Historical population structure of White Sturgeon in the Upper Columbia River detected with combined analysis of capture, telemetry and genetics

Abstract

Summary A combined analysis of capture/recapture, sonic tracking, and genetics was carried out to examine population structure of White Sturgeon of the Kootenay and Upper Columbia rivers. Analysis of capture/recapture and sonic telemetry data identified spatial patterns in habitat use, with individuals showing a preference for one of four high-use zones. Mitochondrial DNA analysis of groups of fish defined by zonal preference and age suggests there is genetic population structure across this region, even between groups frequenting different zones in the contiguous river system. This population structure likely has its origin in patterns of habitat use established prior to the impacts of human development when White Sturgeon in the region existed as assemblage of semi-reproductively isolated populations. Identification of this historical population structure reveals unrecognized complexity regarding the spatial extent of historic habitat use and breeding structure of White Sturgeon in the region, which must be considered in further research and recovery efforts.