The project described here is intended to last 3 years, and address the current lack of reliable information on
the state of native trout species ( genus Salmo) in Georgia, whether these populations are stable, declining, or
increasing, and whether anadromous populations survive in Georgia. The project will employ molecular
population genetics methods to characterize riverine and lacustrine populations, and develop baseline
population estimates necessary for monitoring long-term trends in population dynamics. It will also address
taxonomic questions of Salmo species in the Caucasus region, whether these species in the Caucasus are
endemic species, or regional variants of more widespread taxa. The project will also map free-living
populations of non-native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), to determine whether these are interfering
with the ecology and success of native taxa. Alongside sampling of native and introduced salmonids, we will
also be testing water samples and habitat for the presence of common fish pathogens, bacterial and
protozoan, to assess the potential health threats to salmonids in Georgian aquatic and marine habitats, and
their potential to harm an economically and ecologically valuable natural resource. This project will provide
essential baseline data about salmonids in Georgia, and is also responsive to Ministry of Agriculture
directives intended to protect native fish stocks and encourage safe and economically viable aquaculture.