T.N. Schwanck
Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal low diversity and restricted connectivity of the critically endangered batoid population in a Marine Protected Area
Schwanck, T.N.; Vizer, L.F.; Thorburn, J.; Dodd, J.; Wright, P.J.; Donnan, D.W.; Noble, L.R.; Jones, C.S.
Authors
L.F. Vizer
Dr James Thorburn J.Thorburn2@napier.ac.uk
Associate Professor
J. Dodd
P.J. Wright
D.W. Donnan
L.R. Noble
C.S. Jones
Abstract
Stability and long-term persistence of a species rely heavily on its genetic diversity, which is closely allied to its capacity for adaptation. In threatened species, population connectivity can play a major role in maintaining that diversity, and genetic assessments of their populations can be crucial for the design of effective spatial conservation management. Not only is it worth evaluating the amount of diversity in a candidate population for protection, but the magnitude of outgoing gene flow can provide insight into its potential to replenish others via emigrants. The critically endangered flapper skate Dipturus intermedius receives protection in the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Scotland. However, there is insufficient knowledge of genetic diversity and connectivity across its range. Recent tagging studies in the MPA suggest the presence of animals with high levels of site fidelity and residency, as well as transient individuals, raising concerns of limited connectivity to populations beyond the MPA. In this study, a newly developed mitochondrial haplotype marker allowed use of DNA sourced from fin clips, mucus and egg cases to investigate population structure and mitochondrial variability across several sites around the British Isles, including the MPA. Unfortunately, results characterized the MPA as having particularly low haplotype diversity and significant population differentiation from other sample sites. More than a quarter of its individuals carry a haplotype rarely observed elsewhere, leaving outgoing gene flow questionable. The MPA appears unlikely to sustain the species{\textquoteright} existing mtDNA genetic diversity or act as an effective source population.
Citation
Schwanck, T., Vizer, L., Thorburn, J., Dodd, J., Wright, P., Donnan, D., Noble, L., & Jones, C. (2024). Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal low diversity and restricted connectivity of the critically endangered batoid population in a Marine Protected Area. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 731, 279-291. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14242
Journal Article Type | Article |
---|---|
Acceptance Date | Dec 30, 2022 |
Online Publication Date | Feb 23, 2023 |
Publication Date | Mar 13, 2024 |
Deposit Date | Jul 14, 2023 |
Publicly Available Date | Jul 14, 2023 |
Journal | Marine Ecology Progress Series |
Print ISSN | 0171-8630 |
Electronic ISSN | 1616-1599 |
Publisher | Inter Research |
Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
Volume | 731 |
Pages | 279-291 |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14242 |
Keywords | Conservation, Connectivity, Population genetics, MPA, Mitochondrial haplotypes, Endangered, Flapper skate, Batoid, Elasmobranch, Dipturus intermedius |
Public URL | http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3144631 |
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
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Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal low diversity and restricted connectivity of the critically endangered batoid population in a Marine Protected Area
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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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