diversity of about 30 populations originating from the main river catchment areas in Germany we are using mitochondrial as well as microsatellite markers. This project started at the beginning of 2016 and is realized in collaboration with Thomas Schiller and Christoph Köbsch from the Institute of Hydrobiology, TU Dresden.