Combine genetic information with digital traceability systems to track Chinook salmon stocks and individual fish for management and marketing purposes.

A previous project (GAPS: Genetic Analysis of Pacific Salmonids) is developing a baseline for genetic identification of Chinook salmon. Salmon from different river basins have unique genetic identities. GAPS has successfully identified these unique genetic signatures in over 100 salmon populations so far. Utilizing this information, scientists can assign fish back to their natal origin with a high degree of confidence.

By combining genetic information with knowledge of salmon migration patterns, salmon managers could reduce large-area closures and allow access to healthy stocks without impacting weak stocks. The specific goal of Project CROOS is to determine whether or not this management strategy can be successfully implemented. The answer will depend on where fish from different streams travel and feed, and whether they mix with other stocks or primarily associate with fish from their parent basin.