Comparison of Genetic and Meristic Characters of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Arctic Grayling Populations

Abstract

Yellowstone National Park initiated a grayling restoration program in 1971, to re-establish grayling in small headwater systems of the Missouri River in YNP. Comparative genetic analysis of arctic and Montana grayling was initiated to identify pure populations of Montana grayling as a source of eggs or fry. The initial stocking attempt utilizing grayling derived from a laustrine population (Grebe Lake in YNP) was unsuccessful because the grayling failed to hold stream position and drifted downstream into the Missouri River. A second stocking attempt with fish from the Bighole River in Montana was apparently successful. A comparative genetic analysis of lacustrine and adfluvial populations was started in 1977.