Genetic Guidelines for the Stocking of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Great Lakes Basin

April 1, 2010 - Amy B. Welsh; Robert F. Elliott; Kim T. Scribner; Henry R. Quinlan; Edward A. Baker; Bradley T. Eggold; J. Marty Holtgren; Charles C. Krueger; Bernie May

Journal or Book Title: Great Lakes Fishery Commission - Miscellaneous Publication

Volume/Issue: 2010-01

Year Published: 2010

 

Many lake sturgeon populations (Acipenser fulvescens) in the Great Lakes basin are far below historic population sizes, and several fishery management agencies are interested in promoting species recovery. Due to low adult abundance and poor levels of natural recruitment in many populations, stocking has been advocated as an important management tool. With increased interest in lake sturgeon stocking, genetic data and theories can provide valuable information to guide stocking decisions. Genetic data were analyzed to examine genetic relationships between different spawning locations. Six genetic stocking units were defined across the Great Lakes basin, and criteria for the identification of priority conservation populations were established. Input was received from managers and biologists from throughout the basin regarding management and stocking issues concerning lake sturgeon. A decision tree was created, based on genetic principles and foreseeable management scenarios, to assist managers in selecting appropriate donor populations for stocking sites. Recommendations for the design and implementation of a stocking program were included in the guidelines along with a general overview of literature and principles on which the guidelines were developed. The development of these guidelines can provide a model for the incorporation of genetic data into management decisions targeting species conservation.

 

Publisher: Great Lakes Fishery Commission

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