Biocomplexity in a highly migratory pelagic marine fish, Atlantic herring.

ABSTRACT: The existence of biologically differentiated populations has been credited with a major role in conferring sustainability and in buffering overall productivity of anadromous fish population complexes where evidence for spatial structure is uncontroversial. Here, we describe evidence of correlated genetic and life history (spawning season linked to spawning location) differentiation in an abundant and highly migratory pelagic fish, Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus, in the North Sea (NS) and adjacent areas. The existence of genetically and phenotypically diverse stocks in this region despite intense seasonal mixing strongly implicates natal homing in this species. Based on information from genetic markers and otolith morphology, we estimate the proportional contribution by NS, Skagerrak (SK

SUBMITTER: Ruzzante DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1560315 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature