Microsatellite Variation in Yukon River Coho Salmon: Population Structure and Application to Mixed-Stock Analysis

Knowledge of population structure facilitates the effective management of species that are harvested in mixed-stock fisheries. In this study, we analyzed genetic variation at 19 microsatellite loci for 14 populations of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in the Yukon River. We then used this data to estimate the stock composition of adults that were harvested in a lower river test fishery. The Coho Salmon populations in the Yukon River exhibited a high degree of geographically based genetic structure (G(ST) = 0.078), with a strong genetic disjunction between the lower and upper river populations. Further substructure was observed among the upper river populations, which allowed for the estimation of stock composition to areas within this region. Analyses involving simulated and real mixtures indicated that this level of divergence can be used to apportion Coho Salmon to regions and areas accurately (95-100%). The stock composition estimates for the test fishery revealed that the spawning migration was evenly divided (50:50) between the lower and upper river populations. The upper river populations generally had earlier migration timing, comprising 66% of the mixture in the beginning and 33% at the end. The largest component of the upper river region was Tanana at 44%, followed by Nenana at 5%, and Porcupine at 1%. While escapement monitoring is essential for the management of Coho Salmon, it is limited by funding shortfalls. However, mixed-stock analysis in conjunction with sonar enumeration can provide information on stock-specific proportions, abundances, and migration timings that can increase our knowledge and ability to manage Coho Salmon populations in the Yukon River.

Automated summary

Understanding the genetic variation of Coho Salmon populations in the Yukon River can help estimate stock composition and improve management strategies. Genetic structure analysis revealed a high degree of divergence between lower and upper river populations, allowing for accurate apportionment of fish to different regions within the river. Mixed-stock analysis combined with sonar enumeration can provide valuable information on stock-specific proportions, abundances, and migration timings for effective management of Coho Salmon populations in the Yukon River.