A novel genetics panel to inform management and restoration of native Olympia oyster

Led by Ryan Crim, Puget Sound Restoration Fund
Collaborators includeWashingtonDepartment of Fish and Wildlife, NOAA, University of Maryland

Olympia oyster restoration has faced challenges due to gaps in genetic data related to wild population structure and captive breeding protocols. Understanding the relationship between broodstock size and genetic diversity in offspring would enable us to ground hatchery practices in scientific data and improve efficiency. The researchers plan to use an archive of Olympia oyster samples to develop 500 species-specific SNP genetic markers. These markers will be used to genotype 2,100 oysters from Puget Sound, identifying sub-populations and determining the optimal broodstock numbers needed for spawning to manage genetic risks associated with hatchery production. This will help assess if current broodstock collection practices maintain genetic diversity while preserving the genetic structure and improve WDFW regulations for oyster restoration.