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Population genetic structure of protected allis shad (Alosa alosa) and twaite shad (Alosa fallax)

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Abstract

Determining the magnitude of homing behaviour within migratory fish species is essential for their conservation and management. We tested for population genetic structuring in the anadromous alosines, Alosa alosa and A. fallax fallax, to establish fidelity of stocks to spawning grounds in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Considerable genetic differences were present among populations of both species, suggesting strong fidelity to breeding grounds and compatible with homing to natal origins. Moreover, the genetic structure of A. fallax fallax showed a clear pattern of isolation-by-distance, consistent with breeding populations exchanging migrants primarily with neighbouring populations. Spatial genetic differences were on average much greater than temporal differences, indicating relatively stable genetic structure. Comparing anadromous A. fallax fallax populations to the landlocked Killarney shad subspecies, A. fallax killarnensis (Ireland), demonstrated a long history of separation. These results demonstrating regional stock structure within the British Isles will inform practical management of stocks and their spawning habitats.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Jane Coghill and Keith Edwards from the Transcriptomics Facility at the University of Bristol for help with genotyping. This work was funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. MJG was supported by a Great Western Research Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Laboratory, Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

    Marc T. Jolly

  2. Environment Agency, Richard Fairclough House, Knutsford Road, Warrington, WA4 1HG, UK

    Miran W. Aprahamian

  3. School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Stephen J. Hawkins

  4. PISCES Conservation Ltd., The Square, Pennington, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 8GN, UK

    Peter A. Henderson

  5. Environment Agency, Sir John Moore House, Victoria Square, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1EB, UK

    Rob Hillman

  6. Farran Laboratory, Marine Institute, Newport, Co, Mayo, Ireland

    Niall O’Maoiléidigh

  7. Fish Conservation Centre, Gladshot, Haddington, EH41 4NR, UK

    Peter S. Maitland

  8. Emu Limited, 1 Victory House, Trafalgar Wharf (Unit 16), Hamilton Road, Porchester, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO6 4PX, UK

    Rayner Piper

  9. School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG, UK

    Martin J. Genner

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  1. Marc T. Jolly
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Correspondence to Martin J. Genner.

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Communicated by M. I. Taylor.

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Jolly, M.T., Aprahamian, M.W., Hawkins, S.J. et al. Population genetic structure of protected allis shad (Alosa alosa) and twaite shad (Alosa fallax). Mar Biol 159, 675–687 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1845-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-011-1845-x

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