Genetic Diversity of Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) in Lac La Biche

Abstract

The maintenance of genetic diversity is critical for a population’s ability to withstand, and persist natural or anthropogenic change. The Alberta government implemented the Lac La Biche Fishery Restoration Program in 2005. This program introduced several changes, including the control of the double-crested cormorant population, and the stocking of over 2 million walleye fry. Ecological disruptions at high trophic levels, such as those implemented with the restoration program at Lac La Biche have been shown to induce changes in genetic diversity of species at lower trophic levels. In this study, we developed a method of genomic DNA extraction from preserved yellow perch (Perca flavescens) stomachs to investigate genetic diversity in this species. Upon extraction, six nuclear microsatellite loci were examined by PCR, in 29 individuals collected in 2009 from Lac La Biche, Alberta. This study provided initial population genetic data on yellow perch from 2009, and a framework for a more exhaustive analysis of the spatial, and temporal population genetic structure of yellow perch in Lac La Biche from 2009 - 2013.

Discipline: Biology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. David McFadyen