"No previous study has allowed the evaluation of the impact of hatchery stocking activities on Penobscot river Salmon, " said Chris Lage, a graduate student working with Kornfield on the study.

CNN: Gene study seeks 'wildness' of Atlantic salmon - October 25 1999

The problem is that the fish that formed the base of the hatchery brood stock used to replenish salmon in Maine's rivers came from the Penobscot River until 1992, when state officials began a river-specific stocking program that placed descendents only in rivers their stock came from.

CNN: Gene study seeks 'wildness' of Atlantic salmon - October 25 1999