Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2005ND76B

Molecular Phylogeography of Etheostoma Nigrum in the Northern Midwest

Institute: North Dakota
Year Established: 2005 Start Date: 2005-03-01 End Date: 2006-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $10,100 Total Non-Federal Funds: $21,040

Principal Investigators: Craig Stockwell

Project Summary: The genetic population structure of native fishes can be used to inform management decisions. For instance, management agencies often transplant fish, but such actions could lead to out-breeding depression. The population structure of fish in the upper mid-west is poorly understood. We will examine genetic population structure of the johnny darter (Etheostoma nigrum) in the upper mid-west. We will conduct a genetic survey of populations in the upper Missouri, upper Red River and Upper Mississippi River systems as well as small associated lakes. At least 30 individuals will be collected from each of 10 populations in North Dakota and Minnesota to evaluate genetic population structure. We will use PCR based microsatellite loci designed for a close congener of E. nigrum for this work. This work should provide managers with baseline data on the spatial relationship of fish in the upper mid-west.