Columbia River White Sturgeon (Acipenser Transmontanus) Population Genetics and Early Life History Study, January 1, 1986 to December 31, 1986, Final Report.

Technical Report · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6501902· OSTI ID:6501902

Brannon, Ernest L

The 1986 Columbia River white sturgeon investigations continued to assess genetic variability of sturgeon populations isolated in various areas of the Columbia River, and to examine environmental factors in the habitat that may affect early life history success. Baseline data have been collected for three character sets. Twenty-eight loci have been analyzed for differences using electrophoresis, snout shapes were assessed for multivariate distinction, and scute counts have been examined as an index of variability. Fish that reside in the mid-Columbia and lower river have been sufficiently characterized by electrophoresis to compare with up-river areas. To date, few electrophoretic differences have been identified. However, Lake Roosevelt sturgeon sample size will be increased to determine if some of the observed differences from lower river fish are significant. Snout shape has been shown to be easily quantifiable using the digitizing technique. Scute count data initially indicate that variability exists within as well as between areas. Patterns of differentiation of one or more of these data sets may be used to formulate stock transplant guidelines essential for proper management or enhancement of this species. The historical habitat available to sturgeon in the Columbia River has changed through the development of hydroelectric projects. Dams have reduced the velocity and turbulence, and increased light penetration in the water column from less silt. These changes have affected the ability of sturgeon to feed and have made them more vulnerable to predation, which appear to have altered the ability of populations isolated in the reservoirs to sustain themselves. Present studies support the theory that both the biological and physical habitat characteristics of the Columbia River are responsible for reduced sturgeon survival, and justify consideration of enhancement initiatives above Bonneville to improve sturgeon reproductive success.

• Research Organization: University of Washington. School of Fisheries.
• Sponsoring Organization: United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
• OSTI ID: 6501902
• Report Number(s): DOE/BP-18952-2; ON: DE87009924
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520500* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
550200 -- Biochemistry
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANADROMOUS FISHES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY
COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN
ELECTROPHORESIS
FISHES
MORPHOLOGY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POPULATIONS
PREDATOR-PREY INTERACTIONS
PROTEINS
VERTEBRATES
White sturgeon fisheries - Columbia River