Extending DNA barcoding coverage for Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) across the three major basins of Lake Huron

Abstract

AbstractDNA barcoding is a useful tool for both species identification and discovery, but the latter requires denser sampling than typically used in barcode studies. Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) is a valuable species, fished traditionally, commercially, and recreationally in Lake Huron. Based on the natural geographic and bathymetric separation of the three major basins in Lake Huron, the potential separation of Lake Whitefish within these basins, and the variation among life history (early and late spawning), we predicted that Lake Huron might harbour cryptic lineages of Lake Whitefish at the basin level. To test this prediction, DNA barcodes of the mitochondrial 5’ cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences were recovered from spawning phase Lake Whitefish (n = 5 per site), which were collected from sites (n = 28) around Lake Huron during Fall 2012. These sequences, combined with other publically available DNA barcodes from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), revealed twelve unique haplotypes across North America, with seven unique to Lake Huron. The dominant haplotype was found throughout Lake Huron and east to the St. Lawrence River. No deep divergences were revealed. This comprehensive lake-wide sampling effort offers a new perspective on C. clupeaformis, and can provide insight for environmental assessments and fisheries management.