| Genomic Variation Lab |
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Redband trout conservation genetics |
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In northern California, several watersheds contain populations of reputed redband trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss subspp.), including drainages of the Pit River, Goose Lake, Warner Valley, and McCloud River. The McCloud River redband trout (MRT), O. m. stonei, is an apparently unique subspecies of redband trout native to the upper McCloud River drainage of Shasta County, California. Presently, the MRT is believed to be restricted to several small streams in the upper McCloud River basin and the McCloud River main stem above Middle Falls, located about 10 miles east of the town of McCloud. The relationship between these populations, as well as redbands of Goose Lake and the Upper Pit River watershed (O. m. newberrii), is not understood, thus there is uncertainty regarding their status as distinct taxonomic units. Using a library of SNPs developed against hatchery rainbow trout and putative pure MRT populations, I am attempting to determine the extent of hatchery rainbow-MRT hybridization in more degraded streams and refine the genetic relationships of the MRT and other redband populations. This study will provide insights on management and recovery of MRT, other redband trout, and possibly other native resident trout populations throughout the western US.
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For more information, contact Rachel Simmons (resimmons@ucdavis.edu).