Living jewels under the water surface of Šumava
The aim of the project is to obtain accurate knowledge based on modern and gentle monitoring methods. On the basis of these data, to develop common documents for the establishment of a coordinated conservation concept for the natural populations of the indicator species brown trout in open waters. This will strengthen the resilience of populations to climate change, ensure the maintenance of functioning ecosystems for future generations and fulfil the long-term objectives and concepts of the programme areas (e.g. management principles in both national parks).
The project aims to contribute to the coordinated concept of open water conservation through the protection of the populations of the flagship species brown trout on the Czech and German side of the Šumava. The flagship species is the well-known, commercially important and mainly key species for the stability of the aquatic ecosystem (top predator and key link in the life cycle of the critically endangered pearl mussel). Detailed ichthyological monitoring will be carried out in the Šumava region, including genetic analyses of the flagship species and analysis of fish parasites using non-invasive environmental DNA. Areas with different management (no-take areas and sport fishing grounds) in both countries will be covered, as water and fish do not respect boundaries, in order to identify important populations deserving higher protection (conservation centres with genetic banks in natural habitats) and populations strongly affected by the introduction of genetically non-native fish (areas under high pressure from sport fishing). In the programme area, fisheries management will be significantly improved and experience will be transferred between landscape managers, nature conservationists, fish farmers and interest groups.
