Genetic Control in the Lakeward Migrations of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) Fry

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Abstract
Eggs of sockeye salmon taken from tributary, outlet, and beach spawners at Karluk, Alaska, were treated identically from time of egg fertilization through time of testing as fry in a laboratory. Test lots were released during the day and at night in a central release pool from which the fry could migrate either upstream or downstream through simulated stream channels. Oxygen-saturated water at 50 F (10 C) was pumped through the 40-ft (12.2-m) gravel-bottomed simulated stream at about 0.3 ft/sec (9.1 cm/sec).Test results showed that directions (upstream or downstream) and times (day or night) of migration differed substantially between fry from the tributary and those from the outlet. Fry from beach spawning reacted in a manner similar to that of the tributary fry. These differences were concluded to be of genetic origin. The possible interaction of innate behavior and environment in controlling the migratory movements of salmonid fry is discussed along with the significance of choosing a donor stock with appropriate innate responses to make best use of a new environment.

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