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4. Unintentional Selection <br />Selection may occur without the culturist even being-aware it <br />is happening. It-can also occur in spite of the best efforts <br />to prevent it. For example, the genetic variability of a <br />population of wild fish removed from the wild and reared at a <br />hatchery has only one direction it can go.....downward. <br />Loss of variation in this situation- can be slowed, but not <br />eliminated. <br />In review, the loss of genetic variation is caused by: <br />1. Genetic Drift (random loss) <br />2. Inbreeding (mating of related individuals) <br />3. Intentional Selection <br />4. Unintentional Selection (domestication) <br />It is obvious ,that loss of variation in cultured fish stocks is an <br />undesirable situation. Measures to reduce this loss of variation <br />will ..likely result: in modifications of many current management <br />.practices. Although new management practices may result in some <br />immediate discernable beneficial .effects, the true benefits of <br />maintaining or increasing genetic variation will become more <br />apparent. in the future.... <br />Methods to Minimize the Loss of Genetic Variation <br />1. Collect Baseline Data <br />In order to determine the genetic health of a broodstock <br />population, it is necessary to collect baseline genetic <br />information. Data that should be collected includes:. <br />A. An electrophoretic analysis of each species and <br />strain <br />B. Asymmetry counts of each species and strain <br />C. Any other methodologies that gain acceptance <br />(e.g. DNA analysis) <br />~ Basic. genetic information on specific species or strains can <br />be obtained by contacting Dr. Robb Leary or Dr. Fred <br />Allendorf, Division of Biological Science, University of <br />Montana, Missoula, MT 59812 (ph. 406-243-5503). The cost <br />for electrophoretic analysis and asymmetry counts on most <br />species of trout is $1000 (50 fish sample). The, charge for <br />cutthroat trout is $1500. <br />1-3 <br />