Genetic Management and Monitoring of Conservation Hatcheries: Part II

Artificial propagation has been widely used across western North America as a means to increase the natural abundance of salmonid populations.   While artificial breeding is designed to preserve the genetic diversity and enhance the abundance of the target species, there are numerous studies that show there can be demographic and genetic risks to wild populations.  There are also genetic changes that can occur to the captive fish through artificial propagation.   However, with genetic management, and genetic monitoring and evaluation, many of the negative consequences may be reduced .  There are numerous studies which provide recommendations during artificial propagation to reduce some of these risks.  In this study, we provide an overview of genetic management practices that can be implemented throughout different phases of captivity (choice of broodstock, spawning design, rearing and release of fish, monitoring of fish post-release).  We also provide a recommended framework for genetic management practices that can be implemented depending on the goals of the program, along with  examples from different conservation programs throughout western North America.  We also present results from a recent survey regarding the genetic management of conservation hatcheries throughout the Columbia River basin. The intent of this presentation to to provide guidelines for  genetically managing and monitoring salmonid hatchery propagation programs for at-risk species across North America.