The project objectives are to determine whether the earliest returning portion of the hatchery spring chinook stock is genetically suitable for supplementation projects, or whether the program should be restarted with new broodstock from the Suiattle. The Skagit hatchery spring chinook stock, which was originally taken from Suiattle River tributaries, was intended to be used for supplementation programs in the Suiattle. Apparently, some cross-breeding at the hatchery between this stock and later-timed summer and fall stocks made the hatchery Suiattle stock genetically different from the wild Suiattle stock. This prevented its use for supplementation in the Suiattle. In 1996, tissue samples were taken from the earliest-timed portion of the hatchery run, so that a genetic stock identification (GSI) analysis could be done to determine whether or not this portion of the run was genetically different from the wild stock. If it isn't, this early-timed component could replace the existing hatchery stock, and some of these fingerlings could be planted in the Suiattle to supplement wild production. The samples have not yet been analyzed by WDFW due to lack of funds. This project would fund WDFW's GSI analysis. The Suiattle is currently underseeded for spring chinook, but the hatchery produces enough fish to bring the Suiattle to full seeding level, if these fish could be planted in the Suiattle. GSI analysis will provide important guidance to bring the Suiattle to full seeding.