Discovery and characterization of novel genetic markers for coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)

Abstract

Coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii), native to the west coast of North America, has declined over much of its range. Population genetic studies can aid conservation, but few suitable markers have been available. We describe 62 novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers variable in coastal cutthroat trout. We additionally show that 22 SNPs previously identified in other taxa are also polymorphic in the subspecies. These 84 SNP assays are the first to be developed for coastal cutthroat trout and will be a useful tool in coastal cutthroat trout management.