RT journal article
T1 Multidisciplinary estimates of connectivity and population structure suggest the use of multiple units for the conservation and management of meagre, Argyrosomus regius
A1 Abecasis, D.
A1 Ogden, R.
A1 Winkler, A.C.
A1 Gandra, R.
A1 Khallahi, B.
A1 Diallo, M.
A1 Cabrera Castro, Remedios
A1 Weiller, Y.
A1 Erzini, K.
A1 Afonso, P.
A1 Assis, J.
A2 Biología
K1 MARINE FISH
K1 OCEANOGRAPHIC BARRIERS
K1 DISPERSAL
K1 SOFTWARE
K1 GENETICS
K1 CONSEQUENCES
K1 RECRUITMENT
K1 NETWORKS
K1 ECOLOGY
K1 PACKAGE
AB Information on population structure and connectivity of targeted species is key for proper implementation of spatial conservation measures. We used a combination of genomics, biophysical modelling, and biotelemetry to infer the population structure and connectivity of Atlantic meagre, an important fisheries resource throughout its distribution. Genetic samples from previously identified Atlantic spawning locations (Gironde, Tejo, Guadalquivir, Banc d’Arguin) and two additional regions (Algarve and Senegal) were analysed using genome-wide SNP-genotyping and mitochondrial DNA analyses. Biophysical models were conducted to investigate larval dispersal and connectivity from the known Atlantic spawning locations. Additionally, thirteen fish were double-tagged with biotelemetry transmitters off the Algarve (Portugal) to assess movement patterns and connectivity of adult individuals. This multidisciplinary approach provided a robust overview of meagre population structure and connectivity in the Atlantic. Nuclear SNP-genotyping showed a clear differentiation between the European and African populations, with significant isolation of the few known Atlantic spawning sites. The limited level of connectivity between these subpopulations is potentially driven by adults, capable of wide-ranging movements and connecting sites 500 km apart, as evidenced by tagging studies, whilst larval dispersal inferred by modelling is much more limited (average of 52 km; 95% of connectivity events up to 174 km). Our results show sufficient evidence of population structure, particularly between Africa and Europe but also within Europe, for the meagre to be managed as separate stocks. Additionally, considering the low degree of larvae connectivity, the implementation of marine protected areas in key spawning sites could be crucial towards species sustainability.
PB NATURE PORTFOLIO
SN 2045-2322
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/32726
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/32726
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 06-nov-2026