Uncovering genetic and life history resilience in spring-run Chinook salmon
Description / purpose
We propose to use a unique toolbox combining genetic and isotopic markers to 1) Assess the genetic diversity of Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha; CVSC), 2) Identify the juvenile life history diversity and the importance of natal versus non-natal and in-channel versus off-channel habitats, 3) Evaluate the connection between genetic diversity and the expression of life history diversity in each CVSC population, and 4) Investigate the response and resilience of CVSC populations, with various levels of genetic and phenotypic diversity, to changes in habitats and environmental conditions such as droughts and floodplain reconnection.
We will combine otolith, eye lens, and genetic tools to study the phenotypic diversity and genetic origins of returning adult spawners from spring-run Chinook Salmon spawning grounds across the entire ESU in 2024 and 2025. All individuals will first be assigned to their run type using genome wide sequencing and newly developed SHERLOCK methods. Otolith and eye lens isotope methods will then be used to characterize the juvenile migratory strategy diversity, rearing habitat use, natal origin and adult age structure of each CVSC population. These data will be synthesized to evaluate the resilience of CVSC populations with various biocomplexity levels to a changing climate and landscape.
Linked science activities
None specifiedCollaborators
Activity status
- 1 Awarded / Initiating (2025)
- 2 In progress / Ongoing (2025 - 2028)
- 3 Complete
Funding summary
Total allocated funding: $1,973,935
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract # or labor code | None |
| Implementing organization | University of California - Santa Cruz [UCSC] |
| Funding organization | State Water Contractors [SWC] |
| Funding Source | Not provided |
| Date of award | 2025-07-01 |
| Date of fiscal year-end | 2025-06-30 |
| Total award amount | $1,273,511 |
| State type of obligation | Not provided |
| Federal type of obligation | Not provided |
| Reimbursability | Not provided |
| Procurement mechanism | Not provided |
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract # or labor code | None |
| Implementing organization | Norwegian Institute for Nature Research [NINA] |
| Funding organization | State Water Contractors [SWC] |
| Funding Source | Not provided |
| Date of award | 2025-07-01 |
| Date of fiscal year-end | 2025-06-30 |
| Total award amount | $12,000 |
| State type of obligation | Not provided |
| Federal type of obligation | Not provided |
| Reimbursability | Not provided |
| Procurement mechanism | Not provided |
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract # or labor code | None |
| Implementing organization | Michigan State University |
| Funding organization | State Water Contractors [SWC] |
| Funding Source | Not provided |
| Date of award | 2025-07-01 |
| Date of fiscal year-end | 2025-06-30 |
| Total award amount | $268,888 |
| State type of obligation | Not provided |
| Federal type of obligation | Not provided |
| Reimbursability | Not provided |
| Procurement mechanism | Not provided |
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Contract # or labor code | None |
| Implementing organization | University of California - Davis [UC Davis] |
| Funding organization | State Water Contractors [SWC] |
| Funding Source | Not provided |
| Date of award | 2025-07-01 |
| Date of fiscal year-end | 2025-06-30 |
| Total award amount | $419,536 |
| State type of obligation | Not provided |
| Federal type of obligation | Not provided |
| Reimbursability | Not provided |
| Procurement mechanism | Not provided |
Location
Geographic tags
Products and outputs
None provided