Spanish Salmon Populations "Losing Distinct Genetic Characteristics" - Thanks To Farming, Warming

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The distinct genetic characteristics of salmon populations in Spain are being lost as a result of climate change and human interference, a study has warned.

A team of UK and Spanish researchers say disrupting the species' migratory behaviour and strong homing instinct could have long-term consequences. They added that they were working on ways to "disentangle" the individual threats affecting salmon populations. The findings appear in the journal Global Change Biology.

The team's study focused on the changes recorded over a 20-year period to Atlantic salmon populations in Asturias, Spain - considered to be the "vulnerable" southern limit of the species' natural range.

"Salmon develop quite distinct population structures because of their ability to home to their natal rivers," explained co-author Jamie Stevens, from the University of Exeter's School of Biosciences.

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11525087