Hatchery and Genetic Management of Salmon Re-Introduction in the San Joaquin River, Ca

Spring-run Chinook salmon have been extirpated from upper portions of the San Joaquin River since the 1950s. As a result of a legal settlement, a multi-agency group is reintroducing Chinook salmon to the newly re-watered sections of the river through a conservation hatchery and possibly direct movement of individuals to the restoration area. We developed a Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan for spring Chinook as part of the regulatory process to permit the reintroductions. Additionally, we have written a broader Genetic Management Plan for the reintroduced population, addressing potential genetic issues as they relate to the reintroduction and monitoring of the newly formed population and source populations. As part of the reintroduction, we are also using genetic tools to address remaining questions for these populations, including Central Valley spring-run Chinook population structure, spatial and temporal genetic stability, and gene expression under different temperature regimes. This information will be invaluable for informing management decisions for the reintroduction and implementing an adaptive management framework. In this talk, we will outline our approach to completing the management plans while also undertaking the basic science associated with the reintroduction.