Salmon Triploid Project

Kokanee Power is involved with the triploiding effort being made by Calif. Dept. of Fish & Game. Following is a explanation by ODFW Biologist Chris Kern of what Triploidy is about.

Salmon Triploiding Experiment by Russ Wickwire, Dept. of Fish & Game
Also, check out our photo gallery for pictures of the 2002 Triploid experiment.

Triploidy refers to manipulation of chromosome numbers during cell division right after fertilization of the egg. By shocking the eggs with pressure, temperature (what we use), or chemicals, cell division is manipulated, resulting in three of each chromosome, instead of two (diploid) which is normal for most animals and plants. The result in the case of Kokanee and many other fish is sterility. The same thing is done with plants to influence their growth rates, etc. The theory here with Kokanee is that by making the fish sterile, they won't mature sexually and won't spawn and die, like they normally do. In addition, they should be able to dedicate more of their intake to growth, as opposed to developing eggs and milt. This is not real new, it has been done quite a bit in Kokanee and other salmonids, and it does tend to work, but it works best if we don't expect any miracles! Some folks in British Columbia have had some pretty impressive results.

Along with Kokanee Power's continued efforts in supplying the Department of Fish and Game with needed manpower and equipment, we are in the process of developing a memorial scholarship award in honor of our recently departed president Phil Johnson. Please check back soon for updates concerning the status and requirements for attaining the award.

For more information, contact us at info@kokaneepower.org