Genetic Assessment of Columbia River Stocks: 2025 Annual Report
Abstract
This project combines multiple inter-related studies from the Fish & Wildlife Program Accords that address the following objectives: 1) discover and evaluate genetic variation in salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, and lamprey; 2) expand and create genetic baselines for multiple species (Chinook, steelhead, sockeye, and coho); 3) implement stock identification (PBT/GSI) sampling programs for mainstem Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead fisheries, 4) stock identification (PBT/GSI) of fish passing Bonneville Dam (salmon and steelhead), 5) characterize adaptive genetic variation associated with environment, landscape, and phenotypic traits, 6) genetic diversity and structure of white sturgeon. These projects are highly related since SNP markers are needed to complete species-specific baselines, and these baselines are requisite to complete stock identification. The results of these six objectives address needs for distinguishing specific stocks, determining genetic diversity, stock specific run timing, and estimating stock composition which can provide information for fisheries management.
Authors
Citation
Hess, J. E., L. Galland, R. L. Horn, D. M. Lewis, J. J. Stephenson, G. Strickland, and Shawn R. Narum. 2026. Genetic assessment of Columbia River stocks. Annual Report to Bonneville Power Administration, Project 2008-907-00.