Genetic characterization of four hatchery populations of the seven-band grouper (Epinephelus septemfasciatus) using microsatellite markers

The Research of Population Genetic Differentiation for Marine Fishes (Hyporthodus septemfasciatus) Based on Fluorescent AFLP Markers

“…The genetic variability is one of the most crucial foundations for the conservation of marine species from long-time objective. Although significant degradation of genetic variations has been previously reported between broodstock and offspring in other marine fishes, no significant reduction of genetic diversity was checked between broodstock I (Japan, I = 0.244, H e = 0.161, N e = 1.272) and offspring (I = 0.243, H e = 0.161, N e = 1.271) populations in this study [3,4,19]. High levels of genetic diversity in wild populations of fish can be related to large effective population size, environmental heterogeneity, life history traits, and genetic divergence [18].…”

“…Genetic diversity is one of the most important natural properties for commercially interesting species, because it can influence the species' adaptive capacity to environmental change, and loss of genetic variation is destructive to domestication of cultured stocks [1,2]. Limited effective population size and the effects of artificial selection on hatchery progeny may lead to population genetic drift, which will cause offspring to differentiate from broodstock [3]. Monitoring population genetic diversity and genetic structure, therefore, has become a key aspect and long-term mission for the success of commercial breeding programs [4].…”

“…Until now, almost all of sevenband grouper hatcheries maintain wild-caught sources of H. septemfasciatus as broodstock for artificial reproduction [4]. The limited male broodstock (given the extended maturation age) may limit the genetic diversity in breeding programs [3]. The excellent traits for species were always derived from rich genetic variations.…”

“…Research reports of genetic diversity and population structure between wild and hatchery populations of H. septemfasciatus have been carried out based on the microsatellite DNA loci [3,4]. These genetic studies revealed reduced genetic variability in hatchery populations compared with wild populations, based on microsatellite analyses.…”

“…These genetic studies revealed reduced genetic variability in hatchery populations compared with wild populations, based on microsatellite analyses. Significant population genetic differentiation was also examined among the hatchery population in South Korea [3,4]. AFLP is a PCR-based, multi-locus fingerprinting technique that can detect genetic variations effectively.…”