Stock Identification Research Articles

Are different parasite guilds of Pagrus pagrus equally suitable sources of information on host zoogeography?

Metazoan parasite assemblages of Pagrus pagrus inhabiting the southwestern Atlantic were analysed with the aim of identifying the existence of different stocks and to comparatively assess the value of different parasite guilds as indicators of zoogeographical regions. A total of 186 fish was examined. Samples were obtained from three Brazilian and one Argentine localities, distributed in three different biogeographic districts of the Argentine Zoogeographical Province. Pagrus pagrus harboured 26 metazoan parasite species distributed in three guilds, ectoparasites (10 species), long-lived larval endoparasites and short-lived gastrointestinal endoparasites (eight species each). Prevalence and abundance values of the former two guilds allowed analysing them comparatively to assess their value as biological indicators of both host population structure and zoogeography. Results of analyses on long-lived parasites evidenced the existence of three stocks, one in the regions of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, other in southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul) and a third in northern Argentina (Mar del Plata), responding to the differential environmental conditions characteristic of three zoogeographical ecoregions. Ectoparasite assemblages exhibited significant differences between all pairs of samples, including those considered as a single stock according to data on persistent parasites. Assemblages of long-lived larval parasites are considered as better indicators for stock assessment purposes than ectoparasites, whose population parameters were variable temporally and heterogeneous at small spatial scales. The distributional variability of persistent parasites of P. pagrus along large scales provides valuable information to help defining robust biogeographical patterns, applicable to stock identification and fishery management of this species.

Defining conservation units with enhanced molecular tools to reveal fine scale structuring among Mediterranean green turtle rookeries

Understanding the connectivity among populations is a key research priority for species of conservation concern. Genetic tools are widely used for this purpose, but the results can be limited by the resolution of the genetic markers in relation to the species and geographic scale. Here, we investigated natal philopatry in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from four rookeries within close geographic proximity (~200 km) on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. We genotyped hypervariable mtSTRs, a mtDNA control region sequence (CR) and 13 microsatellite loci to genetically characterise 479 green turtles using markers with different modes of inheritance. We demonstrated matrilineal stock structure for the first time among Mediterranean green turtle rookeries. This result contradicts previous regional assessments and supports a growing body of evidence that green turtles exhibit a more precise level of natal site fidelity than has commonly been recognised. The microsatellites detected weak male philopatry with significant stock structure among three of the six pairwise comparisons. The absence of Atlantic CR haplotypes and mtSTRs amongst these robust sample sizes reaffirms the reproductive isolation of Mediterranean green turtles and supports their status as a subpopulation. A power analysis effectively demonstrated that the mtDNA genetic markers previously employed to evaluate regional stock identity were confounded by an insufficient resolution considering the recent colonisation of this region. These findings improve the regional understanding of stock connectivity and illustrate the importance of using suitable genetic markers to define appropriate units for management and conservation.

Good practices for common sole assessment in the Adriatic Sea: Genetic and morphological differentiation of Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) from S. aegyptiaca ( ) and stock identification

In the Adriatic Sea two cryptic species of sole coexist, the common and Egyptian sole. Soles are one of the most valuable demersal fishery resources in the Adriatic Sea, so a correct species identification is crucial in order to perform stock assessment and implement effective management measures based on reliable and accurate data. In this study specimens collected during fishery-independent and fishery-dependent activities in the Adriatic were analyzed and identified coupling morphological and genetic approaches. A comparison of these two methods for the sole species identification was carried out to assess the most effective, accurate and practical diagnostic morphological key-character(s). Results showed that external characters, in particular features of the posterior dorsal and anal fins, are valid and accurate morphological markers. Based on these traits, a practical identification key of the two sibling species was proposed. Moreover, it was possible to estimate the extent of the error due to species misidentification introduced in the common sole stock assessment carried out in the Northern-central Adriatic Sea (GSA17). A 5% bias in the correct identification of common sole specimens was detected. However, this bias was shown not to affect the common sole stock assessment. Moreover, the genetic profiling of the Adriatic common sole allowed estimating genetic diversity and assessing population structure. Significant divergence between common soles inhabiting the eastern part of the Southern Adriatic Sea and those collected from the other areas of the basin was confirmed. Therefore, the occurrence of genetically differentiated subpopulations supports the need to implement independent stock assessments and management measures.

