Genetic diversity is critical for long-term preservation of species.
As genetic diversity declines, the ability of species to adapt to environmental change decreases, increasing the risk of extinction. When a species population become small and isolated, captive propagation efforts can be used to help maintain genetic diversity.
We use genetic data to design, monitor and evaluate propagation efforts, and to identify the appropriate source populations and number of individuals for reintroduction or supplementation. Propagation efforts may also use cryopreservation to augment the genetic diversity of populations. When there are not enough individuals cryopreserved gametes can be used to increase the number of reproducing males and facilitate gene flow between populations.
Conservation genetics helps guide conservation aquaculture.
Atlantic salmon in Maine are endangered and consist of both naturally reproducing and hatchery produced populations. Two federal hatcheries in Maine (Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery and Green Lake National Fish Hatchery) conduct all captive spawning, and rear fish for stocking at various life stages. The hatcheries raise and maintain seven distinct genetic populations of Atlantic salmon to help support genetically diverse populations in the wild.
Every year, the Conservation Genetics Lab at the Northeast Fishery Center genotypes all Atlantic salmon that have been collected for potential use as broodstock broodstock
The reproductively mature adults in a population that breed (or spawn) and produce more individuals (offspring or progeny).
Learn more about broodstock to and monitor genetic diversity over time. Individual-specific genotype data is also used during spawning, using a computer-based spawning program to identify mating pairs to reduce the potential spawning related individuals. Data are used to evaluate management actions within the hatchery system and as part of the broader restoration program. Information from captive management databases has also been used to solve law enforcement investigations into illegal take of Atlantic and Pacific salmon.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Genetics Community of Practice
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Genetics Community of Practice is spread across six regional genetics labs and the staff at the Service’s National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Lab. For over a decade these facilities have been pioneering genetics research to benefit the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants.