This ongoing project provides genetic information to fisheries and resource managers to aid in the restoration and recovery of sockeye salmon in the Snake River Basin. The project also provides the same type of information for Chinook salmon populations in the Salmon River Basin. The present target populations are listed as federally threatened or endangered species and are captively propagated under programs conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (BPA program # 1992-040-00 and #1996-067-00) and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (BPA program # 1991-072-00, #1997-001-00).  Our general objectives are directed at resolving the level of gene flow between populations and the genetic contributions anadromous O. nerka and resident O. nerka populations make to reciprocal migratory forms.  The results of this research will influence management decisions regarding the uniqueness of various sockeye and Chinook stocks and their designation as evolutionary significant units (ESU).  In addition, this project also serves to evaluate captive broodstock and captive rearing technologies as a means of conserving genetic diversity.

Specific project objectives include: 1) the development of DNA-based inbreeding avoidance matrices to guide sockeye salmon spawning at IDFG and NOAA Fisheries hatcheries, 2) parentage analyses for sockeye and Chinook salmon to estimate contribution from different reintroduction strategies, and 3) annual population monitoring (genetic diversity/structure) for sockeye and Chinook salmon.  Program objectives directly contribute to goal attainment.