Morphological divergence of three-spined stickleback in the Baltic Sea—Implications for stock identification

Morphometrics is a beneficial, straightforward and relatively simple tool for fish stock delineation and identification. Analysis of spatial divergence, and morphological traits in relation to other factors, are of high interest both for management and in ecological studies. Morphology can help to delineate stocks, inform about local adaptations as well as ecological role the species play in the ecosystem. Morphological variation and differentiation of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) has been thoroughly studied in small freshwater systems, but less is known about differentiation of the species in an open marine system. The Baltic Sea inherits substantial environmental gradients in salinity, temperature, as well as in the nature and intensity of predation, gradients that all can foster local morphological adaptation and potential population differentiation. Previous studies have revealed some morphological differentiation of the species along the coast, but studies from the offshore are lacking. In this study we used traditional as well as geometric morphometrics to analyse divergence in morphological traits like body plate numbers, body- and otolith shape among sticklebacks from two major genetic clusters inhabiting different parts of the Baltic Sea. Our results show that fish from one area (Curonian Lagoon) representing one of the clusters had significantly higher number of body plates, potentially indicating a response to higher predation pressure compared to the other areas studied. Body shape also significantly differed among locations with deeper bodied fish in the Curonian Lagoon. The most conservative and least plastic trait studied, otolith shape, did, however, not show any divergence among the areas studied. Our results suggest morphological divergence in plastic traits like body plates and body shape in response to local environmental conditions. The lack of divergence in otolith shape further suggests that the degree of population differentiation is weak or rather recent, as also highlighted in earlier studies using molecular markers or synchrony in population abundances. In all, our study shows that at least the number of body plates can serve as an effective stock delineator among genetic clusters of three-spined sticklebacks in the Baltic Sea.

Sea-to-sea survival of late-run adult steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from the Columbia and Snake rivers

We used biotelemetry and genetic stock identification to assess sea-to-sea survival and run composition of 1212 late-migrating adult steelhead (anadromous Oncorhynchus mykiss) through the Columbia River and Snake River migratory corridors. The late run was predominated by steelhead from Idaho’s Clearwater and Salmon rivers that must pass eight large hydroelectric dams during both prespawn and postspawn migrations. In 2 years (2013 and 2014), prespawn survival to Snake River tributaries (>500 km) was 0.48–0.67 for the most abundant populations and was higher for females and 1-sea fish (i.e., fish that spend one winter at sea). Annual survival from Snake River tributary entry to postspawn kelt status was 0.14–0.17, with higher survival for females and those without hatchery fin clips. Kelt outmigration survival was 0.31–0.39 past four Snake River dams and 0.13–0.20 past all eight dams and was highest for smaller kelts. Full-cycle adult freshwater survival (sea-to-sea) including 16 dam passage events was 0.01–0.02. Younger steelhead and those without fin clips survived at the highest rates. This study uniquely partitioned mortality across prespawn, reproductive, and kelt life history stages and informs management strategies for this conservation-priority metapopulation.

A general model for salmon run reconstruction that accounts for interception and differences in availability to harvest

Understanding population-specific spawner–recruit relationships is necessary for sustainable salmon management. Where multiple populations are harvested together, run reconstruction methods partition mixed-stock catches and allocate recruits back to their populations of origin. Traditional run reconstruction methods often use age composition data to inform catch partitioning. However age-only methods do not account for stock-specific differences in the availability of fish to harvest within fishing areas or the incidental harvest of nontarget stocks in nearby fishing areas. Advances in molecular genetic techniques permit genetic stock identification (GSI) of both contemporary and historical catch samples. We present a statistical model for salmon run reconstruction that utilizes both age composition and GSI data to estimate differences in the availability of stocks within, and interception rates among, terminal fisheries. When applied to the commercial sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) fishery in Bristol Bay, Alaska, new estimates of population productivity differed from those generated using previous age-only methods by 0.1%–155.1%, with stock-specific mean absolute percent differences of 9.7%–38.7% across years, underscoring the value of genetic data for run reconstruction. With more accurate run reconstruction methods, spawner–recruit relationships can be identified more precisely, thus providing more accurate management targets for salmon fisheries.

Assessment of the Diversity of Macro Aquatic Species in Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet in the Philippines

Little is known about the diversity and status of endemic freshwater fishes which are valuable bio-indicators of ecosystem health and an integral part of a country’s natural heritage. Some of the less studied areas in the Philippines are the river systems in the Cordillera which are equally important as that of the other freshwater systems in the country. Amburayan River in Kapangan, Benguet is one of the rivers in the said region. Thus assessment study of the diversity of macro aquatic species was conducted to provide a baseline data in the formulation of resource management strategies and polices. By using a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study determined and identified the presence of macro species in the study area. It applied the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) procedures in the gathering of samples while identification and determination of fish stocks were done by morphometric analysis of the catch with the help of available references and assistance of experts. This is later verified through submission of samples to the National Fisheries Research Development Institute (NFRDI) as part of the NSAP areas for DNA analysis. The measurement of the impacts of human activities to the river systems was done using the checklist method by Smith and Smith. The study found that there is low biodiversity of macro aquatic species in the area because of the presence of introduced species, illegal fishing practices, quarrying and mining activities. There are also no indigenous or traditional management measures conducted to conserve the river ecosystem biodiversity. The study recommended that similar study be done in other areas of the river and that the government agencies to undertake fisheries programs which would regulate the exploitation and utilization and allow regeneration of macro aquatic species in the river system.

Genetic Stock Identification of the Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus) in Lake Tiberias Based on ParentOffspring Relationship

The Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) population originates from translocated wild-caught, or hatchery-reared, fish. The aim of the study was to identify the taxonomic status and stock origin of a sample of 32 mullet individuals caught in the Sea of Galilee, based on the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequence analysis and nuclear microsatellite markers. A total of 13 microsatellite markers were selected from nine different linkage groups with a number of alleles ranging from 5-23, with an average of 9.85 alleles/locus. By using COI sequences and the Barcode of Life Data (BOLD) identification system, seven individuals were taxonomically classified as Thinlip grey mullet (Liza ramda) and the remaining 25 as M. cephalus. Of 663 nucleotides, 122 (18.4%) differed between the COI sequences of the two distinct mullet species. A preliminary parentage analysis of the hatchery-reared stocking batch, based on 13 markers, assigned them as progeny of three mating pairs. These three mating pairs only were tested as potential parents of the 25 M. cephalus individuals captured from the lake. Marker-based comparison showed that a parent-offspring relationship was rejected for 17 M. cephalus individuals by at least four genetic markers. Eight of 25 M. cephalus individuals (32%), were identified as progeny of the three parental pairs with the overall probability of 3.88 x 10-7 for correspondence by chance to any of these three parental pairs. The 13 markers used has high statistical power to reject a putative parent-offspring relationship obtained by chance thus resulting in familial identification. This approach represents an accurate method of genetic stock identification and should also be applicable to populations of other species. The results confirm that the mullet hatcheryreared fingerlings survived in the Sea of Galilee when released alongside wildcaught fingerlings.

Morphometrics and Genetic Diversity COI Gene of Swamp Eel (Monopterus albus) from Four Population in West Java

Swamp eel ( Monopterus albus ) is an economically important freshwater fish which has the potential to sustainable development. This species is considered as one of the taxonomically problematic spesies due to its complex characters and similar morphology to Monopterus cuchia and Monopterus javanensis that often lead to taxonomic dilemmas. Taxonomic certainty is an essential basis information in sustainable fisheries management, studies on morphometric characters, and genetic variability is a method which commonly used for species or stock identification. This study was aimed to validate the taxonomy certainty and evaluate the kinship of swamp eel from four populations (Indramayu, Subang, Tasikmalaya, and Garut distrik) in West Java. Morphometric analysis was conducted by measurement of 19 characters, whereas genetic analysis was conducted using PCR-Sequencing method of COI gene. The results from stepwise discriminant analysis showed that 7 morphometric characters ratio were powerful to classified the populations and the first two discriminant functions accounted 84.2% of the total variability. Genetic diversity indicated by alignment 14 sekuen of COI gene showed there were 11 haplotypes from 109 variable sites. Results of cluster and phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that swamp eel from four research populations were grouped into two major clusters. The first cluster consists of Indramayu and Subang population, the second cluster consists of Tasikmalaya and Garut population. This cluster is an evidence that swamp eel from West Java possesed morphometric and genetic diversity among populations and lead to assumption that at least there were two cryptic species from M. albus in West Java.

