Defining connectivity of exploited octopus and shrimp populations across the Mediterranean

Fourth International Marine Connectivity (iMarCo) Conference, 8-9 October 2018, Crete, Greece.-- 1 page

In this era of fast global change, defining connectivity and adaptive potential of exploited marine stocks is a key requirement towards sustainability of fisheries. Though the use of genetics tools is not very pervasive in fisheries management, evolutionary concepts that derive from its use provide the much needed information regarding stock structure and its adaptation capacity. In our study, we examine the integration of evolutionary-based knowledge in fisheries sustainable management and conservation of two target species: common octopus, Octopus vulgaris and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus. To that end, we sampled 19 octopus and 12 red shrimp populations across the Mediterranean. Populations were genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach and a number of polymorphic genetic markers (SNPs) was validated for each species and population. In order to assess stock structure, genetic differentiation among populations was estimated with F-statistics and patterns of genomic variation across spatial scales were obtained, providing evidence of connectivity. To investigate occurrences of local adaptation, the data set was tested for evolution under selection. Here we provide high resolution perspective on stock structure, connectivity and local adaptation of octopus and red shrimp in the Mediterranean and indicate fishery areas that are critical to preserve, contributing directly to the sustainable management of Mediterranean fishery populations

Peer Reviewed