In this presentation, we detail the transformative journey of our laboratory, which has transitioned from maintaining a refuge population of delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) primarily for research purposes to establishing a large-scale propagation program. This significant shift aims to address the urgent conservation needs of the delta smelt, a species critically indicative of the health of its native aquatic ecosystems. Initially, our focus was on preserving a genetically diverse refuge population, employing controlled breeding and maintaining stable environmental conditions to facilitate in-depth studies on the species’ biology and ecology.
However, the alarming decline of wild delta smelt populations has driven us to expand our role and capabilities significantly. Collaborating with various agencies and university laboratories, we have led the evolution of our conservation strategy to meet these challenges. The transition to a large-scale propagation program involves substantial facility upgrades and methodological enhancements. We have adopted advanced breeding technologies, developed new genetic management strategies, and implemented new health management protocols. These enhancements aim to ensure the production of robust, genetically diverse delta smelt populations, aligning with our goal of producing 125,000 adults per year by 2025. This presentation will explore the key aspects of this shift, focusing on our collaborative efforts and the new approaches we have adopted in response to the critical conservation needs of the delta smelt.