The genetics of native and stocked brook trout populations in East Tennessee

Previously native southern Appalachian brook trout were shown to be genetically distinct from northern derived hatchery populations. In this study diagnostic allozyme loci and mitochondrial DNA restriction sites were used to determine the genetic origin of thirty-nine Tennessee brook trout populations outside of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Allozyme data revealed that 22 populations are putative native, eight are hatchery derived, and nine are hybrids. Genetic origins generally agreed with stocking histories. The genetic diversity among all populations was high. Hatchery derived, hybrid, and putative native populations are all polytypic. These findings have direct implications for the future management of native brook trout in Tennessee.