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Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) Population Structure Across Alberta's Eastern Slopes
Emily R Franks1, Benjamin C Kissinger1,2, Steve Amish3
1The University of Calgary Calgary Alberta Canada.
Ecology and Evolution
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Genetic analysis reveals distinct bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations in Alberta, supporting two Designatable Units (DUs). This research informs conservation strategies for this threatened species by highlighting the need to protect genetic diversity at multiple scales.
Area of Science:
- Conservation genetics
- Population genomics
- Ichthyology
Background:
- Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are a threatened charr species native to northwestern North America.
- Significant population declines necessitate understanding genetic population structure for effective conservation and management units.
- Limited genetic data exists for bull trout populations in Alberta, hindering conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic population structure of bull trout in Alberta using RADcapture SNP markers.
- To evaluate the validity of two previously proposed bull trout Designatable Units (DUs) in Alberta: the Western Arctic DU and the Saskatchewan-Nelson DU.
- To investigate the hierarchical population structure of bull trout in Alberta.
Main Methods:
- Sampling bull trout across 24 Hydrologic Unit Code 8 (HUC 8) watersheds in Alberta's Eastern Slopes.
- Utilizing a RADcapture SNP panel for genetic marker analysis.
- Applying ADMIXTURE for population differentiation and hierarchical structure analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic population structure and high differentiation (FST = 0.400) were observed between bull trout populations.
- Results support the existence of two distinct bull trout populations corresponding to northern and southern biogeographical zones in Alberta.
- Hierarchical (nested) population structure was identified within Alberta's bull trout populations.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm two genetically distinct bull trout populations in Alberta, aligning with proposed Designatable Units.
- Management strategies should consider local adaptations and genetic diversity at both broad and fine spatial scales.
- This research provides crucial genetic insights for the conservation and management of threatened bull trout in Alberta.
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