Technical Report

Genetic Monitoring of the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow: Genetic Status of Wild and Captive Stocks in 2009

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Osborne%20and%20Turner_2009_Genetic%20Monitoring%20of%20the%20RGSM%20Genetic%20Status%20of%20Wild%20and%20Captive%20Stocks%20in%202009.pdf

Date: 2009/09/30

Author(s): Osborne M.J., Turner T.F.

Publication: Report prepared for U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 30 p.

Abstract:

Genetic monitoring is defined as collection of two or more temporally spaced genetic samples from the same population. Temporal sampling allows measurement of changes to various metrics of genetic diversity including allelic richness, heterozygosity, and genetically effective population size (Ne) in contemporary focal populations. This data can be used to track the genetic health of the population and to track impacts of management activities. In addition ecological causes of changes to genetic diversity can be assessed. Genetic monitoring of the Rio Grande silvery minnow using nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA commenced in 1999 and has continued annually since this time. Here we report on the genetic status of wild and captive stocks of Rio Grande silvery minnow in 2009. In 2009 we sampled 478 wild fish and 531 progeny of captive spawning conducted at Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, and the Albuquerque Biological Park. These captive-bred fish represent the stocks released to Big Bend National Park in December 2008.