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Genetics, recruitment, and migration patterns of Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) in the Colville River, Alaska, and Mackenzie River, Canada

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Abstract

Arctic cisco Coregonus autumnalis have a complex anadromous life history, many aspects of which remain poorly understood. Some life history traits of Arctic cisco from the Colville River, Alaska, and Mackenzie River basin, Canada, were investigated using molecular genetics, harvest data, and otolith microchemistry. The Mackenzie hypothesis, which suggests that Arctic cisco found in Alaskan waters originate from the Mackenzie River system, was tested using 11 microsatellite loci and a single mitochondrial DNA gene. No genetic differentiation was found among sample collections from the Colville River and the Mackenzie River system using molecular markers (P > 0.19 in all comparisons). Model-based clustering methods also supported genetic admixture between sample collections from the Colville River and Mackenzie River basin. A reanalysis of recruitment patterns to Alaska, which included data from recent warm periods and suspected changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, still finds that recruitment is correlated to wind conditions. Otolith microchemistry (Sr/Ca ratios) confirmed repeated, annual movements of Arctic cisco between low-salinity habitats in winter and marine waters in summer.

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Acknowledgments

Sara Graziano, Sean Burril, and Vanessa von Biela (U.S. Geological Survey; USGS) provided significant contributions to laboratory and statistical analyses and fish collections on the Mackenzie River. Sample collections for this report were made available by Larry Moulton (MJM Research); Kate Wedemeyer (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management); BP Exploration, Inc.; ConocoPhillips, Alaska; and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. USGS sampling in Canada was facilitated by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Aurora Research Institute. Hospitality and assistance from citizens of Fort Good Hope, Norman Wells, and Inuvik was greatly appreciated. Partial funding for this study came from the USGS Outer Continental Shelf Program. We thank three anonymous reviewers and the editor for very helpful comments. Any use of trade names or products is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement of the US Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA

    Christian E. Zimmerman, Andrew M. Ramey, Sara M. Turner & Jennifer L. Nielsen

  2. School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 17101 Point Lena Loop Road, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA

    Franz J. Mueter

  3. ABR, Inc., P.O. Box 8410, Fairbanks, AK, 99708, USA

    Stephen M. Murphy

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  1. Christian E. Zimmerman
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  2. Andrew M. Ramey
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  4. Franz J. Mueter
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  6. Jennifer L. Nielsen
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Correspondence to Christian E. Zimmerman.

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Zimmerman, C.E., Ramey, A.M., Turner, S.M. et al. Genetics, recruitment, and migration patterns of Arctic cisco (Coregonus autumnalis) in the Colville River, Alaska, and Mackenzie River, Canada. Polar Biol 36, 1543–1555 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-013-1372-y

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