Genetic Similarity among Endemic Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) and Implications for Their Management

Abstract

Isolated populations (5) of landlocked arctic char (S. alpinus) from eastern USA and Canada were compared electrophoretically with anadromous arctic char from the Northwest Territories. Mean heterozygosity was relatively low (0.03) with allelic variation observed at 7 of the 26 isozyme loci examined. The Sunapee and blueback char of Maine, and the Quebec red char of Parc des Laurentides, Quebec, were very similar [by the Nei coefficient of genetic identity] (IN = 0.925-0.999). The genetic differences separating these eastern North American char are probably of limited evolutionary consequence. These endemics are potentially threatened unique populations; conservative management is warranted.