Evolutionary perspectives on thiamine supplementation of managed Pacific salmonid populations

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
By: , and 

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Abstract

Thiamine deficiency complex (TDC) has been identified in an ever-expanding list of species and populations. In many documented occurrences of TDC in fishes, juvenile mortality can be high—up to 90% at the population level. Such sweeping demographic losses and concomitant decreases in genetic diversity due to TDC can be prevented by treating pre-spawn females or fertilized eggs with supplemental thiamine. However, some fisheries managers are hesitant to widely apply thiamine treatments due to the potential for unforeseen evolutionary consequences. With these concerns in mind, we first review the existing data regarding genetic adaptation to low-thiamine conditions and provide perspectives on evolution-informed treatment strategies with specific population examples. We also provide practical treatment information, consider the potential logistical constraints of thiamine supplementation, and explore the consequences of deciding against supplementation. Until new evidence bolsters or refutes the genetic adaptation hypothesis, we suggest that TDC mitigation strategies should be designed to support maximum population genetic diversity through thiamine supplementation.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evolutionary perspectives on thiamine supplementation of managed Pacific salmonid populations
Series title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI 10.1139/cjfas-2024-0109
Edition Online First
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher Canadian Science Publishing
Contributing office(s) Columbia Environmental Research Center
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