I finally realized it’s because every time I get new genetic results it’s like receiving a surprise gift.
Unwrapping genetic gifts that tell meaningful stories of trout

I finally realized it’s because every time I get new genetic results it’s like receiving a surprise gift.
The problem is, our short-term memory has real consequences for conservation as we continually reduce our expectations and drop the bar far too low.
In a nutshell, science provides a credible thread through our intentions, actions and outcomes. Layer onto credibility a bit of inspiration, education and efficiency, and we have the ingredients for a TU Science vision statement.
“To repeat the obvious, that means in 2006 an estimated 42 percent of the spawners in this “wild” population were hatchery fish. Statistical modeling indicated the number of steelhead smolts barged in the Snake River in the previous several years was a strong predictor of PHOS (Percent Hatchery Origin Spawners).”
Researchers work to gather data on Lahontan cutthroat trout. Jason Barnes/Trout Unlimited Determining the conservation needs of at-risk wildlife species is complicated business. Federal and state wildlife agencies—and their partners — need to assess the unique characteristics of different populations to understand the conservation needs of a given species. They typically ask questions like: “Which … Read more
Helen Neville, left, and Doug Peterson, right, install a stationary PIT antenna on culvert to track fish movement. Trout Unlimited photo. By Helen Neville How many times do you cross a river while heading to your favorite fishing spot? Unless you are looking for a new place to fish, chances are you don’t make a … Read more
Climate change is a major threat to trout and salmon. Their habitat is quickly changing and there will be a lot less of it in the future. But we still don’t have an understanding of if, or how, these cold-water fish might evolve to adapt to a warmer environment. Identifying the genetic basis for any adaptation is … Read more