INTERNSHIP ARTICLE Genetic Analysis of the Brown, Brook, and Tiger Trout Populations in the Lake Champlain Basin

The purpose of this pilot project was to assess both the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and the brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations in the Lake Champlain Basin using six microsatellite DNA loci. Additionally, the DNA was tested to determine whether hybridization between brook trout and brown trout was occurring to produce a proposed tiger trout (Salmo trutta X Salvelinus fontinalis). Moreover, the hypothesis was that the further apart the test sites, the greater the genetic diversity within the trout populations. DNA samples were taken from adipose or caudal fin clippings through live capture and release at various locations in the Lake Champlain Basin. Furthermore, in the field, the rate of the current was determined, GPS longitude and latitude coordinates were found, the different trout species caught were measured in length, and water and air temperature were recorded. Preliminary data suggested that there were genetic differences in the trout populations at the various locations