Variation in smolting pattern in chinook salmon

Project Title

Description

Smolting pattern varies widely both within and between populations of chinook salmon. The causal root of this variation has both a genetic and environmental basis. The works seeks to establish the influence of environmental factors (photoperiod and growth rate) on smolting patterns within and between chinook salmon populations. In addition, this work endeavors to establish the endocrine mechanisms that produce this variation. Experiments currently in progress are determining how emergence time and growth rate interact to modulate smolt timing in Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook Salmon.

Principal Investigators

Brian Beckman (Resource Enhancement Utilization Technology Division)
Kristen Arkush (UC Davis, Bodega Marine Laboratory)

Collaborators

Briony Campbell (UW School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences)
Brad Gadberry (UW School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences)
Kathy Cooper (UW School of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences)
Paul Parkins (Pacific States Marine Fish Commission)

Physiology/Endocrinology