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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Genetically Identifying Tui Chub​ Populations

 Tui Chub (Siphateles bicolor) occupy a large range throughout California, Nevada, and Oregon with the Mohave Tui Chub and Owens Tui Chub both being listed subspecies. Genetically identifying populations of Tui Chub throughout their range is important for conservation efforts and to identify possible introgressions. Using RADseq, over 1,300 individuals of Tui Chub were prepared and sequenced. 

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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. 

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Development of New SNP Panels 

RAD-seq preparations for two new snp panels: identifying grandparentage relations in Delta smelt, and parental relationships in Longfin smelt.