biostudies-literatureUnknown16(2)Pujolar JMClimate change is driving species to shift their distribution ranges, potentially altering the level of genomic structuring and connectivity between populations. Additionally, fishing practices might further reduce genomic diversity and limit the potential adaptability of species to environmental changes. We use whole-genome sequencing for the first time to explore current and historical patterns of genomic diversity in European hake (<i>Merluccius merluccius</i>) from the Northeast Atlantic, focusing on the recently expanded distribution range in the North Sea. Genomic data revealed a complex scenario in the North Sea and neighbouring regions, with three distinct populations: North Sea, Celtic Sea and Portugal. Individuals from the Kattegat, Skagerrak and west coast of Denmark were highlyEcology and evolutione73085https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12905010biostudies-literaturePatterns of Population Genomic Variation and Evolutionary History of European Hake in the Northeastern Atlantic.PMC12905010Pujolar JMCunha RLHenriques RGardiner CECRobalo JICastilho Rvon der Heyden SMeldrup DNielsen EEfalsePatterns of Population Genomic Variation and Evolutionary History of European Hake in the Northeastern Atlantic.Climate change is driving species to shift their distribution ranges, potentially altering the level of genomic structuring and connectivity between populations. Additionally, fishing practices might further reduce genomic diversity and limit the potential adaptability of species to environmental changes. We use whole-genome sequencing for the first time to explore current and historical patterns of genomic diversity in European hake (<i>Merluccius merluccius</i>) from the Northeast Atlantic, focusing on the recently expanded distribution range in the North Sea. Genomic data revealed a complex scenario in the North Sea and neighbouring regions, with three distinct populations: North Sea, Celtic Sea and Portugal. Individuals from the Kattegat, Skagerrak and west coast of Denmark were highly2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-15T21:35:19.649Z2026-07-09T10:14:06.134ZS-EPMC129050104169611510.1002/ece3.73085