Objectives of the study are to determine microsatellite DNA genotypes of brook trout samples collected from the target areas and hatchery brood stocks.  This information will be used to: 1) examine the relationship between known coasters and stream caught brook trout from the same vicinity; 2) determine if fish sampled are progeny of hatchery fish, native fish, or hybrids between the two; and, 3) to determine the strain of stocked fish and the ratio of stocked to native fish in streams and nearshore areas where experimental rehabilitation stocking is taking place.

In the recent past, as many as eight hatchery strains have been stocked in Lake Superior.  This includes three Lake Superior basin strains (two from Isle Royale and one from Lake Nipigon) and a number of non-basin strains.  The Ashland Fishery Resources Office continues to conduct status surveys of coaster brook trout with tribal, state and federal partners.  An important aspect of this work is to learn more about the origin and dispersal of fish captured, tagged, and released, and genetic analysis is one tool to help biologists.  Thus far, over 400 samples have been inventoried for potential analysis in this study.

Funding for this work was acquired through the USGS Eastern Region Quick Response Program which allocates up to $100,000 annually to address priority USFWS research needs.