1. Genetic investigation of population structure in Atlantic chub mackerel, Scomber colias Gmelin, 1789 along the West African coast.
- Author
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Sbiba SE, Quintela M, Øyro J, Dahle G, Jurado-Ruzafa A, Iita K, Nikolioudakis N, Bazairi H, and Chlaida M
- Subjects
- Animals, Perciformes genetics, Bayes Theorem, Genetic Variation genetics, Genotype, Morocco, Namibia, Africa, Western, Microsatellite Repeats genetics, Genetics, Population
- Abstract
Sustainable management of transboundary fish stocks hinges on accurate delineation of population structure. Genetic analysis offers a powerful tool to identify potential subpopulations within a seemingly homogenous stock, facilitating the development of effective, coordinated management strategies across international borders. Along the West African coast, the Atlantic chub mackerel ( Scomber colias ) is a commercially important and ecologically significant species, yet little is known about its genetic population structure and connectivity. Currently, the stock is managed as a single unit in West African waters despite new research suggesting morphological and adaptive differences. Here, eight microsatellite loci were genotyped on 1,169 individuals distributed across 33 sampling sites from Morocco (27.39°N) to Namibia (22.21°S). Bayesian clustering analysis depicts one homogeneous population across the studied area with null overall differentiation ( F
ST = 0.0001ns within a wide scope of its distribution across West African waters from the South of Morocco to the North-Centre of Namibia and underscores the need for increased regional cooperation in fisheries management and conservation.S. colias within a wide scope of its distribution across West African waters from the South of Morocco to the North-Centre of Namibia and underscores the need for increased regional cooperation in fisheries management and conservation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (© 2024 FAO & IMR.)- Published
- 2024
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