Genetic and phenetic variation in Asian populations of pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum)

The levels of genetic and phenetic variation were analyzed in nine Asian populations of pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum). The average level of genetic diversity in pink salmon belonging to generations of odd years was higher than in samples taken in even years. This distribution was shown to be accounted for by genetic differences between the successive generations of pink salmon. The level of phenetic diversity was higher in samples taken in even years. These data provide evidence that patterns of changes in the levels of genetic and phenetic variation in pink salmon populations are independent of one another.