Captive breeding programs can be an indispensable tool for reintroducing or sustaining populations in the wild. BML research has improved broodstock management practices by providing information that reduces the risk of genetic diversity losses, developmental problems, and disease.

• Genetic Diversity: Salmon farming and hatchery practices can diminish genetic diversity leading to reduced survivorship in the wild. BML scientists have developed genetic tools that identify relatedness of individuals and determined how this information can be used to design effective breeding programs.

• Growth and Development: New research has identified anomalies in salmon brain development that occur in certain hatchery tank environments.

• Broodstock Programs: From 1992 to 2004, BML participated in the Winter Run Chinook Captive Broodstock Program, restoring this endangered salmon to the Sacramento River using the best available research results on genetic diversity, development and health management.

• Other Techniques: BML scientists continue to conduct research that identifies conditions most conducive to rearing healthy fish in captivity. These include effects of temperature, salinity, and other environmental conditions.

BML | Research Topics at BML | Salmon Research