Phenotypic characterization of chinook salmon in the Yukon River subsistence harvest
By: by Catherine F. Moncrieff, David W. Wiswar and Penelope A. Crane
Contributors: Wiswar, David W.; Crane, Penelope Ann, 1963-; Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Office of Subsistence Management
Publisher: Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association
Published: 2005
Place of publication: Anchorage, AK
Language: eng
Number of pages: 24
Subjects: Chinook salmon; Racial analysis; Fish stock identification; Phenotype; Traditional ecological knowledge; Subsistence economy
Description: Subsistence fishers from the villages of the lower and middle Yukon River traditionally harvest chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) that they describe as whitenose, blackhead, and blueback salmon. There is speculation that these fish represent distinct runs that may include Canadian origin fish. The run and harvest timing of these types of fish are generally predictable which implies they may be different stocks. If these fish can be identified as separate stocks, direct phenotypic identification of fish stocks could prove to be a useful management tool for the subsistence fisheries with implications to direct studies in fish biology, stock status and trends, and harvest monitoring. This project incorporated traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of the subsistence harvest with the scientific method of genetic analysis and scale pattern analysis to determine stock status. Goals of this project were to learn how Yukon fishers characterize two phenotypes of Chinook salmon and to learn through TEK specific information about each phenotype including run quality, run timing, spawning, meat quality and local uses.
Notes: "December 2005."

Authors affiliated with Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association; Fairbanks Fish and Wildlife Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Conservation Genetics Lab, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"Report to Office of Subsistence Management, Fisheries Information Services, Fisheries Information Services".

"Final report"--P. 1.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 17-18).

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award no. NA04NMF4720276

Agreement number FIS-03-015 Study 03-015