Analysis of microsatellite DNA resolves genetic structure and diversity of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California’s Central Valley

Michael A. Banks, Vanessa K. Rashbrook, Marco J. Calavetta, Cheryl A. Dean, and Dennis Hedgecock
Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci./J. Can. Sci. Halieut. Aquat. 57(5): 915-927 (2000)

Abstract: We use 10 microsatellite DNA markers to assess genetic diversity within and among the four runs (winter, spring, fall, and late fall) of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California's Central Valley. Forty-one population samples are studied, comprising naturally spawning and hatchery stocks collected from 1991 through 1997. Maximum likelihood methods are used to correct for kinship in juvenile samples and run admixture in adult samples. Through simulation, we determine the relationship between sample size and number of alleles observed at polymorphic microsatellite markers. Most samples have random-mating equilibrium proportions of single and multilocus genotypes. Temporal and spatial genetic heterogeneity is minimal among samples within subpopulations. An F_ST of 0.082 among subpopulations, however, indicates substantial divergence among runs. Thus, with the exception of our discovery of two distinct lineages of spring run, genetic structure accords with the diverse chinook life histories seen in the Central Valley and provides a means for discrimination of protected populations.