Salmonid Aquaculture and Conservation

Program overview

Native salmon and trout species are central to Washington State’s economy, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. The state is home to the largest concentration of salmon hatcheries in the world and a thriving steelhead aquaculture industry. The Salmonid Aquaculture and Conservation Research and Training Program within the WSU Department of Animal Sciences uses state-of-the-art technologies to advance our understanding of salmon and trout biology while supporting sustainable aquaculture production and the conservation of wild fish populations.

The program provides students with training in modern aquaculture and fisheries science, including opportunities for hands-on experience in a research hatchery, laboratory-based research, and field activities through the WSU Fisheries Club. Students gain exposure to both applied production systems and cutting-edge biological research.

Our research leverages advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, genomics, and gene editing, to answer fundamental questions about fish growth, reproduction, health, and environmental resilience. WSU is one of only a handful of institutions worldwide conducting active gene-editing research in salmonids, providing unique opportunities to investigate biological processes that were previously difficult or impossible to study.

The program also develops innovative genetic tools to track the movement and distribution of threatened salmon populations and invasive species that affect native fish communities. These technologies provide resource managers with valuable information to support recovery efforts for imperiled salmon stocks and to prevent the spread of invasive species throughout Washington State.