IMIS | Lifewatch regional portal

You are here

IMIS

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Marked genetic structuring in localised spawning populations of cod Gadus morhua in the North Sea and adjoining waters, as revealed by microsatellites
Hutchinson, W.F.; Carvalho, G.R.; Rogers, S.I. (2001). Marked genetic structuring in localised spawning populations of cod Gadus morhua in the North Sea and adjoining waters, as revealed by microsatellites. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 223: 251-260. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps223251
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Keywords
    Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Gadus morhua · Population structure · North Sea · Irish Sea · Fishery management · Microsatellite

Authors  Top 
  • Hutchinson, W.F.
  • Carvalho, G.R., more
  • Rogers, S.I.

Abstract
    Previous studies of cod Gadus morhua population structure in European continental waters using molecular genetic markers have indicated high dispersal and limited structuring, in contrast to many tagging studies. More sensitive genetic techniques, in the form of microsatellite analysis, were used to reanalyse the population structure through the specific targeting of mature fish on spawning grounds. Significantly greater levels of differentiation were found than in previous studies, supporting the presence of 4 genetically distinct populations within the North Sea: Bergen Bank, Moray Firth, Flamborough Head and Southern Bight. Gene flow between the southern North Sea and eastern English Channel is largely restricted to populations within the Southern Bight (southern North Sea) and Beachy Head (eastern English Channel). The spawning stock in the central English Channel (Start Point) remains distinct from those in the Celtic Sea, Outer Hebrides, and central and northern North Sea. No evidence of sub-structuring within the Irish and Celtic Seas was found, in contrast to previous genetic studies, although the populations remained divergent from that of the Outer Hebrides. All European populations were significantly divergent from Canadian Scotian Shelf and Barents Sea (Bear Island) populations. The study indicates that the current fishery monitoring systems may need to be reassessed, particularly with respect to the North Sea, and highlights the value of using microsatellites combined with the targeting of spawning stocks to investigate subtle population structuring.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors