Decoding the Genetic Secrets of the Brown Trout in Iceland's Ölfusá Watershed

Researchers from the University of Iceland and Marine and the Freshwater Research Institute have conducted a pioneering study on the genetic diversity of brown trout populations in Lake Þingvallavatn and other parts of the Ölfusá watershed. The study revealed that genetic similarities among trout populations correlate with the waterways' connectivity and waterfall formations. These findings, published in PeerJ, demonstrate how the region's topography significantly influences genetic diversity. The brown trout's history in this area can be traced back to post-Ice Age migration patterns, with unique populations and genetic relationships identified as crucial for effective conservation and management.