Lummi Nation FY 2019 Genetic-Based Abundance and Productivity Estimation of BY 2019 Nooksack Chinook

Lummi Nation contracted with WDFW to analyze 2,500 samples for SNPs genetic stock identification of all adult and juvenile samples, genetic mark-recapture analysis (tGMR), and a relative reproductive success analysis.



The project also supported a field biologist to coordinate and participate in juvenile tissue collection, conduct QA/QC of all adult and juvenile samples, and prepare a sample list prior to submission to the WDFW Genetics Laboratory. The biologist also prepared a summary of successful spawner data upon receipt of RRS analysis results.

This project intends to increase the tGMR dataset to generate a scientifically defensible correction factor of existing redd- and carcass-based escapement estimates.



Confirming the hypothesis that certain reaches or tributaries are more likely to result in higher success of natural spawners through RRS analysis will allow for targeted habitat restoration projects in specific reaches or tributaries. Higher RRS of hatchery-origin spawners may be used to inform release strategy or release locations of juvenile HORs. An additional benefit of evaluating HOS RRS is to evaluate if non-successful hatchery spawners have spawned in high density areas (e.g. congregating by hatchery outlets or acclimation sites), which is a current hypothesis. The implications for such findings potentially extend far beyond programmatic changes. It is possible that the difference in RRS between HORs and NORs is due to spawning location rather than fish performance. If it is demonstrated that NOR recruitment is determined by spawning location, efforts will be taken to steer hatchery contribution toward those locations, whether through acclimation and release of hatchery juveniles, or trucking surplus hatchery returns directly to those sites.