Fish Hatchery Genetic Management Techniques: Integrating Theory with Implementation

Abstract

AbstractArtificial propagation of fish species in hatcheries has been conducted on a large scale for several decades. In recent years, however, there has been an increase in conservation hatcheries, which aim not only to produce fish for supplementing wild populations but also to preserve the genetic diversity and integrity of threatened or endangered species. Important considerations for the latter are maximizing genetic diversity and effective population size while minimizing inbreeding and adaptation to captivity. Several studies document the theoretical implementation of captive management strategies designed to achieve these goals. However, the practical application of many of these strategies to conservation hatcheries remains challenging, as the majority of the guidelines were developed for small zoo populations. The aims of this review are (1) to survey current fish conservation hatchery managers in order to assess current hatchery practices and goals; (2) to present available management strategies for conservation hatcheries that may minimize the genetic effects of artificial propagation; and (3) to present genetic management options and their trade‐offs to managers developing fish conservation hatcheries. The results of the survey suggest that the majority of the responding conservation and nonconservation hatcheries use random broodstock selection and pairing techniques while valuing the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and effective population size and minimizing inbreeding. This article reviews the application of small‐population management techniques to conservation hatcheries in an effort to increase their utility in recovery plans for endangered fish species.