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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Genetic analysis for the conservation and development of management actions for Lahontan cutthroat trout

The Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii henshawi) is the largest subspecies of Cutthroat Trout and is recognized as federally threatened. LCT populations have been extirpated from 90% of their historic waters due to habitat fragmentation, non-native trout species, climate change, drought and desiccation of lakes and streams prompting the species to be listed under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 1975) due to habitat degradation and climate change. Rapid hybridization with non-native trout presents the need to genetically assess LCT populations for effective management. We work with contacts at the Nevada Department of Wildlife to survey genetic diversity in extant populations, and evaluate hybridization in these populations in order to help direct conservation management.