Researchers from the HUN-REN Balaton Limnological Research Institute (HUN-REN BLRI) and the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) applied microsatellite markers to examine the genetic condition of the famous pikeperch population in Lake Balaton. The results show that the genetic diversity of the population was not significantly affected by the mass mortalities in the 1960s and 70s or by the stockings supporting population renewal, such as hatching fish eggs collected from the lake, nurturing them, and reintroducing the young fish. The analysis of genetic data confirms the findings of fish tagging experiments, indicating a migration from east to west within the population. The study presenting the results was published in the scientific journal Hydrobiologia.
The pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is an important top predator species of the Eurasian freshwater and brackish ecosystems, with significant economic value. Previous research has indicated that the pikeperch population in Lake Balaton possesses a distinctly separate genetic structure, even on a European scale. However, until now, there has been no available information regarding the population structure and genetic diversity of the local pikeperch population. Based on the recent research, the pikeperch populations in Lake Balaton form a metapopulation system, with only the population inhabiting the Keszthely Bay showing certain separation. The analysis of genetic data confirms the findings of fish tagging experiments, indicating an east-to-west migration within the population. Fish stocked in the mesotrophic Keszthely and Szigliget Bays exhibit less movement compared to those stocked in the oligotrophic eastern areas.
It seems, therefore, that the movement and distribution of the pikeperch are strongly related to the trophic gradient observed in the lake. The separation of the western population can also be explained by better food availability and the unique structure of the lake. The results of the research provide important data for the development of management plans to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pikeperch population in Lake Balaton.
Publication:
Bánó et al., 2023, Population genetic structure of intensively exploited pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in Lake Balaton (Hungary), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-023-05347-8.