Genetic Diversity in Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden in Prince William Sound, Alaska

Genetic Diversity in Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden in Prince William Sound, Alaska

Author: Kitty E. Griswold

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13:

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Genetic diversity of two salmonid species, Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) in Prince William Sound, Alaska were examined at multiple spatial scales with three molecular markers. Pleistocene glaciers covered what is now Prince William Sound 8,000-12,000 years ago and both species colonized the region subsequently. Because these species have different migratory behavior and historic ranges I expected to see different patterns of genetic diversity within Prince William Sound. Haplotype frequency and nucleotide diversity in sixteen mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) restriction fragment enzymes combinations in Prince William Sound were higher in Dolly Varden than in coastal cutthroat trout, which were close to fixation. Low estimates of these measures in coastal cutthroat trout may reflect a founder effect resulting from colonization of this region from a single glacial refuge (Cascadia) and low dispersal capacity. To examine if genetic diversity in coastal cutthroat trout was higher in areas of glacial refuge, three additional locations from throughout their distributional range were examined with the same restriction enzymes. Haplotype frequency and nucleotide diversity were lower in areas that were glaciated than estimates of the same measures in a glacial refuge. Again, founder effects during colonization of the three glaciated sites may account for these results. Genetic variation of Dolly Varden and coastal cutthroat trout was also examined within and among populations in Prince William Sound with microsatellites and allozymes. The pattern of genetic variation in coastal cutthroat trout was complex. There was lower genetic diversity within populations that were recently colonized following recent de-glaciation (150-350 ybp). Genetic diversity among some coastal cutthroat trout populations was high, which possibly reflects restricted migration. In other trout populations there was low diversity among populations, possible reflecting historic gene flow. In Dolly Varden, genetic variation among anadromous populations in Prince William Sound was low. There were large differences among resident and anadromous populations. These data provide information for the management for both species, which may reduce the risk of the loss of genetic diversity within local populations.


Connectivity Conservation

Connectivity Conservation

Author: Kevin R. Crooks

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2006-11-02

Total Pages: 675

ISBN-13: 113946020X

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One of the biggest threats to the survival of many plant and animal species is the destruction or fragmentation of their natural habitats. The conservation of landscape connections, where animals, plants, and ecological processes can move freely from one habitat to another, is therefore an essential part of any new conservation or environmental protection plan. In practice, however, maintaining, creating, and protecting connectivity in our increasingly dissected world is a daunting challenge. This fascinating volume provides a synthesis on the current status and literature of connectivity conservation research and implementation. It shows the challenges involved in applying existing knowledge to real-world examples and highlights areas in need of further study. Containing contributions from leading scientists and practitioners, this topical and thought-provoking volume will be essential reading for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners working in conservation biology and natural resource management.


Amendment: Prince William Sound Coastal Cutthroat Trout Documentation, 2021-2023

Amendment: Prince William Sound Coastal Cutthroat Trout Documentation, 2021-2023

Author: Donald E. Arthur

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Documentation of Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Onchorhynchus clarkii clarkii; CCT) has been limited in the Prince William Sound Management Area, particularly western Prince William Sound. Prince William Sound is recognized as the western and northernmost distribution of CCT. Fish sampling has occurred in less than 100 streams in Prince William Sound, indicating that distributional information for CCT is largely unknown for the more than 750 freshwater systems that could harbor CCT in Prince William Sound. The purpose of this project is to investigate specific areas for species distribution of CCT and engage local anglers as part of the documentation and data collection portion of this project, with a focus on western Prince William Sound. This study will document the presence of CCT in streams and lakes throughout Prince William Sound (focusing on the western side) during June 2021–September 2023 by using angler knowledge to guide effective field sampling and substantiate documentation. In addition, anglers will be asked to collect data on CCT distribution and to help guide future angler opportunity through fishing forums, social media, informational fliers, and interviews. Narrowing the knowledge gap of CCT distribution will allow area mangers to provide informed comments on development projects throughout the PWSMA and information to anglers on CCT angling opportunities.