03015nas a2200277 4500008004100000022001300041245014400054210006900198300001100267490000700278520201700285653001702302653001702319653002602336653001802362653002802380653001902408653002602427100002302453700002202476700002402498700002102522700002702543700001802570856014902588 2019 eng d a2351989400aA methodological approach to the genetic identification of native Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations for conservation purposes0 amethodological approach to the genetic identification of native ae006820 v193 a
As biodiversity is transformed on a global scale, identifying and protecting populations unaffected by habitat disturbances is essential to ensuring natural genetic diversity is not irretrievably lost. Furthermore, knowledge of the interactions between endemic populations and human-introduced conspecifics is imperative to the creation of management strategies that conserve and enhance population viability. In this study, these issues were examined for Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations from the Northeastern United States through the characterization of the spatial genetic structure of over 2000 wild fish, collected from 83 different sampling locations, and encompassing 18 individual watersheds. Population genetic analyses of microsatellite data at 13 loci demonstrate that, despite centuries-long stocking practices, roughly half of the populations examined exhibit genetic structure consistent with native origins. In addition, when examining the populations that revealed influence from stocked con-specifics, only a limited proportion of ancestry was attributed to stocked fish in the majority of cases. The methodological approach presented in this study for identifying native populations demonstrated strong population subdivision within and among populations, watersheds, and drainage basins. These findings are consistent with past inferences regarding native population structure of cold-water fish species and represent a detailed accounting of the remaining Brook Trout populations still intact in their native waters. Furthermore, the extent of such populations greatly exceeds what had been previously identified and prioritized as ‘heritage’ based on stocking history. The methods and data presented here may serve as an important tool to inform diversity maintenance, species recovery planning, and biodiversity conservation in this and other genetically unique and historically important native species.
In fisheries management, understanding anthropogenic impacts on fish population genetic structure is essential because genetic diversity is a fundamental attribute contributing to a species’ evolutionary capacity. An extended history of supplemental stocking has led to the introgression of genes from non-local, hatchery-reared brook trout (Salvalinus fontinalis) into natural Adirondack populations in the state of New York. Managers have therefore gone to great lengths to protect known or suspected pristine “heritage” populations, but the genetic integrity of most populations is unknown. We used 11 microsatellite loci to examine a putative, but as yet unconfirmed “heritage” population in Dix Pond (Essex County, New York), in an effort to confirm its genetic uniqueness, quantify genetic diversity, and determine the geographic extent of the population. No spatial population structure was found within the Dix Pond/Elk Lake watershed, with minimal signs of introgression from historical stocking. The Dix/Elk population showed allelic richness, and effective population size comparable to the highest diversity heritage population among the four that we used for comparison. These patterns support continued heritage status for the Dix Pond population and recognition of the entire Dix-Elk watershed as habitat for this strain. We conclude this study by discussing how the genetic techniques employed here may help to inform future management decisions associated with the conservation and protection of imperiled populations throughout the globe.
10aconservation10aDispersal10aFisheries10aGenetic diversity10aLandscape genetics10aSalvelinus fontinalis1 aBruce, Spencer, A.1 aHare, Matthew, P.1 aMitchell, Matthew, W.1 aWright, J., J uhttp://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10592-017-1019-6