Genetic Characterization of Sol Duc Summer Chinook Salmon

The Quileute Tribe intends to use Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) to characterize the genetic structure of Sol Duc summer Chinook salmon.

This project is essential for the Quileute Tribe to evaluate and better manage the summer and Chinook program. Genetic stock identification using hatchery broodstock as a baseline allows fine-scale resolution of populations present in the river and, if broodstock collection continues, individuals from spawning grounds and in-river fisheries can be assigned to population of origin through kinship detection regardless of the res olution available from the baselines. Characterization of genetic diversity will allow adaptation of genetic management strategies for the hatchery program.