Genomic analysis of NE Atlantic sardine (Sardina pilchardus) reveals reduced variation in a recently established North Sea population and directs reconsideration of management units.

ABSTRACT: The European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) is under intense fishing pressure and exhibits distributional/abundance shifts linked to environmental change. The current understanding of population demographics needed for sustainable management is uncertain due to concerns that previous genetic studies lacked resolution and limited sampling of sardine north of the Bay of Biscay. To address these issues, we performed mtDNA sequencing and genome wide SNP analysis of samples collected across the Bay of Biscay, Celtic Sea, English Channel and North Sea. The complete SNP data reported a lack of structure throughout the sampled area compatible with high gene flow. A consensus suite of positive outlier SNPs was identified which reported a significant correlation with geographical distance with

SUBMITTER: McKeown NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11294039 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature