Phylogeography and Genetic Population Structure of Broad Whitefish (Coregonus nasus) in the Mackenzie Delta and River and Surrounding Area, Northwest Territories

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: biology, whitefish, fish distribution, genetic diversity

Principal Investigator: Harris, Les (3)
Licence Number: 13827
Organization: Gwich'in Renewable Resources Board
Licensed Year(s): 2005
Issued: Jun 07, 2005
Project Team: Local Gwich'in and Inuvialuit Harvesters

Project Description: The objective of this study is to establish a baseline collection of tissue and fin samples from broad whitefish that will eventually be used for phylogeographic analysis and the classification of their genetic population structure. Local Gwich’in and Inuvialuit fishermen will be asked, on a volunteer-only basis, to collect fins or tissue samples from broad whitefish caught during the subsistence fishery. These samples will be preserved in 95% ethanol and stored at the Gwich’in Renewable Resource Board (GRRB) where they will be archived for future genetics studies. Once enough samples have been collected, these studies will involve classifying the population structure and phylogeography of broad whitefish in and around the Mackenzie Delta area. No reward will be offered for the collection of samples, as there is no funding available. There is no predetermined sample size of broad whitefish for this study. The amount of samples to be collected will be determined by the number of broad whitefish fins that are returned to the GRRB by local Gwich’in and Inuvialuit harvesters during the summer and fall subsistence fishery. The results from this study will be published in GRRB reports. The results will also be part of the principal researcher's thesis. Additionally, plain-language reports of the project will be made available. The study will be conducted at throughout the Mackenzie Delta and River during the summer and fall subsistence fishery, from August 1 to November 30, 2005.