Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center at NC State University

Parentage-based tagging

Graduate Student: Edie Nissen

  • Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata)
  • Propagated Tar River Spinymussels
  • Juvenile Tar River Spinymussel

Project Summary:

This project centers around building a database of unique genetic markers called single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Yellow Lance (Elliptio lanceolata) and Tar River Spinymussel (Parvaspina steinstanstana) hatchery broodstock. The database will be utilized to (1) monitor the success of hatchery stockings through genetic parentage-based tagging (PBT), and (2) assess genetic diversity metrics. This project will ultimately contribute knowledge and resources for future reintroductions and augmentations of these imperiled species, as well as provide insight on the benefits of using genetic tools in conservation.