Genomic Characterization of Arctic Charr Stocks Along the Coastal Regions of Labrador

Description

Despite their cultural, economic, and ecological importance, the population structure and diversity of arctic fishes remains largely unknown. Increasing exploitation of arctic fish species in the absence of a clear understanding of population structure, risks the loss of adaptive diversity, thereby threatening species stability and persistence. Currently, little is known to properly inform management decisions related to commercial and First Nations fisheries.

Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) is a freshwater and anadromous Arctic salmonid which has had a longstanding position in commercial and subsistence fisheries. This study is in response to concerns regarding the resource by the Torngat Fish Producers Cooperative (an Aboriginal owned organization) and various aboriginal groups in the region. DFO scientists will work in collaboration with the Nunatsiavut Government and the NunatuKavut to collect Arctic Charr samples from both rivers and the coastal fishery. The project will characterize the stock structure and composition of Arctic Charr using genome profiling of localized populations along the coast of Labrador. Determining local stock structures will enable resource managers to make informed decisions on the exploitation of the species.

Over two years, the project will:

1. Create a genomic baseline and a description of stock structure for Arctic Charr on the coasts of Newfoundland and Northern Labrador.
2. Identify stock-specific markers that enable estimates of exploitation in domestic fisheries.
3. Provide a tool for monitoring climate change effects on Arctic Charr in Canadian waters.

This work will apply the latest genomic tools and techniques to fisheries management and conservation issues in Canadian waters. These investigations will provide a comprehensive understanding of population structure of Arctic Charr to inform decisions related to the exploitation of this valued species.

Scientific title for this project: Genomic analysis of spatial stock structure of Arctic Charr in Labrador

Program Name

Genomics Research and Development Initiative (GRDI)

Years

2017 - 2019

Principal Investigator

Ian Bradbury
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Salmonids Section, Science Branch