Contractor's main goal is to assess recovery efforts for the Duskytail Darter. Specific objective…

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources awarded a contract to Austin Peay State University for genetic assessment services related to Duskytail Darter (Etheostoma percnurum) recovery efforts. The contract, valued at $11,437.00, is effective from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with deliverables to be submitted to Mike Pinder. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive genetic diversity assessment of the Duskytail Darter population using advanced population genetic metrics to evaluate species resiliency.

The contractor will deliver four key research components: (1) assessment of genetic diversity using metrics including effective population size, evidence of population declines, inbreeding coefficients, and allelic diversity; (2) comparative analysis of current genetic estimates against previous assessments to identify changes in species resiliency indicators; (3) comparative analysis of genetic diversity between brood stock specimens stocked in the Clinch River at Artrip and those in Copper Creek, contingent upon sample availability; and (4) establishment of time series genetic diversity baseline data to inform future propagation, stocking, and reintroduction strategies. This work will provide critical scientific data to support long-term conservation planning and resource management decisions for this sensitive aquatic species.