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 for 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.  Therefore, we propose a two day symposium to review the role of population genetics in stock based management and rehabilitation of Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems and to identify and prioritize future issues in fisheries management and rehabilitation in the region that may be addressed using genetic methods.  This symposium will bring together AFS members who work in the Great Lakes region on issues concerning stock based management to share ideas and learn more about the use of molecular techniques as well as researchers and biologists who work in other regions.