scholarly journals Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the North Atlantic: Distribution and genetic population structure

2003 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liselotte Wesley Andersen

The known geographical distribution (based on ship surveys, aerial surveys, incidental sightings, stranding and bycatch data) and the population genetic structure obtained from mitochondria DNA and nuclear DNA (isozymes and microsatellites) data analyses of the harbour porpoise in the North Atlantic have recently been reviewed and revised by the International Whaling Commission. The present review builds on these documents by integrating more recent genetic and distributional studies. Studies of the genetic structure of harbour porpoise populations tend to be concentrated in areas where samples are available which coincide with areas where incidental or directed catches or stranding take place. Nevertheless, recently, several genetic studies on the population structure have been able to reveal a more comprehensive picture of the harbour porpoise population structure in the Northwest and Northeast Atlantic, although not all areas have been subjected to analyses.

2003 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Lockyer

Wide-ranging methods that have been used to determine population structure, including distribution, life history, biology, ecological factors such as diet and contaminant loads, morphology and genetics, are reviewed. The importance of determining population sub-structure of harbour porpoise throughout the North Atlantic, especially in regions affected by incidental take in fisheries, is discussed in relation to management measures. Some practical proposals are made for integrating diverse information about populations, using the phylogeographic approach, for thepurpose of evaluating the need to manage putative subpopulations separately. Examples focusingon the North and Baltic seas areas are used in this discussion, with some reference to other areas. It is concluded that the existing IWC proposal for 13 populations in the North Atlantic is generally supported, but with some refinement and modification; in particular, allowing sub-divisions in the area through the North Sea to the Baltic.


2010 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liselotte Andersen ◽  
Morton Tange Olsen

A review of the known geographical distribution and current knowledge on the genetic population structure of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the North Atlantic is presented. Based on a synthesis of the results fromfive different studies of neutral geneticmarkers (mtDNAand nuclear microsatellites, mainly) twelve genetically distinct populations were identified in the North Atlantic: USA/Canada, Iceland, west coast of Norway, Ireland-Scotland, English east coast, Channel area, Wadden Sea, Limfjord, Skagerrak, Kattegat, West Baltic, and East Baltic. Most of the studies addressed the population structure at the regional level, while only a few addressed the structuring at a local level, i.e. within countries. Due to the limited number of studies conducted, the identified population units were considered preliminary andmore detailed, local studieswould probably reveal structuring on a finer scale. The choice of genetic markers, their properties, resolution in time and applicability in population structure studies is shortly discussed and compared to ecological methods used to delineate populations.


Author(s):  
Paul R Berg ◽  
Per E Jorde ◽  
Kevin A Glover ◽  
Geir Dahle ◽  
John B Taggart ◽  
...  

Abstract The advent of novel genetic methods has made it possible to investigate population structure and connectivity in mobile marine fish species: knowledge of which is essential to ensure a sustainable fishery. Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a highly exploited marine teleost distributed along the coast and continental shelf on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean. However, little is known about its population structure. Here, we present the first study using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to assess the genetic population structure of haddock at multiple geographic scales, from the trans-Atlantic to the local (fjord) level. Genotyping 138 SNP loci in 1329 individuals from 19 locations across the North Atlantic revealed three main genetic clusters, consisting of a Northwest Atlantic cluster, a Northeast Arctic cluster, and a Northeast Atlantic cluster. We also observed a genetically distinct fjord population and a pattern of isolation by distance in the Northeast Atlantic. Our results contrast with the current management regime for this species in the Northeast Atlantic, as we found structure within some management areas. The study adds to the growing recognition of population structuring in marine organisms in general, and fishes in particular, and is of clear relevance for the management of haddock in the Northeast Atlantic.


Author(s):  
J. Mauchline

The mysid fauna of the Rockall Trough consists of more than 35 species partitioned between the pelagic water column and the bentho-pelagic environment. The pelagic mysids are dominated by Eucopia grimaldii, E. unguiculata and Boreomysis microps. The benthopelagic mysids, in a transect from 400 to 2900 m depth, are divided into four faunal associations. Pseudomma affine dominates the 400–800 m depth range; the impinging bathypelagic Gnathophausia zoea and the benthopelagic Boreomysis widens dominate the 800–1300 m range;Michthyops parva and Paramblyops rostrata are co-dominants in the 1400–2300 m range; while Amblyopsoides ohlinii dominates the 2170–2965 m range. The benthopelagic mysid fauna is most diverse at depths below 1400 m. It is dominated by species whose geographical distribution is restricted to the North Atlantic, in contrast to the pelagic mysid fauna, which is dominated by cosmopolitan species. Notes on the breeding season, biology and population structure of several species are given.


2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 949-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. Fullard ◽  
G. Early ◽  
M. P. Heide-Jorgensen ◽  
D. Bloch ◽  
A. Rosing-Asvid ◽  
...  

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document