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Documents of other agencies refer to genetic resources of stocks with a 

 variety of undefined terms. IDFG apparently also uses WDF-1, a document 

 which contains genetic definitions (Willa Nelson, NWPPC, personal 

 communication); but there is no written reference to WDF-1 or its 

 definitions. Frequently used terms lacking definition include: genetic 

 characteristics, genetic dilution, genetic diversity, genetic integrity, genetic 

 makeup, gene resources, genetic status, and genetic traits. Criteria for 

 assessing the status of genetic resources in stocks are also missing. 

 Appendix III summarizes the identity and location of these key undefined 

 terms in specific documents. 



1.2 Improvement of Genetic Definitions 



A. Append definitions of genetic resources affected by 

 management actions to all written policies and guidelines 

 regarding salmon and steelhead hatchery production in the 

 Columbia Basin. 



B. Develop consistent definitions for agencies whose actions 

 impact the same or genetically interacting stocks. 



Gene resources discussed below provide a starting place for developing 

 practicable and biologically relevant definitions. Consistency of definitions 

 among agencies in the Columbia Basin is encouraged, as this will facilitate 

 coordinated development and achievement of genetic goals for hatchery 

 programs (section 2). 



1.2.1 Genetic resources to define 



Genetic definitions should address at least the following terms because: (a) 

 they describe the genetic resources of fish stocks that may be affected by 

 hatchery programs; and (b) these genetic resources greatly influence the 

 fitness of individual fish, evolutionary potential of an entire stock, and 

 chances of long-term perpetuation of fish stocks and species (section 2.6). 



A. Classes of genes - include structural genes (coding for a protein 

 product), regulatory genes (control the functioning of structural genes), 

 and genes coding for molecules involved in protein synthesis (e.g., 

 a gene for ribosomal RNA). All three classes of genes are important for the 

 fitness of individual fish. Adaptive evolution of an entire fish stock 

 depends mostly on variability in structural and regulatory genes. 



