Genetic variation in steelhead of Oregon and northern California

Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
By: , and 

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Abstract

Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss from various sites between the Columbia River and the Mad River, California, were genetically characterized at 10 protein-coding loci or pairs of loci by starch gel electrophoresis. Fish from coastal streams differed from fish east of the Cascade Mountains and from fish of the Willamette River (a tributary of the Columbia River, west of the Cascade Mountains). Coastal steelhead from the northern part of the study area differed from those in the southern part. Genetic differentiation within and among drainages was not statistically significant; however, gene diversity analysis and the life history of steelhead suggested that fish from different drainages should be considered as separate populations. Genetic variation among fish in separate drainages was similar to that reported in northwestern Washington and less than that reported in British Columbia. Allele frequencies varied significantly among year-classes. Genetic variation within samples accounted for 98.3% of the total genetic variation observed in this study. Most hatchery populations differed from wild populations, suggesting that conservation of genetic diversity among and within wild populations could be facilitated by altering hatchery programs.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic variation in steelhead of Oregon and northern California
Series title Transactions of the American Fisheries Society
DOI 10.1577/1548-8659(1992)121<0158:GVISOO>2.3.CO;2
Volume 121
Year Published 1992
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Western Fisheries Research Center
Description 12 p.
First page 158
Last page 169
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