Genetic structuring of Latris lineata at localized and transoceanic scales

Abstract

Striped trumpeter (Latris lineata) is a demersal teleost distributed around the temperate clines of all the major oceans in the southern hemisphere. Within Tasmanian waters the species is managed as a single stock, although no studies have been performed to confirm genetic panmixia. A protracted pelagic larval phase and a recent transoceanic tag recapture of an adult fish suggest significant potential for genetic mixing between widely separated populations. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA control region sequences suggested no genetic mixing between Tasmania, New Zealand and St Paul/Amsterdam Islands, evidence for the first time that there is population structure at a transoceanic scale for this species. In addition, an analysis of molecular variance coupled with phylogenetic analyses suggested no significant structuring of striped trumpeter from three locations around Tasmania. The information provided in this study is useful for the design of modern fisheries management techniques such as spatially implemented marine reserves. In addition, species-by-species knowledge about population structures of marine species facilitates ecologically useful generalizations concerning their population dynamics and key issues on the broader ecology of the oceans.