P-02-01-005
Genetic variation at microsatellite DNA loci in cultured chinook salmon strains of British Columbia

The cultured chinook salmon strains reared by the company will be sampled in 2002 and 2003 for molecular genetic analysis to calculate genetic diversity based on microsatellite loci (number of alleles, allele frequencies, levels of heterozygosity, inbreeding level) for each strain.

Allele and genotype frequencies will be examined for evidence of founder effects and/or subsequent restrictions of effective population size and compared genetic diversity of cultured strains with that observed in natural chinook salmon populations.

Relationships among the cultured strains and natural populations present in BC (and elsewhere) will be determined by calculating genetic distance measures.

In a final report, develop recommendations on the best methods for companies and the industry to maximize the genetic variation in strains on which selective breeding programs will be based.