Unveiling Bull Trout: Genetic Studies in Williston Reservoir Watershed

Dive into the world of bull trout with independent fish biologist John Hagen and Fisheries biologist Bryce O'Conor as they conduct groundbreaking research in the Williston Reservoir Watershed.
Through aerial surveys and meticulous fieldwork, they unravel the genetic diversity and life history of these iconic fish. Their study not only sheds light on the spatial structure and ancestry of bull trout but also addresses pressing concerns like mercury contamination. Working in partnership with Tsay Keh First Nation and other stakeholders, this research aims to inform conservation efforts and ensure the long-term survival of bull trout populations. Join us on this journey of exploration and conservation, where every discovery brings us closer to understanding and protecting these majestic creatures in the pristine waters of the upper Peace River.
#bulltrout #conservation #fishgenetics #fishbiologist #fishbiology #WillistonReservoir #PeaceRiver #TsayKehDeneNation #ChuChoEnvironmental

[@hagvaktok]

I read a paper on Bull Trout [can't remember where...Journal Arctic I think]...said there is no real difference between Bull Trout and Dolly Varden, and goes on to say there is no real difference between Dolly Varden and Arctic Char. Can you clarify?

[@loganfishbeard]

To try answering your question in the simplest way, these fish are now all considered separate species. They shared common linniage from a not so distant past and look almost identical, but each species has unique genetic markers that are not shared. Furthermore, the geographic isolation of these fish prevents them from interbreeding. This supports the classification of species vs. sub-species.

[@ChuChoEnvironmental]

Hey @hagvaktok we checked in with the team and got this response:
"Systematics is the study of the diversification of living forms, both past and present, and the relationships among living things through time. Systematics is a fundamental part of biology and conservation, because it is important to define what it is you're trying to conserve.
BT and DV (also DV and Arctic Char) have consistent morphological and ecological differences that they maintain in sympatry, which is how the species were first separated within the larger species complex, way back in 1961 for DV and Arctic Char (J.D. McPhail), and 1978 for BT and DV (Ted Cavender). The roles of morphology and ecology in systematics has been considerably eroded since the molecular genetics revolution. Genetics sometimes confirms earlier systematics, but sometimes there are surprises. The causes of these surprises are a discussion topic on their own."
So between this and @loganfishbeard's response below we hope that gets close to the bullseye. We do have access to the primary literature referenced as well Taylor (2016), which provides a direct discussion of your question, while Keeley (2019) takes it up to an even broader overview of evolution in trout and char (note: Keeley 2019 is a chapter in Trout and Char of the World). Feel free to shoot an email to [e-mail] and we can share the relevant literature with you.
Thanks so much for asking!

[@ChuChoEnvironmental]

Thanks for dropping in with this clear answer!

[@billsmith5109]

It is interesting how after regaining access to the Strait after dam removal the char in the Elwha size and morphology has changed. Same genetics, just with effective geology change and the fish are different. I heard some years ago the two WDFW scientists talk, and said there was not a drainage in WA with char that didn’t have fish of the bull trout form and the Dolly Varden form. Clearly not splitters.

[@ChuChoEnvironmental]

Thanks for Sharing Bill, that's really interesting. There's no doubt that this is a very complex system of which we're just scratching the surface.

[@ccrider3435]

Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, say goodbye to fish.