Inferred ocean distributions of genetically similar Chinook salmon stocks compared across run timing and river/hatchery of origin

Abstract Klamath River Fall Chinook (KRFC) salmon from the Klamath-Trinity Basin are central to management of the ocean salmon fishery off the coasts of northern California and southern Oregon, with tagged KRFC serving as proxies for other stocks including spring run (KRSC). There has been no formal comparison of fall versus spring run ocean distributions, and published studies using genetic stock identification do not distinguish the runs. We modeled the spatial distribution of hatchery-origin fall versus spring run, inferred from coded-wire tag recoveries in the ocean commercial (troll) fishery while explicitly accounting for fishing effort, sampling rate, and release of sublegal-sized fish before sampling. Distributions for all stocks were confined to a similar core range, but varied seasonally, and with higher relative density of KRSC in the north. Only equivocal evidence was found for differences by age or within-basin source hatchery. The potential for such differences should be considered for analyses of coarser groupings in these and other stocks. Sensitivity analyses revealed differences in distributions inferred from recreational versus commercial fishery data, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the limitations of fishery-dependent data in representing the underlying spatial distribution of fish populations rather than spatial patterns in their interactions with specific fisheries.

Use of otolith-shape analysis for stock discrimination of Boops boops along the Algerian coast (southwestern Mediterranean Sea)

Otolith-shape analysis was examined to determine its utility for biological stock identification of the bogue Boops boops along the Algerian coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The outlines of 179 sagittal otolith pairs from fish collected at three locations (Oran, Bejaia and Annaba) between 2013 and 2016 were digitised and analysed for shape variation by elliptical Fourier analysis. Potential confounding sources of variation (fish length, age and sex, and left or right otolith position) were examined and accounted for in the analyses before interpretation of spatial differences in distribution of the stock. Redundancy analysis showed a significant difference between the left and right otoliths. No difference was correlated with sex and age, but fish length and sampling location had a significant effect on otolith shape. Differences in otolith shape between fish from the three locations (a span of approximately 1 000 km) were not large enough to support the concept of separate biological stocks of B. boops along the Algerian coast, as illustrated by the scatterplot of discriminant scores. This study emphasises the need to carefully evaluate the confounding effects of the otolith side (left or right) on the Fourier descriptors of otoliths before drawing conclusions about stock structure of the bogue on the basis of otolith-shape differences among samples of fish from different stocks or areas.

Import, use, and emissions of PCBs in Switzerland from 1930 to 2100.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic compounds that are ubiquitously found in the environment. Their use and manufacture were restricted or banned in many countries in the 1970–1980s, however, they still persist in the antroposphere, the environment and in biota worldwide today. Conventions like the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution encourage or bind the member parties to annually submit emission inventories of regulated air pollutants. Unfortunately, several member states have not yet reported PCB emissions. The identification and quantification of stocks and emissions sources is, however, an important precondition to handle and remove the remaining reservoirs of PCBs and, thus, to be able to reduce emissions and subsequently environmental exposure. Here, we estimate past, present, and future emissions of PCBs to air in Switzerland and provide emission factors for all relevant emission categories. Switzerland hereby represents a typical developed industrial country, and most of the assumptions and parameters presented here can be used to calculate PCB emission also for other countries. PCB emissions to air are calculated using a dynamic mass flow and emissions model for Switzerland, which is run for the years 1930–2100. The results point out the importance of the use of PCBs in open applications, which have largely been previously overlooked. Additionally, we show that PCBs will persist in applications during the coming decades with ongoing emissions. Especially the use of PCBs in open applications will cause Swiss emissions to remain above 100 kg PCB per year, even after the year 2030. Our developed model is available in Excel/VBA and can be downloaded with this article.

A microsatellite baseline for genetic stock identification of European Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

AbstractAtlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) populations from different river origins mix in the North Atlantic during the marine life stage. To facilitate marine stock identification, we developed a genetic baseline covering the European component of the species’ range excluding the Baltic Sea, from the Russian River Megra in the north-east, the Icelandic Ellidaar in the west, and the Spanish Ulla in the south, spanning 3737 km North to South and 2717 km East to West. The baseline encompasses data for 14 microsatellites for 26 822 individual fish from 13 countries, 282 rivers, and 467 sampling sites. A hierarchy of regional genetic assignment units was defined using a combination of distance-based and Bayesian clustering. At the top level, three assignment units were identified comprising northern, southern, and Icelandic regions. A second assignment level was also defined, comprising eighteen and twenty-nine regional units for accurate individual assignment and mixed stock estimates respectively. The baseline provides the most comprehensive geographical coverage for an Atlantic salmon genetic data-set, and a unique resource for the conservation and management of the species in Europe. It is freely available to researchers to facilitate identification of the natal origin of European salmon.

