The Molecular Ecology Laboratory is currently developing and using genetic techniques for characterization of wild fish populations during various stages of their life cycles. Microsatellite markers have been developed by the lab for use in questions regarding chinook, sockeye, chum, steelhead/rainbow trout and coho salmon. Other microsatellite markers, as well as growth hormone, and restriction fragment length polymorphism techniques are also being used. Genetic research supports fisheries projects characterizing the genetic makeup of fish populations within established and newly created glacial drainages and lake basins. Current projects include genetic characterization of Tustemena Lake sockeye salmon populations, stock assessment of sockeye smolts from Tustemena Lake in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, genetic variation within chum and rainbow trout populations, and estimation of effective population size and colonization rates of newly created glacial drainages in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.