Beachman, T.D., Lapointe, M., Candy, J.R., Miller, K.M. & Withler, R.E. (2004) DNA in action: Rapid application of DNA variation to sockeye salmon fisheries management. Conservation Genetics 5:411-416.
Here in Finland politicians keep repeating that decision making should be based on scientific facts, but this seems merely rhetoric, as they keep waving hands when something should be done for conserving Baltic salmon stocks. An elementary thing would be to ensure sufficient spawning migration to freshwater before opening coastal fisheries, but any attempts to account for annual and among population variation in migration timing are still lacking. This Canadian study provides a simple yet efficient method to respond this management challenge. Using DNA analyses the scientists were able to identify runs of separate sockeye salmon stock components in the Fraser River within 9-30h from sampling. This procedure provides real-time information about the progress of migration, so that mixed-stock fisheries can be opened at the time sufficient amount of spawners have passed the vulnerable areas. So simple it can be.
