Delta Smelt Refugial Population Genetics

Kathleen Fisch, Melinda Baerwald, & Bernie May

We are examining delta smelt population genetics throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta using codominantly expressed nuclear DNA markers (microsatellites) to develop a breeding plan for the delta smelt refugial population at the Fish Conservation & Culture Laboratory, UC Davis. We have preliminary diversity statistics and relatedness estimates for the founding population of delta smelt. We are currently determining genetic population structure of wild delta smelt to aid in the design of the breeding plan for the refugial population. If population structure is present, we will design the breeding plan to avoid outbreeding depression. We are also conducting survival analyses of the refugial population in order to minimize unequal family contribution and minimize genetic adaptation to captivity. Kinship and relatedness estimates for all founding individuals will be examined, and we will perform pedigree analysis. We will attempt to minimize mean kinship, minimize inbreeding, maintain genetic variation, and maintain effective population size (Ne). Natural spawning strategies will be determined in order to assess reintroduction options. The results of this study will be used to make recommendations for the development of a refugial population to preserve the genetic and phenotypic diversity of wild delta smelt.

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