Physiology/Endocrinology

Olfactory Imprinting Project Title Timing of olfactory imprinting Description Pacific salmon are well known for their ability to learn (or imprint) to odors associated with their natal stream as juveniles and then later use these retained odor memories to guide the final phases of their home-stream migration. The imprinting process is critical for successful completion of the spawning migration and salmon that do not experience their natal water during appropriate juvenile stages are more likely to stray to non-natal sites. Reintroduction of captively-reared fish into the wild at inappropriate developmental periods or insufficient periods of exposure to appropriate olfactory cues may result in elevated levels of straying. To determine the critical period(s) for imprinting, juvenile salmon are being exposed to known odorants at key developmental stages and are subsequently tested for development of long-term memories of these odorants using molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral assays. Results from these studies will help develop captive broodstock reintroduction and hatchery release strategies that will minimize straying. Principal Investigator Andrew Dittman (Resource Enhancement Utilization Technology Division) Collaborators Nat Scholz; Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center Darran May; School of Aquatic and Fishery Science, University of Washington Rob Endicott; Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Related Links School of Aquatic and Fishery Science, University of Washington Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission Physiology/Endocrinology

last modified 02/04/03
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