The Alaska Region Fisheries Program's genetic capabilities are focused on determining genetic baselines and monitoring changes in the genetic make-up of fish populations. We strive to avoid or minimize adverse changes to genetic diversity. The Alaska Region Fisheries Program is an advocate for the well-being of all aquatic resources. One program goal is the restoration of depressed fish stocks to their natural levels of abundance. Active harvest management of wild stocks and restoration of degraded habitat offer the greatest potential for recovery.
Restoration involves increasing fishery resources to allow full utilization of available habitat.
Artificial propagation is the least desirable restoration alternative because of the associated risks to genetic integrity. Enhancement includes procedures applied to a fish stock to supplement numbers of harvestable fish to a level beyond what could be naturally produced based upon a determination or reasonable estimate of historic levels. Risks are high using this management alternative because of the potential for upsetting the natural balance in aquatic ecosystems. Our guiding philosophy favors fishery conservation over fishery enhancement due to the inherent risks of the later. Comprehensive planning and monitoring programs are necessary to ensure that restoration and enhancement projects avoid or minimize adverse changes to native populations.