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AFSC/ABL: Origins of sockeye and chum salmon seized from the F/V Ying Fa
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Samples of chum (Oncorhynchus keta) and sockeye (O. nerka) salmon seized from the
stateless fishing vessel Ying Fa were analyzed to determine their region of origin
using genetic stock identification (GSI), otolith marks, parasite analysis, and scale
data. Based on GSI, the chum salmon samples originated in Russia, 86%; Japan, 2%;
western Alaska, 2%; Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak, 8%; and British Columbia, 2%. Origins
of the sockeye salmon sample were not so clear because there was some disagreement
between the parasite data and the GSI and scale data. Results of parasite analysis
suggested the sample was nearly all of Alaskan origin, with at least 15% coming from
Bristol Bay. The GSI analysis indicated that 30% of the sockeye salmon originated
in Russia and 70% in North America. The scale analysis showed that 97% of the sockeye
salmon sample were ocean age 3, whereas the return to Bristol Bay in 1999 was approximately
70% ocean age 2 fish.
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