Non-Lethal Sampling Supports Integrative Movement Research in Freshwater Fish

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems and fishes are enormous resources for human uses and biodiversity worldwide. However, anthropogenic climate change and factors such as dams and environmental contaminants threaten these freshwater systems. One way that researchers can address conservation issues in freshwater fishes is via integrative non-lethal movement research. We review different methods for studying movement, such as with acoustic telemetry. Methods for connecting movement and physiology are then reviewed, by using non-lethal tissue biopsies to assay environmental contaminants, isotope composition, protein metabolism, and gene expression. Methods for connecting movement and genetics are reviewed as well, such as by using population genetics or quantitative genetics and genome-wide association studies. We present further considerations for collecting molecular data, the ethical foundations of non-lethal sampling, integrative approaches to research, and management decisions. Ultimately, we argue that non-lethal sampling is effective for conducting integrative, movement-oriented research in freshwater fishes. This research has the potential for addressing critical issues in freshwater systems in the future.

The rise of animal biotelemetry and genetics research data integration

“…This is resulting in a growing and exciting field with potential for cross‐fertilization between what were once disparate and unconnected fields of research. A clear example of the potential derived from these new technologies is the increase in fish population structure and migration research over the past decade, and its application to sustainable harvest (Jeffries et al, 2021; Thorstensen et al, 2022).…”

Opportunities and challenges with transitioning to non‐lethal sampling of wild fish for microbiome research

“…Another opportunity provided by non-lethal sampling is that it can be integrated with movement research, such as telemetry and mark-recapture, to provide insight into a fish's behavior and associated microbiome. For a full review of non-lethal sampling and fish movement research in freshwater fishes, see Thorstensen et al (2022). In the context of fish movement ecology, non-lethal sampling sample fish and provide characterizations of the gut microbiome at different stages of their migration or life cycle using cross-sectional population-based analyses (Element et al, 2020a;Element et al, 2020b;Le et al, 2020;Liu et al, 2022;Llewellyn et al, 2016;Tosin et al, 2020), rather than individual-based analysis.…”

“…Another opportunity provided by non‐lethal sampling is that it can be integrated with movement research, such as telemetry and mark‐recapture, to provide insight into a fish's behavior and associated microbiome. For a full review of non‐lethal sampling and fish movement research in freshwater fishes, see Thorstensen et al (2022). In the context of fish movement ecology, non‐lethal sampling is necessary as you need to see what the fish are doing after you sample their microbiota to answer your proposed research questions.…”

Advances in Viral Aquatic Animal Disease Knowledge: The Molecular Methods’ Contribution

“…It would be extremely advantageous to use non-lethal sampling to drive decisions regarding the movement of freshwater, often associated with conservation issues also considering the practical and ethical advantages of this approach [ 111 ]. In this study, the sensitivity of seven different PCR assays able to detect KHV using lethal and nonlethal sampling methods was compared.…”