Free salmon publication offered

August 2, 2012

Marmian Grimes

UAF fish geneticist, Tony Gharrett, has spent his prolific career exploring how Alaska's most commercially important fish species, salmon, is affected by natural and human-induced genetic changes. Now he has summarized his knowledge in this free online publication series. With writing laced with wry humor and written for high school level and above science readers, Gharrett reviews basic Mendelian genetics, describes the role genetics plays in fisheries conservation and management, and hits the lowlights of how Columbia River salmon populations were profoundly affected by dams. Gharrett dispassionately outlines the pros and cons of salmon hatchery practices, the real and potential effects that genetically modified organisms may have on naturally occurring populations, and how Mother Nature may be involved in transgenics, the moving of genes from one organism to another. Gharrett will continue to expand this online publication.

Download your copy online today.

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