Morphological and free amino acid profile variability, as a tool for stock identification among farmed rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissof different origin

As a tool for stock identification the body morphology and the free amino acid (FAA) profile variability were determined among farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792) from different geographical areas throughout Greece, using geometric morphometrics and Reversed Phase-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Significant intraspecific body shape variation was detected among the fish stocks of different origin. Canonical Variate Analysis distinguished populations into two groups being consistent to a great extent with a previous population genetics study. General linear models did not support an association of haplotypes and diet with shape. However, shape was significantly correlated with origin, water temperature, geological-chemical-climatic zones, histidine and arginine. Therefore, morphological variation was primarily driven by environmentally induced differences among these zones being the result of phenotypic plasticity. Environmental cues and rearing conditions played the pivotal role in comparison to broodstock origin. Specimens presented different FAA profiles depending on their geographical origin. Principal Component Analysis showed a division between eastern and western Greece which might be owed to the existence of climatic fluctuations affecting the abiotic factors. This combined approach offers an important tool for stock identification thus assisting environmental risk assessments in evaluation of potential ecological effects and fostering research excellence in sustainable aquaculture management.

Автоматична ідентифікація окремих частин транспортного засобу при впровадженні нових концепцій системи технічного обслуговування та ремонту

The objective of the research is to improve the method of automatic wagon identification and its parts as part of new concepts of maintenance and repair implementation. A changeover to new concepts of maintenance becomes possible thanks to improvement of automatic rolling stock identification. Taking into account service damages and their rebuilding service reliability rating in real conditions is possible thanks to wagon units and wagon parts data acquisition which estimates its resource and turnaround time.Future development of automatic wagon identification should allow for separate units and wagon parts automatic identification. To authors view more complete demands are: under severe weather events functioning, strokes and vibration influence, ease of installation, big reading and identification radius providing, doesn’t need maintenance, has perpetual lifetime, doesn’t need the source of energy for sign work of freight rolling stock, has about 100% data reliability, safe for people and environment, it goes along with RFID systems for unpowered rolling stock.

Population and individual identification of coho salmon in British Columbia through parentage-based tagging and genetic stock identification: an alternative to coded-wire tags

Parentage-based tagging (PBT) and genetic stock identification (GSI) were used to identify individual coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) to specific populations and brood years. In total, 20 242 individuals from 117 populations were genotyped at 304 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) via direct sequencing of amplicons. Coho salmon from 15 populations were assigned via parentage analysis that required the genotypes of both parents. The overall accuracy of assignment for 1939 coho salmon to the correct population was 100%, and to correct brood year within population was also 100%. Inclusion of individuals requiring only a single parental genotype for identification resulted in assignments of 2101 individuals, with an accuracy of 99.95% (2000–2001) to population and 100.0% to age. With 23 regions defined by the coded-wire tag (CWT) program, and individuals displaying an assignment probability <0.85 excluded from the analysis, mean regional assignment accuracy of individuals via GSI was 98.4% over all 23 regions. A PBT–GSI or PBT system of identification will provide an alternate method of identification in the assessment and management of Canadian-origin coho salmon relative to the existing CWT program.

Population genetic structure of the parasite Anisakis simplex (s. s.) collected in Clupea harengus L. from North East Atlantic fishing grounds

