Annual Research Report 2000/2001
COMES program in Marine Fisheries Genetics
Michael A. Banks

Goal and Theme

Our research focus addresses the application of molecular genetics and statistics towards the better characterization and management of fishery subjects, including protection and sustaining measures for threatened and endangered species. While various aspects extend to all of the national goals and include a number of themes, Goal 4 "Greater harmony between agriculture and the environment" and Theme "Natural Resources Management" are most relevant.

Issues

One program deals with reducing the error in molecular genetic identification (ID) of spring run chinook at California's Central Valley water diversion sites. This addresses the issue of determining what strategy of water diversion (for agriculture and domestic use) is feasible in concert with sustaining sufficient escapement of juvenile salmon from threatened life history types. A second program in genetic and ecological inference on ranges and limits of stock structure among four rockfish life-history types addresses the issue of fishery characterization towards improved management and sustenance. A third program in genetic characterization of Pacific Northwestern native oysters as a tool for restoration addresses the issue of ecosystem and water quality improvement in estuarine environments.

Impacts

We determined the limits of accuracy and precision of current molecular and statistical techniques for spring run chinook ID and that the error margin was too great, necessitating further research. The second and third projects were initiated this last year and have not progressed sufficiently to have any impact.

Scope

Methods for salmon run ID, ecosystem and water quality improvement have application globally. Rockfish stock structure and fisheries resource management findings relate to the Pacific Northwest.