Genetic diversity and population structure of burbot Lota lota in Germany: Implications for conservation and management. (21st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wetjen, Maj; Schmidt, Thomas; Schrimpf, Anne; Schulz, Ralf
• Is Part Of: Fisheries management and ecology. Volume 27:Number 2(2020)
• Page Start: 170
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2019-10-21
• Subjects: admixture -- conservation management -- Gadiformes -- microsatellites -- population genetics -- stocking; Fishery management -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Ecology -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Conservation -- Periodicals; 639.2
• DOI: 10.1111/fme.12396
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-997X

Abstract

Abstract: The genetic structure of the gadiform fish species, burbot Lota lota L., was investigated across Germany to derive management options for facilitating the preservation of genetic diversity. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial control region ( n = 244) and microsatellite analysis ( n = 861) of specimens from 20 sites revealed genetic structuring between major river basins, and particularly between lake and river habitats. The admixture zone between the Eurasian and West European phylogenetic clades in Lake Constance was confirmed and expanded to include the drainage basins of the rivers Rhine and Schlei/Trave. Haplotype distribution and private haplotypes in single river basins indicated population differentiation and imply that German burbot constituted an important part of the entire species' diversity. The derived genetic structuring has implications for future stocking programmes and the preservation of the adaptive potential of burbot, a guiding species for oligotrophic lakes in Europe.