Walleye (Sander vitreus) is an economically valuable freshwater fish throughout North America. In Alberta, pressure from sport fishing and commercial fishing make effective management and protection of this species crucial to its sustainability. Walleye from 12 Alberta lakes were genetically characterized using 15 microsatellite markers. Each lake contained a genetically distinct walleye subpopulation within a larger population of the river basin in which the lake was situated. Differentiation between subpopulations varied (ST=0.05 to 0.29). Patterns of genetic divergence aligned closely with the current hydro-geographical landscape, except where stocking events have occurred. Vicariance and natal philopatry are likely mechanisms maintaining the current genetic structure. The markers detected sufficient genetic variation between most subpopulations to assign an individual fish to a subpopulation of origin. The utility of genetic assignment was illustrated for stocking assessment and forensic enforcement. These genetic data will help to inform management decisions, monitor population status and enforce harvest restrictions for Alberta walleye. / Systematics and Evolution
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:AEU.10048/1277 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Burke, Lindsey Alison |
| Contributors | David W. Coltman (Biological Sciences), Richard M. Jobin (Adjunct), William M. Tonn (Biological Sciences), A. Lee Foote (Renewable Resources), Michael G. Sullivan (Adjunct) |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1066252 bytes, application/pdf |
| Relation | Burke LA & Jobin RM. (2010). http://www.wildlifeforensicscience.org/content/presentation-abstracts-given-society-members-2010-swfs-meeting-april |
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