Experiments in Identifying Hatchery and Naturally Spawning Stocks of Columbia Basin Spring Chinook Salmon Using Scale Pattern Analyses (1988)
Abstract
The purpose of this study, a part of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Stock Identification Project, is to explore the feasibility of Columbia Basin spring Chinook Salmon stock identification through the use of scale pattern analyses. This report summarizes the results of 1988 research in two major Columbia River sub basins, the Deschutes and Wenatchee, where use of this technique to differentiate hatchery and naturally spawning stocks in each system was tested. A long-term goal of the project is to develop hatchery/natural stock composition estimation techniques for application in mixed-stock areas. Data from the two study areas was therefore pooled to test the subsequent effects on scale-variable dispersion and on group classification accuracy. This study was begun in 1988 and research is expected to continue in 1989 with the possible addition of other stock samples to test area variability in scale pattern characteristics and to further experiment with aggregate stock identification.
Authors
Citation
Schwartzberg, M. and J. Fryer. 1988. Experiments in identifying hatchery and naturally spawning stocks of Columbia Basin spring Chinook Salmon using scale pattern analyses. Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission Technical Report 89-3. Portland, OR. 31p.