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3. BROODSTOCK AND REARING GUIDELINES 



Achievement of a genetic conservation goal requires delineation of genetic 

 guidelines for hatchery broodstocks and rearing practices. Broodstock 

 management and rearing activities may alter genetic resources and life 

 history patterns of hatchery stocks. In turn, hatchery-released fish may 

 alter genetic resources and life history patterns of wild or natural stocks 

 via interbreeding. Wild stocks may be genetically altered if excessive 

 numbers of adults are removed to supply gametes for hatchery stocks 

 (section 3.7.5). Indirect genetic impacts are also possible if large numbers 

 of hatchery fish enter into behavioral and ecological interactions with wild 

 or natural stocks (section 4). Hatchery-related practices that may impact 

 gene resources and life history patterns include: 



a. donor stock source; 



b. adults mated; 



c. fertilization protocol; 



d. rearing practices; and 



e. size of donor stock remaining for natural reproduction. 



3.1 Broodstock and Rearing Guidelines in Agency Documents 



Agency documents vary greatly in their consideration of hatchery-related 

 practices. Specific guidelines are uncommon and their quality is highly 

 variable. No agency has written guidelines for all five practices listed 

 above that may impact genetic resources and life history patterns of 

 hatchery, wild, and natural stocks. 



3.2 Guidelines in FWS Documents 



Two national-scope documents, FWS-1 and FWS-2, are silent on all 

 hatchery practices important for a genetic conservation goal. The 

 possibility of developing such guidelines is suggested, however, by 

 statements about responsibilities of broodstock hatchery managers to 

 develop and maintain general broodstock management guidelines which 

 "may require a genetics plan, spawning plan, broodstock replacement plan, 

 disposal plan, etc." FWS may address guidelines for some hatchery 

 practices in case-by-case agreements signed with specific state or native 

 American fisheries management agencies (Tom Sheldrake, FWS, personal 

 communication). For example, the Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery is 

 operated under an agreement between FWS and the Confederated Tribes 

 of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation; some relevant hatchery practices 

 are addressed for this hatchery in FWS -6 (discussed below). 



