The Role of Molecular Genetics in Fisheries Management in the Great Lakes Region

In 1980, the Stock Concept International Symposium (STOCS) brought together scientists and managers from the United States, Canada, and Europe to synthesize the state of knowledge about the stock concept and examine its potential role in fisheries management and rehabilitation of fish stocks in the Great Lakes region.  Genetic methods were highlighted as having great potential to describe genetic variation and population structure in aquatic species.  Since STOCS molecular techniques have advanced significantly and continue to play a role in stock assessment in the Great Lakes region.  Researchers across the Great Lakes have contributed collected genetic data on numerous species in all lake basins that have contributed significantly to management and rehabilitation efforts.  As issues that may impact past rehabilitation efforts and pose entirely new challenges emerge, this is an excellent time to assess the role of population genetics in stock based management of Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems by reviewing past research, examining the use of molecular techniques to address current and emerging issues and to learn about novel approaches that might be used to address emerging (and continuing) challenges.  As an introduction to the symposium we will review highlights of STOCS, illustrate how recommendations from the symposium have been shaped research in the Great Lakes, and discuss how current research is addressing emerging issues.