Genetic Management and Monitoring of Conservation Hatcheries: Part I

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 in 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 that provide recommendations during artificial propagation to reduce some of these risks. In this study, we provide an overview of some of the 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 framework for some of the genetic management practices that can be implemented depending on the goals of the program and some examples from different conservation programs throughout western North America. This is the first talk in a two part series that will provide an overview of hatchery genetic management.  It will also report on the performance of different hatchery genetic management strategies based on the life history of the species, modeled using individual-based demogenetic simulations, and their utility in preserving the genetic integrity of wild supplemented populations. This information can be used to help genetically manage and monitor salmonid hatchery propagation programs for at-risk species across North America.