Locating the Genomic Regions Underlying Adaptive Divergence in Chinook Salmon Life History Traits

Kerry Naish, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, and Ruth Phillips, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University

R/B-51

The study will use advanced technologies to identify genes associated with the timing of chinook salmon runs, which are locally adapted to conditions in the fishes’ natal streams.  In the process, researchers will shed new light on the adaptive divergence of life-history traits among chinook populations in the Pacific Northwest. As a tool for measuring the genetic diversity of evolutionarily important traits, this methodology will assist conservation programs with their efforts to protect biodiversity in freshwater and marine environments.