William C. Jordan

Laboratory:

Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London NW1 4RY, UK.

Contact person (name and e-mail):

Persons working on brown trout population genetics:

William C. Jordan (Postdoctoral Fellow), Heather J. Hall (Postdoctoral Fellow), Michael W. Bruford (Postdoctoral Fellow)

General research topics of the laboratory:

Genetic population structure, conservation and management.

General description of research on brown trout population genetics:

To date, we have conducted research into the population structure of S.trutta using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci to examine patterns of genetic variation within and among rivers in England and Wales. In particular, we have used molecular techniques to investigate genetic differences between resident and anadromous groups of fish within single populations, and between early and late-running groups in migrating sea trout smolts and adults. In future we will concentrate on examining the genetic basis of homing and local adaptation in brown trout populations, using our experience with Atlantic salmon as a basis for work on trout.

List of projects (brown trout) for the past 3 years:

Study #1

Researcher:	H. J. Hall, W. C. Jordan, and M. W. Bruford
Collaborators:	Audun Slettan, Department of Morphology, Genetics and Aquatic Biology, Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
Source of project funding:	National Rivers Authority (now Environment Agency).
Topic:	Conservation, management of subdivided populations, genetic population structure, gene diversity, gene flow, isolation by distance, temporal variation.
Objective:	To describe the stock structure of sea trout in England and Wales using genetic techniques, and to use these techniques to address questions on the biology of sea trout with particular reference to timing of migration.
Design:	Samples from various S.trutta populations were analysed for variability in mitochondrial DNA and at microsatellite loci. For some populations individual samples were classified as resident or anadromous. Trap facilities were also used to collect samples during sea trout migrations (smolts and adults).
Methodology:	MtDNA RFLP, single locus minisatellites, microsatellites.
Trout population:	Resident and anadromous populations.
Origin of samples:	England and Wales, North Sea Basin.
Status:	Currently being written up for publication.

Publications (brown trout genetics)

Journal papers:

Hall, H. J., & L. W. Nawrocki. 1995. A rapid method for detecting mitochondrial DNA variation in the brown trout. J. Fish Biol., 46, 360-364.

Technical Reports:

Hall, H. J. 1996. The application of genetic techniques as a tool for studying sea trout populations in England and Wales. National Rivers Authority, R&D Final Draft Report F6/3/W.