biostudies-literatureUnknown15(4)Di Crescenzo S<i>Paracentrotus lividus</i> is a widely distributed species in the Mediterranean Sea and North-East Atlantic Ocean, where it plays an important ecological and commercial role. The growing demand for its delicious gonads has rapidly led to the overexploitation of the natural populations around Sardinia (western Mediterranean). The present research aimed at understanding the population genetics of the species within the area, and at gathering data on the juveniles produced in an experimental 'conservation hatchery' facility. A multilocus approach was used, combining mitochondrial genes (COI and Cytb) and microsatellite markers. Overall, both the microsatellites and mitochondrial results indicate that the hatchery-produced juveniles were less genetically diverse and significantly divergent fAnimals : an open access journal from MDPI554https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11852012biostudies-literatureThe More the Better: Genetic Monitoring of <i>Paracentrotus lividus</i> (Lamarck, 1816) Experimental Restockings in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea).PMC11852012Pani CDi Crescenzo SAddis PMaxia MPasquini VCannas RfalseThe More the Better: Genetic Monitoring of <i>Paracentrotus lividus</i> (Lamarck, 1816) Experimental Restockings in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea).<i>Paracentrotus lividus</i> is a widely distributed species in the Mediterranean Sea and North-East Atlantic Ocean, where it plays an important ecological and commercial role. The growing demand for its delicious gonads has rapidly led to the overexploitation of the natural populations around Sardinia (western Mediterranean). The present research aimed at understanding the population genetics of the species within the area, and at gathering data on the juveniles produced in an experimental 'conservation hatchery' facility. A multilocus approach was used, combining mitochondrial genes (COI and Cytb) and microsatellite markers. Overall, both the microsatellites and mitochondrial results indicate that the hatchery-produced juveniles were less genetically diverse and significantly divergent f2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Feb2026-04-08T19:47:30.08Z2025-04-04T00:15:11.257ZS-EPMC118520124000303510.3390/ani15040554