Passeier marbled trout
Passionate about species conservation: for the sake of our autochthon (original) fish
Marbled trout can be found in large bodies of flowing water and is easy to recognise from its ornate pattern. Unfortunately, stocks have declined severely over recent years. We’re referring to the marble trout, the autochthon fish of the River Passer. We at the Schiefer fish farm have taken on the task of protecting this primeval fish species and ensuring its survival in local waters.
The stocking of brown trout over the previous decades has meant that wild fish have interbred with marble trout and it has therefore become very rare in its pure form. The challenge for our species protection programme lies in recognising the pure form of the marbled trout and then breeding it exclusively for reintroduction.
This is taking place in close and professional partnership with experts such as the Office for Hunting and Fisheries (“Amt für Jagd und Fischerei”), the “Fondazione Edmund Mach San Michele”, the fishing rights holders of the Passer River and local fishing clubs.
The stocking of brown trout over the previous decades has meant that wild fish have interbred with marble trout and it has therefore become very rare in its pure form. The challenge for our species protection programme lies in recognising the pure form of the marbled trout and then breeding it exclusively for reintroduction.
This is taking place in close and professional partnership with experts such as the Office for Hunting and Fisheries (“Amt für Jagd und Fischerei”), the “Fondazione Edmund Mach San Michele”, the fishing rights holders of the Passer River and local fishing clubs.
For us, the species conservation programme is not just a duty, but rather a passion that we pursue with great enthusiasm and sensitivity. We have already been able to celebrate a significant milestone. You can find a brief overview here:
1999 - The beginning
We began breeding marbled trout in 1999. Very strict selection of wild fish was the basis for obtaining the eggs. Only wild fish were skimmed off, and we deliberately decided not to develop a breeding stock.
2008 - Genetic studies
In 2008 the first genetic studies of the Passeier marble trout were carried out, leading to it being declared an independent subspecies.
2015 - Reproduction, step by step
Since 2015 we have been checking each individual fish for its genetic suitability and systematically reproducing the marbled trout. By creative genetic pools that are as close to nature as possible, we have been able to produce stocking eggs and fish that are particularly suitable for reintroduction.
2019 - On the right path
Initial studies of the genetic pool created have shown that these are very promising. It’s a lovely indication and an important confirmation that we are on the right track!
1999 - The beginning
We began breeding marbled trout in 1999. Very strict selection of wild fish was the basis for obtaining the eggs. Only wild fish were skimmed off, and we deliberately decided not to develop a breeding stock.
2008 - Genetic studies
In 2008 the first genetic studies of the Passeier marble trout were carried out, leading to it being declared an independent subspecies.
2015 - Reproduction, step by step
Since 2015 we have been checking each individual fish for its genetic suitability and systematically reproducing the marbled trout. By creative genetic pools that are as close to nature as possible, we have been able to produce stocking eggs and fish that are particularly suitable for reintroduction.
2019 - On the right path
Initial studies of the genetic pool created have shown that these are very promising. It’s a lovely indication and an important confirmation that we are on the right track!
What will the future bring?
There’s still a long way to go in order to secure the survival of the “Passeier marbled trout” as an independent species. Specialist collaboration with the experts will continue to be decisive for the success of the programme. However, our greatest motivation is and will remain the passion we have always felt for our autochthon fish.
We are looking forward to tackling every new challenge that we’re faced with, and hope that we will be able to contribute to species conservation with many other projects.
See the report here: A fascination for fish
There’s still a long way to go in order to secure the survival of the “Passeier marbled trout” as an independent species. Specialist collaboration with the experts will continue to be decisive for the success of the programme. However, our greatest motivation is and will remain the passion we have always felt for our autochthon fish.
We are looking forward to tackling every new challenge that we’re faced with, and hope that we will be able to contribute to species conservation with many other projects.
See the report here: A fascination for fish