An integrative evaluation of suitability of a river for natural reproduction of trout of Lake Sevan (Armenia)

Asatryan, Vardan; Dallakyan, Marine; Vardanyan, Tigran; Barseghyan, Nelli; Gabrieli︠a︡n, Bardukh

An integrative evaluation of suitability of a river for natural reproduction of trout of Lake Sevan (Armenia)

2020

Asatryan, Vardan | Dallakyan, Marine | Vardanyan, Tigran | Barseghyan, Nelli | Gabrieli︠a︡n, Bardukh

Endemic fish species of Armenian ichthyofauna—Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan Kessler, 1877)—is registered in the Red Book of Animals of the Republic of Armenia as “Critically Endangered” (corresponds to IUCN category: CR A2cd). Its natural reproduction hardly occurs as a result of numerous problems related to the use and management of water and bio-resources in the Lake Sevan drainage basin. Masrik River is formerly known as a spawning river for two ecological races of the Sevan trout, but there is no up-to-date and in-depth studies of its potential to support natural reproduction. Thus, a set of spawning criteria was arranged as matrix and state of Masrik River as spawning area for the Sevan trout was assessed. The results showed that the potential of different parts of Masrik River to support natural reproduction of Sevan trout varied from quite appropriate to inappropriate. The main limiting factors revealed were water temperature, velocity and substrate conditions.

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