Genetic population structure of muskellunge in the Great Lakes

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
By: , and 

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Abstract

We quantified genetic relationships among Muskellunge Esox masquinongy from 15 locations in the Great Lakes to determine the extent and distribution of measurable population structure and to identify appropriate spatial scales for fishery management and genetic conservation. We hypothesized that Muskellunge from each area represented genetically distinct populations, which would be evident from analyses of genotype data. A total of 691 Muskellunge were sampled (n = 10–127/site) and genetic data were collected at 13 microsatellite loci. Results from a suite of analyses (including pairwise genetic differentiation, Bayesian admixture prediction, analysis of molecular variance, and tests of isolation by distance) indicated the presence of nine distinct genetic groups, including two that were approximately 50 km apart. Geographic proximity and low habitat complexity seemed to facilitate genetic similarity among areas, whereas Muskellunge from areas of greater habitat heterogeneity exhibited high differentiation. Muskellunge from most areas contained private alleles, and mean within-area genetic variation was similar to that reported for other freshwater fishes. Management programs aimed at conserving the broader diversity and long-term sustainability of Muskellunge could benefit by considering the genetically distinct groups as independent fisheries, and individual spawning and nursery habitats could subsequently be protected to conserve the evolutionary potential of Muskellunge.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic population structure of muskellunge in the Great Lakes
Series title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI 10.1080/00028487.2013.799515
Volume 142
Issue 3
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher American Fisheries Society
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 15 p.
First page 1075
Last page 1089
Country Canada, United States
Other Geospatial Great Lakes
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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