Prevalence of the Sockeye Salmon Brain Parasite Myxobolus arcticus in Selected Alaska Streams
Moles A and Jensen K. 2000. Prevalence of the Sockeye Salmon Brain Parasite Myxobolus arcticus in Selected Alaska Streams. Alaska Fishery Research Bulletin. 6(2):85-93
Over 10,000 spawning sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka throughout Alaska were examined for the presence of the brain parasite Myxobolus arcticus to evaluate its potential as a natural marker to separate mixed stock fisheries in Alaska. Prevalence of the parasite (proportion of fish infected by the parasite) differed widely among sampling locations. The brain parasite, previously reported as common in southeastern Alaska, infected sockeye salmon primarily in coastal lake systems of eastern Prince William Sound and the Copper River area. Brain parasites were present in >85% of the fish returning to lakes east of Cook Inlet, whereas <20% of fish returning to glacial and riverine habitats in the same region were infected. Sockeye salmon systems west of Prince William Sound, such as Bristol Bay and Cook Inlet, were largely devoid of the parasite. Prevalence of the parasite in southeastern Alaska systems appeared stable over the last decade in lake systems but was more variable in riverine habitat. In the Taku River parasite prevalence varied widely between sites but was similar among years for most locations within the river. The restricted geographic distribution and potential for low interannual variability suggest that M. arcticus could serve, especially when used in conjunction with other techniques, as an effective biological marker for estimating origins of sockeye salmon caught in high seas and coastal fisheries.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Moles, A; Jensen, K
- Units
- GLBA , WRST
- Keywords
- Anadromous Fish, Coastal/Marine Systems, Cook Inlet, Copper River, Fish/Ichthyology, Gulf Of Alaska, Parasite, Prince William Sound, Salmon, Taku River