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Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal low diversity and restricted connectivity of the critically endangered batoid population in a Marine Protected Area

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Schwanck_2023_MEPS_Mitochondrial_haplotypes_CC.pdf (1.075Mb)
Date
23/02/2023
Author
Schwanck, TN
Vizer, LF
Thorburn, J
Dodd, J
Wright, PJ
Donnan, DW
Noble, LR
Jones, CS
Keywords
Conservation
Connectivity
Population genetics
MPA
Mitochondrial haplotypes
Endangered
Flapper skate
Batoid
Elasmobranch
Dipturus intermedius
QL Zoology
QH426 Genetics
NDAS
MCC
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Abstract
Stability and long-term persistence of a species rely heavily on its genetic diversity, which is closely allied to its capacity for adaptation. In threatened species, population connectivity can play a major role in maintaining that diversity, and genetic assessments of their populations can be crucial for the design of effective spatial conservation management. Not only is it worth evaluating the amount of diversity in a candidate population for protection, but the magnitude of outgoing gene flow can provide insight into its potential to replenish others via emigrants. The critically endangered flapper skate Dipturus intermedius receives protection in the Loch Sunart to the Sound of Jura Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Scotland. However, there is insufficient knowledge of genetic diversity and connectivity across its range. Recent tagging studies in the MPA suggest the presence of animals with high levels of site fidelity and residency, as well as transient individuals, raising concerns of limited connectivity to populations beyond the MPA. In this study, a newly developed mitochondrial haplotype marker allowed use of DNA sourced from fin clips, mucus and egg cases to investigate population structure and mitochondrial variability across several sites around the British Isles, including the MPA. Unfortunately, results characterized the MPA as having particularly low haplotype diversity and significant population differentiation from other sample sites. More than a quarter of its individuals carry a haplotype rarely observed elsewhere, leaving outgoing gene flow questionable. The MPA appears unlikely to sustain the species’ existing mtDNA genetic diversity or act as an effective source population.
Citation
Schwanck , TN , Vizer , LF , Thorburn , J , Dodd , J , Wright , PJ , Donnan , DW , Noble , LR & Jones , CS 2023 , ' Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal low diversity and restricted connectivity of the critically endangered batoid population in a Marine Protected Area ' , Marine Ecology Progress Series , vol. Advance view . https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14242
Publication
Marine Ecology Progress Series
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14242
ISSN
0171-8630
Type
Journal article
Rights
Copyright © The authors 2023. Open Access under Creative Commons by Attribution Licence. Use, distribution and reproduction are un - restricted. Authors and original publication must be credited.
Description
Funding: This study was supported by NatureScot, Scottish Government project SP02B, a Heredity Fieldwork Grant of the Genetics Society, and Save Our Seas Foundation projects SOSF 470 and 560.
Collections
  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/27108

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