Reproductive Abnormalities in Trout from Western U.S. National Parks

• DOI: 10.1577/t08-006.1
• Publication Date: 2009-05-04T14:00:49Z
• Authors: Adam R. Schwindt; Michael L. Kent; Luke K. Ackerman; Staci L. Massey S...; Dixon H. Landers; Tamara Blett; Carl B. Schreck
• Keywords: Vitellogenin; Fontinalis

Abstract Reproductive disruption is well documented in polluted areas, such as below sewage treatment plants, but not ecologically protected environments, national parks. In a majority of subalpine lakes sampled Rocky Mountain and Glacier National parks, we observed intersex male cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii brook Salvelinus fontinalis at frequencies 9‐33%. Intersexuality, one form reproductive disruption, the presence both female structures same animal. Male trout, rainbow O. mykiss , from these parks also produced elevated levels estrogen‐responsive protein vitellogenin, another indicator disruption. We did find abnormalities Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Olympics, Brooks, or Alaska ranges. To determine whether gonad were evident mountain ecosystems before production organic pollutants, various species family Salmonidae collected preorganic pollutant era (pre‐1930s). museum collections, greenback stomias late 1800s Twin Lakes, Colorado, Mountains. Our current results suggest that occurring some The remote, high‐elevation locations, suggesting they might have resulted airborne contaminants. observation suggests pollutants are only factors inducing causes population‐level consequences remain to be determined.