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2.1 Genetic Goals in Agency Documents 



Documents of FWS, IDFG, and ODFW contain identifiable genetic goals for 

 hatchery production. While not directly stated, goals are implied in some 

 policy statements of WDW documents. WDF documents lack genetic goals. 



2.2 Genetic Goals in FWS Documents 



FWS-1 contains the following statements relevant for a genetic goal: 



a. "Carry out broodstock activities in a manner that will preserve or optimize the 

 genetic integrity of the stocks involved." 



b. "Strive to provide and/or utilize gametes and fry of the species and strain that best 

 meet the biological requirements of the specific resource management 

 programs." 



c. "Enter into trades, exchanges, or agreements with State or other Federal agencies, 

 or foreign governments to obtain fish or eggs of the desired strain." 



While statement (a) is a genetic goal, it's intent is vague for two reasons. 

 First, the expression "preserve or optimize genetic integrity" is undefined 

 (Appendix III). Second, it is unclear if "stocks involved" includes wild and 

 natural stocks that may genetically interact with hatchery fish. Statement 

 (b) may be relevant to genetic goals, depending on the intended meaning 

 of "biological requirements", which is undefined. Statement (c) permits 

 stock transplantations with no recognition that this may lead to 

 introduction of very different genetic material into the recipient stock and 

 no provision for conditions under which this is warranted or unwarranted. 

 Well-performing wild and natural stocks may be negatively impacted by 

 such introduction of new genetic material. Allendorf et al. (1990) outline 

 two situations in which introductions of new genetic material may be 

 warranted. 



FWS-3, currently only in draft form, addresses some ambiguities of FWS-1. 

 It's foremost goal is protection of "gene resources" of "native populations", 

 including protection of genetic variation in hatchery stocks that may 

 genetically interact with native fish. Also, it outlines steps for evaluation 

 of potentially detrimental genetic impacts of stock transplantations. 



A genetic goal may be inferred in FWS-4 for Region 1 (covering the 

 Columbia River Basin). It calls for favoring "wild fish strains over hatchery 

 strains" and emphasizing maintenance and restoration of "natural- 

 occurring runs of fish." 



