Anagrafe della ricerca

The main objective of LIFE GrayMarble is the development of effective, catchment-scale actions and measures for reversing the population trend of Salmo marmoratus and Thymallus thymallus. Accordingly, the project includes the whole basin of the Dora Baltea River, that is a large portion of the Italian range of the two target species. With this main aim we will: 1. identify Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) and Management Units (MUs), which will provide different source populations; 2. develop and modernize regional hatcheries for the rearing of genetically identified breeders of the two species; 3. produce pure-bred eggs and juveniles of both species for the reinforcement of residual natural populations and reintroductions; 4. restore the longitudinal connectivity and habitat quality of significant stretches of the Dora Baltea River; 5. stop the introduction of Atlantic trout and European grayling of trans-Alpine origin; at the same time we will produce stocks of sterile individuals for angling and eradicate alien species from river stretches targeted for the reinforcement or reintroduction of native trout and grayling; 6. reinforce residual populations of both Salmo marmoratus e Thymallus thymallus occurring in Natura 2000 Sites or suitable freshwater stretches, improve the conservation status (favorable state) of the two species; 7. enhance regional conservation policies for the target species and Natura 2000 Sites, by promoting agreements and partnerships among competent authorities, action plans, guidelines and regulations for environmental and fisheries management; 8. involve stakeholders in the project, making them play an active role in both monitoring actions (angling associations, students, volunteers), by a Citizen Science approach, and sustainable marketing and economic activities (traders), also by contributing towards nderstanding the economic value of natural resources and biodiversity; 9. target the replication and transfer of the project, by networking with authorities and major stakeholders of the neighbouring catchment of the Sesia River, which, together with the project area, includes almost the whole western range of the two fish species.