Population genetic assessment of Inconnu (Stenodus leucichthys) in the Northwest Territories
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Date
2018-18-12
Authors
Wiens, Lauren
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Abstract
Inconnu (Stenodus leucichthys) in Great Slave Lake (GSL), NT have been over-fished resulting in declines in some stocks. By characterizing the population genetics of fish in this area, management can better understand how over-exploitation and other factors affect stocks and use this knowledge to inform their monitoring strategies. Nearly 1000 tissue samples were collected throughout their geographic range in NT from 1988-2017. Population genetic analyses with 17 microsatellite markers were performed to determine the influence of geography, post-glacial colonization, and philopatry on the genetic diversity and structure of Inconnu in NT. Geographic distance significantly affected the genetic differentiation of Inconnu. Significantly lower genetic diversity was observed in GSL populations compared to fish from the upper/lower Mackenzie River region due to post-glacial colonization. Genetic structuring was detected among Inconnu stocks associated with particular river systems suggesting philopatric behaviour. River sampling is critical to understanding the genetic dynamics of Inconnu in GSL.
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Microsatellites, Population genetics, Great Slave Lake, Whitefish