Evaluating and prioritizing of coldwater fish genetic resoures to protect and exploit

Identification and classification of cold water fishes in water resources of Iran is scientifically and economically very important. The study of geographical distribution, biological traits and ecological status of species groups in inland water resources and cultured systems are considered as base of programming for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the genetic resources of these fish. According to the most reliable references, the most important indigenous cold water species in Iran with high economic value include several species of fish from Salmonidae (Salmo caspius and S. trutta), Cyprinidae (Squalius turcius) and percidae (Sander lucioperca). Problems such as genetic disorders and subsequent adverse and unfavorable their effects on rainbow trout, reduced stock of Caspian salmon (spring race), over-exploitation and illegal (Salmo trutta, Squalius turcius, Sander lucioperca), the lack of biological information from other species (Squalius turcius) have caused the genetic reserves of these species to be critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable.  Rainbow trout and Salmo caspius (because of their economic and nutritional importance) and Salmo trutta and Sander lucioperca are protected and exploited in the priority due to their vulnerability.