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Genetic approaches to integrating hatchery and natural salmon production
Genetic approaches to integrating hatchery and natural salmon production
Problem Statement
Hatcheries will remain an important part of Pacific salmon production into the
foreseeable future, yet studies have demonstrated that hatchery production can
genetically harm natural salmon populations. In order to sustainably integrate
hatchery and wild production, the genetic effects of hatchery production on wild
salmonids must be quantified so that these effects can be mitigated.
Critical factors
- Hatcheries are widely used to produce fish for commercial and sport harvesting,
but there is considerable concern about the genetic effects of hatchery fish on natural
salmon populations.
- The Snake River Salmon Recovery Team, the National Research Council, the Integrated
Hatchery Operations Team, the Independent Scientific Group, and various ad hoc
scientific panels have all stressed the need to evaluate empirically the genetic
effects of hatchery fish on natural salmon populations.
- Studies of inbreeding, outbreeding, and reproductive success all require
systematic sampling of multiple populations or subpopulations for at least several
generations to fully under-stand the genetic basis for differences between hatchery
and wild fish.
- Due to the long generation time and complex life cycle of
Pacific salmon, studies that can accurately characterize the genetic effects of
hatchery fish on natural salmon populations are technically feasible but logistically
complex and expensive.
- In order to quantify the genetic effects of hatcheries
on wild fish, it is necessary to measure the ability of hatchery fish to successfully
spawn and reproduce in the wild.
Status of research
Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) scientists are currently involved
in several research projects aimed at elucidating the genetics effects of interactions
between hatchery and wild salmonids. Current projects include 1) monitoring the genetic
characteristics of naturally-spawning Snake River spring and summer chinook salmon and
steelhead that show various levels of genetic influence from hatchery fish, 2) quantifying
the relative fitness of hatchery vs wild coho salmon in Puget Sound (Minter Creek)
and of hatchery vs wild steelhead in the Snake River Basin (Little Sheep Creek), and
3) evaluating the population structure of Clackamas River steelhead in order to find
appropriate broodstocks for recovery. In addition, NWFSC scientists are pursuing research
projects of other sorts that will provide important insights into this problem (see CB 6104).
All of these projects involve considerable collaboration among state, federal,
and tribal scientists and management agencies.
Future considerations
Over the next several years, the NWFSC's Little Sheep and Minter Creek studies will
provide invaluable information on the rate at which domesticated hatchery fish can
readapt to the natural environment. This information will be critical for making
informed decisions about the long-term genetic risks of hatchery production on wild stocks.
Key Players
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Conservation Biology (CB) Division, NWFSC
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Nez Perce Tribe
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Bonneville Power Administration
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Umatilla Tribe
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| Long Live the Kings
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U.S. Geological Survey
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| Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Idaho Department of Fish and Game
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Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Contact: Dr. Michael Ford, Director, CB Division (206/860-5612) 
NWFSC Issue Paper CB 6103 (HQ ID 302)
Issue Papers Home
last modified 2002-07-29
Web site owner: Northwest Fisheries Science Center
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