The genetic composition of wild recruits in a recovering lake trout population in Lake Michigan

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
By: , and 

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Abstract

Strain performance evaluations are vital for developing successful fishery management and restoration strategies. Here, we utilized genotypes from 36 microsatellites to investigate hatchery strain contribution to collections of naturally produced lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) sampled across Lake Michigan. Strain composition varied by area, with recoveries of Seneca Lake strain exceeding expectations based on stocking records in northern Lake Michigan but performing similarly to other strains in southern Lake Michigan. Interstrain hybrids were present at moderate frequencies similar to expectations based on simulations, suggesting that strains are interbreeding randomly. We hypothesize that the superior performance of the Seneca Lake strain in northern Lake Michigan is partially due to adaptive advantages that facilitate increased survival in areas with high mortality from sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) predation, such as northern Lake Michigan. However, when this selective pressure is lessened, the Seneca Lake strain performs similarly to other strains. Our study demonstrates that strain performance can vary across small spatial scales and illustrates the importance of conducting thorough strain evaluations to inform management and conservation.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title The genetic composition of wild recruits in a recovering lake trout population in Lake Michigan
Series title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI 10.1139/cjfas-2020-0072
Volume 78
Issue 3
Year Published 2021
Language English
Publisher Canadian Science Publishing
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 15 p.
First page 286
Last page 300
Country United States
Other Geospatial Lake Michigan
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