The utility and limitations of genetic data for stock identification and management of North Pacific rockfish (Sebastes spp.) |
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Authors: | Ewann A Berntson Paul Moran |
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Institution: | (1) Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112-2097, USA |
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Abstract: | Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) represent a speciose and ecologically important group of marine fishes found in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans,
with approximately 105 species found world-wide (Hyde and Vetter 2007). They also comprise the majority of species found in the Pacific groundfish fishery. Thorough species assessments in terms
of harvest management have been done for only 11 species, and of the 11 species, seven have been declared overfished. Having
accurate genetic information is critical to the continuing effort at stock assessments, but sampling is often difficult in
marine fishes. Genetic techniques are a powerful tool in the effort to better characterize the ecology of these species. These
techniques can be used to investigate multiple biological traits, including species identity, intra- and interspecific genetic
variation, migration patterns, and effective population size. There are important caveats and limitations when applying specific
genetic methods, especially in marine species that lack discrete spawning aggregates. Nevertheless, it is clear from a review
of recent literature that genetic tools have already provided very specific insight regarding rockfish population dynamics.
The results are diverse and difficult to synthesize; however, existing studies show five primary patterns to population groupings
in rockfishes: no obvious pattern of structure, structure consistent with isolation by distance, structure evident but inconsistent
with isolation by distance, structure that correlates to oceanographic features, and potential genetic introgression. Clearly
the study of rockfish population genetics is poised for rapid expansion that will unquestionably aid management of the rockfish
fisheries and general understanding of rockfish evolutionary systematics. A principle challenge at this point is to derive
generalized inferences from such a diverse array of study results across the vast North Pacific range of Sebastes. This review summarizes existing genetic studies in Sebastes spp. in the North Pacific to assist in identifying knowledge gaps for this ecologically important and diverse group. |
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Keywords: | Rockfish Sebastes Genetics Microsatellite |
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