The Atlantic herring is a schooling, pelagic species that inhabits both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean. Herring stock identification is usually based on several approaches, including fish meristic characters, population genetic analysis and the use of parasite species composition. A total of 654 Anisakis spp. larvae collected from herring of four fishing grounds in the Norwegian Sea, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the English Channel off the French coast, was identified to species level using diagnostic allozymes and sequence analysis of EF1 α−1 nDNA and the mtDNA cox2 genes. Population genetic differentiation of Anisakis simplex (s. s.) among the different fishing areas was estimated, at the intraspecific level, on the basis of mtDNA cox2 sequences analysis. Spatial comparison based on molecular variance analysis and Fst values was performed for the collected specimens (among regions). Haplotype network construction showed relevant differences in haplotype frequencies between samples of A. simplex (s. s.) from the different geographical areas. Results indicate a genetic sub-structuring of A. simplex (s. s.) obtained from herring in different areas, with the population from the Norwegian Sea being the most differentiated one, and with North Sea and Baltic Sea populations being most similar. The population genetic structure of A. simplex (s. s.) was in accordance with the herring population genetic structure throughout the host’s geographical range in the NE Atlantic. Results suggest that mtDNA cox2 is a suitable genetic marker for A. simplex (s. s.) population genetic structure analysis and a valuable tool to elucidate the herring stock structure in the NE Atlantic Ocean.

The use of otolith shape to determine stock structure of Engraulis encrasicolus along the Tunisian coast

Engraulis encrasicolus is of great economic importance in the Mediterranean. However, little is known about its stock structure. Otolith shape analysis has been successfully used for fish stock identification. In this study, the stock structure of anchovy caught off the open sea and the coastal area of the Gulf of Tunis, lagoon of Bizerte and Lake of Ichkeul were investigated using otolith shape. Otolith shape was determined by Fourier analysis and then compared among specimens sampled from different areas with forward stepwise canonical discriminant analysis. Significant differences in otolith shape between the open sea and inshore anchovy groups were detected. Otolith shape of anchovy collected in the Lake of Ichkeul was distinct from the other groups. This finding suggests a clear discreteness of the open sea and the continental groups. The data highlighted the potential for using otolith shape analysis for anchovy stock identification, as well as the role of oceanographic features in determining stock separation. These findings will have major implications for anchovy fisheries management in Tunisia. By using a precautionary approach and considering the three areas as separate stocks, fisheries management strategies should be adjusted to achieve optimum sustainable production from each stock and to avoid decreases in genetic variety.

Otolith carbon and oxygen stable isotopes in laboratory-reared Schizothorax kozlovi

In order to investigate the role of otolith carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopes in identification of freshwater fish stocks, otolith δ13C and δ18O of cultured Schizothorax kozlovi at different ages were measured by stable isotope mass spectrometer. The relationships between otolith δ13C / δ18O and environment were discussed. The results showed that δ13C and δ18O values of S. kozlovi at age 1+ were not significantly correlated with otolith mass, but both were significantly different between lapillus and asteriscus. The average lapillus δ13C and δ18O values of S. kozlovi at different ages were (-9.58±0.06)‰ and (-8.33±0.17)‰, respectively. There was no significant difference of lapillus δ13C and δ18O between the sexes, but with significant difference among diffe-rent ages. The correlation of δ13C with δ18O was an effective method in identification of different culture stocks of S. kozlovi, which indicated the isotopic signatures of otolith could be used as a method to identify freshwater fish stocks.

Tracking the Genetic Stability of a Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Breeding Program With Genetic Markers.

A genetic stock identification (GSI) assay was developed in 2008 to distinguish Russian honey bees from other honey bee stocks that are commercially produced in the United States. Probability of assignment (POA) values have been collected and maintained since the stock release in 2008 to the Russian Honey Bee Breeders Association. These data were used to assess stability of the breeding program and the diversity levels of the contemporary breeding stock through comparison of POA values and genetic diversity parameters from the initial release to current values. POA values fluctuated throughout 2010-2016, but have recovered to statistically similar levels in 2016 (POA(2010) = 0.82, POA(2016) = 0.74; P = 0.33). Genetic diversity parameters (i.e., allelic richness and gene diversity) in 2016 also remained at similar levels when compared to those in 2010. Estimates of genetic structure revealed stability (FST(2009/2016) = 0.0058) with a small increase in the estimate of the inbreeding coefficient (FIS(2010) = 0.078, FIS(2016) = 0.149). The relationship among breeding lines, based on genetic distance measurement, was similar in 2008 and 2016 populations, but with increased homogeneity among lines (i.e., decreased genetic distance). This was expected based on the closed breeding system used for Russian honey bees. The successful application of the GSI assay in a commercial breeding program demonstrates the utility and stability of such technology to contribute to and monitor the genetic integrity of a breeding stock of an insect species.