Matching genetics with oceanography: directional gene flow in a Mediterranean fish species

  1. C. SCHUNTER1,2,
  2. J. CARRERAS-CARBONELL1,2,
  3. E. MACPHERSON1,
  4. J. TINTORÉ3,
  5. E. VIDAL-VIJANDE3,
  6. A. PASCUAL3,
  7. P. GUIDETTI4,
  8. M. PASCUAL2

Article first published online: 21 NOV 2011

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05355.x

Issue

Molecular Ecology

Molecular Ecology

Volume 20, Issue 24, pages 5167–5181, December 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

SCHUNTER, C., CARRERAS-CARBONELL, J., MACPHERSON, E., TINTORÉ, J., VIDAL-VIJANDE, E., PASCUAL, A., GUIDETTI, P. and PASCUAL, M. (2011), Matching genetics with oceanography: directional gene flow in a Mediterranean fish species. Molecular Ecology, 20: 5167–5181. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-294X.2011.05355.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Centre d’Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Car. Acc. Cala St. Francesc 14, Blanes, 17300 Girona, Spain

  2. 2

    Department Genètica, Univ. Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain

  3. 3

    IMEDEA (CSIC-UIB), C/Miquel Marques 21, 07190 Esporles, Mallorca, Spain

  4. 4

    University of Salento, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, via Prov. Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy

*C. Schunter, Fax: +34 972 33 78 06; E-mail: cschunter@ceab.csic.es

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 DEC 2011
  2. Article first published online: 21 NOV 2011
  3. Received 17 December 2010; revised received 8 September 2011; accepted 30 September 2011

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Keywords:

  • connectivity;
  • microsatellites;
  • population structure;
  • seascape genetics;
  • Serranus;
  • surface currents

Abstract

Genetic connectivity and geographic fragmentation are two opposing mechanisms determining the population structure of species. While the first homogenizes the genetic background across populations the second one allows their differentiation. Therefore, knowledge of processes affecting dispersal of marine organisms is crucial to understand their genetic distribution patterns and for the effective management of their populations. In this study, we use genetic analyses of eleven microsatellites in combination with oceanographic satellite and dispersal simulation data to determine distribution patterns for Serranus cabrilla, a ubiquitous demersal broadcast spawner, in the Mediterranean Sea. Pairwise population FST values ranged between −0.003 and 0.135. Two genetically distinct clusters were identified, with a clear division located between the oceanographic discontinuities at the Ibiza Channel (IC) and the Almeria-Oran Front (AOF), revealing an admixed population in between. The Balearic Front (BF) also appeared to dictate population structure. Directional gene flow on the Spanish coast was observed as S. cabrilla dispersed from west to east over the AOF, from north to south on the IC and from south of the IC towards the Balearic Islands. Correlations between genetic and oceanographic data were highly significant. Seasonal changes in current patterns and the relationship between ocean circulation patterns and spawning season may also play an important role in population structure around oceanographic fronts.

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