As a native of Colorado, one of the most intriguing fish stories that is unfolding currently is that of the state fish of Colorado, the greenback cutthroat trout. This lovely little fish was declared as the state fish in 1994 to celebrate the success of stocking efforts that were believed to have literally brought the fish back from extinction. The fish was declared extinct in the 1930s, but was later believed to be discovered in a few remote locations in the 50s.
After nearly 20 years as our celebrated state fish, the identity and even existence of this species is under serious scrutiny today. A study titled: "Across the Great Divide: Genetic Forensics Reveals Misidentification of Endangered Cutthroat Trout Populations," published in the journal Molecular Ecology, brought forth new information. The study was published in 2007 and presented the idea that nearly all of the "greenbacks," especially those that were the result of stocking efforts implemented to preserve the species, were actually another subspecies of cutthroat trout.
The fact that this idea is the result of looking at data provided in a study done by researchers from various credible institutions, and published in a widely accepted, well known, and peer reviewed scholarly journal gives the grim conclusion a certain weight that requires additional reflection and investigation. This specific study certainly deserves all of the attention it has received. My hope is that it might also serve as a platform for calling attention to the irreversible nature of fish stocking programs around the world.
It is my belief that diminishing biodiversity is one of the most threatening symptoms of mankind's influence on this planet. This study shows a direct correlation between human actions and shrinking biodiversity; despite our intentions of preserving it. It is not an opinion article or a piece of speculation, this source is a collection of data that produces a logical conclusion and it would be very difficult to argue against this source. I plan on using other scientific sources in addition to this one to build my case that we humans are just another inescapably involved partiin this environment; far from the stewards of it.
After nearly 20 years as our celebrated state fish, the identity and even existence of this species is under serious scrutiny today. A study titled: "Across the Great Divide: Genetic Forensics Reveals Misidentification of Endangered Cutthroat Trout Populations," published in the journal Molecular Ecology, brought forth new information. The study was published in 2007 and presented the idea that nearly all of the "greenbacks," especially those that were the result of stocking efforts implemented to preserve the species, were actually another subspecies of cutthroat trout.
The fact that this idea is the result of looking at data provided in a study done by researchers from various credible institutions, and published in a widely accepted, well known, and peer reviewed scholarly journal gives the grim conclusion a certain weight that requires additional reflection and investigation. This specific study certainly deserves all of the attention it has received. My hope is that it might also serve as a platform for calling attention to the irreversible nature of fish stocking programs around the world.
It is my belief that diminishing biodiversity is one of the most threatening symptoms of mankind's influence on this planet. This study shows a direct correlation between human actions and shrinking biodiversity; despite our intentions of preserving it. It is not an opinion article or a piece of speculation, this source is a collection of data that produces a logical conclusion and it would be very difficult to argue against this source. I plan on using other scientific sources in addition to this one to build my case that we humans are just another inescapably involved partiin this environment; far from the stewards of it.
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