Restoring Atlantic Salmon to Lake Ontario: genetic tracking of reintroductions and wild performance

Session: 08a. - Restoration of Native Fishes

Anne McCarthy, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Marc Desjardins, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, [email protected]
Chris Wilson, ON Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University, [email protected]

Abstract

The effort to re-establish Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario is a large-scale, multifaceted experiment aiming to build self-sustaining populations in historical habitats.  Genetic tracking is a key component being used to assess the comparative performance of the different strains being stocked, as well as optimal life stages to stock for juvenile survival and adult returns.  Three allopatric populations with contrasting ecological characteristics have been used to establish broodstocks for experimental stocking.  Genetic monitoring of these broodstocks is providing baseline data for identifying proportional contributions to fish in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, and genetic tracking of families stocked at different juvenile life stages is being used to assess their relative survival, growth, and ecological performance. These combined analyses are showing unequal contributions of source strains and stocked life stages to juveniles captured in tributaries and adults caught in Lake Ontario, as well as returning adults in stocked and unstocked rivers and potential wild recruits. This ongoing genetic tracking and assessment is being used to inform stocking and restoration efforts to help ensure their success.

1. Keyword
Lake Ontario

2. Keyword
salmon

3. Keyword
genetics

4. Additional Keyword
restoration

5. Additional Keyword
reintroduction