Population Genomics Reveals the Underlying Structure of the Small Pelagic European Sardine and Suggests Low Connectivity within Macaronesia

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

da Fonseca, R (Author) Other; Campos, F (Author) Other; Rey Iglesia, A (Author) Other; Barroso, V (Author) Other; Bergeron, A (Author) Other; Nande, M (Author) Other; Tuya, F (Author) Other; Abidli, S (Author) Other; Pérez, M (Author) Other; Riveiro, I (Author) Other; Carrera, P (Author) Other; Jurado Ruzafa, A (Author) Other; G Santamaría, M (Author) Other; Faria, R (Author) Other; Machado, M (Author) Other; Fonseca, M (Author) Other; Froufe, E (Author) Other; Filipe F C Castro (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Genes

Vol. 15

Final page: 170

ISSN: 2073-4425

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

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Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-5H5

DOI: 10.3390/genes15020170

Abstract (EN): The European sardine (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum 1792) is indisputably a commercially important species. Previous studies using uneven sampling or a limited number of makers have presented sometimes conflicting evidence of the genetic structure of S. pilchardus populations. Here, we show that whole genome data from 108 individuals from 16 sampling areas across 5000 km of the species¿ distribution range (from the Eastern Mediterranean to the archipelago of Azores) support at least three genetic clusters. One includes individuals from Azores and Madeira, with evidence of substructure separating these two archipelagos in the Atlantic. Another cluster broadly corresponds to the center of the distribution, including the sampling sites around Iberia, separated by the Almeria¿Oran front from the third cluster that includes all of the Mediterranean samples, except those from the Alboran Sea. Individuals from the Canary Islands appear to belong to the Mediterranean cluster. This suggests at least two important geographical barriers to gene flow, even though these do not seem complete, with many individuals from around Iberia and the Mediterranean showing some patterns compatible with admixture with other genetic clusters. Genomic regions corresponding to the top outliers of genetic differentiation are located in areas of low recombination indicative that genetic architecture also has a role in shaping population structure. These regions include genes related to otolith formation, a calcium carbonate structure in the inner ear previously used to distinguish S. pilchardus populations. Our results provide a baseline for further characterization of physical and genetic barriers that divide European sardine populations, and information for transnational stock management of this highly exploited species towards sustainable fisheries. © 2024 by the authors.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15