The study has shown that the species (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is one of the most important in world aquaculture. The study published by Kevin A Glover on BMC Genetics, which revealed that eleven samples, each consisting of approximately 47 fish, were collected from the three farms operating in the fjord where the escapees were captured.
Scientists have collected seven samples (47 fish per sample) were collected from six farms located outside the region where the escapees were captured in order to gain a better general understanding of the genetic structure of rainbow trout strains used in Norwegian aquaculture. All samples, including the escapees, were genotyped with 12 microsatellite loci.
The results of all these samples displayed considerable genetic variability at all loci (mean number of alleles per locus per sample ranged from 5.4-8.6). Variable degrees of genetic differentiation were observed among the samples, with pair-wise FST values ranging from 0-0.127. The research concluded that considerable genetic variation exists within and among rainbow trout strains farmed in Norway.
It is said that together with modern statistical methods, this will provide commercial operators with a tool to monitor breeding and fish movements, and management authorities with the ability to identify the source of escapees.
