Genetic management of the Delta Smelt refuge population​

The Delta Smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) is a threatened species endemic to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In 2008, in response to the rapid decline of Delta Smelt in the wild, a refuge population was initiated at the UC Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory. The broodstock for the captive population is kept at the FCCL, with an additional, smaller backup population maintained at the Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery.  Dr. Mandi Finger is the PI for the genetic monitoring and management portion of the FCCL population. The goal of genetic management is to maintain a captive population that is genetically (and therefore phenotypically) similar to the wild population.​

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Identifying Hybridization in Populations Lahontan Cutthroat Trout 

Learning how hybridized populations of LCT are assists managers in efforts to conserve LCT as much as possible.