Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Native brown trout are widespread throughout the UK, residing in a variety of freshwater and saltwater habitats. Colouration varies from light silvery brown to a golden brown hues with darker spots on its back and flank with a pale underside. Brown trout are much smaller than Atlantic salmon and can be distinguished from rainbow trout by their plain, dark tail fin and the lack of purple side-stripe. Brown trout are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss and climate change.

• Avoid stepping into the water – this can stir up sediment, throwing up sediment DNA and any inhibitory molecules present. Sediment may clog the filter and prevent sufficient volumes of water being filtered.
• Avoid reusing equipment from the kits for different samples to limit the risk of contamination between sites.