Watershed-scale dispersal patterns of juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) revealed through genetic parentage analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For many aquatic taxa, juvenile dispersal from spawning locations to rearing habitats is a critical process influencing individual fitness and population dynamics. However, our understanding of dispersal patterns in naturally spawning fish populations remains largely unknown due to the logistical challenges of tagging and tracking movement at early life stages.

Methods

We quantified dispersal patterns of a spring-run Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) population in NE Oregon, USA using genetic parentage-based tagging to trace juveniles captured from summer rearing habitats back to their maternal parent and associated spawning location (i.e., juvenile origin). We evaluated overall dispersal patterns, longitudinal trends across the watershed, and relationship

SUBMITTER: Kaylor MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11817820 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature