Population Genetic Structure of the Armorhead,Pseudopentaceros wheeleri, in the North Pacific Ocean: Application of the Polymerase Chain Reaction to Fisheries problems

Abstract

Armorhead (Pseudopentaceros wheeleri) occur in the subarctic, epipelagic habitats of the northern Pacific Ocean and are known to reproduce on seamounts in the central Pacific. Over the last few decades, overexploitation of seamount populations led to dramatic declines in abundances of reproductive populations. We undertook a study of the population genetics of armorhead to test whether distinct stocks exist in association with specific seamounts. We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a combination of DNA sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to analyze mtDNA variants for individuals collected from three localities: two seamounts and from the open ocean. We discovered that mtDNA haplotypes are not partitioned geographically, refuting the hypothesis that different seamounts harbor genetically distinct populations. Furthermore, genetic similarity of seamount and open-ocean fish supports the hypothesis that armorhead migrate between the central and northern Pacific Ocean for reproduction and feeding, respectively.

Analysis of mtDNA haplotypes of kelp bass tests for sibling-dominated recruitment near marine protected areas of the California Channel Islands

“…The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in 100 µl reactions using 95-98 µl master mix (see below) and 2-5 µl template DNA. The PCR primers were 12SARH as the reverse primer and CB3RL (Martin et al 1992) as the forward primer. These primers amplified a target sequence of ca.…”

Seamounts: Deep-Ocean Laboratories of Faunal Connectivity, Evolution, and Endemism

“…Martin et al, 1992;Sedberry et al, 1996;Hoarau and Borsa, 2000). and at other deep-sea sites (Bucklin et al, 1987).…”

Genetic and meristic variation in black and smooth oreos in the New Zealand exclusive economic zone

“…Lack of genetic differentiation is typical of many marine species with a potentially long pelagic juvenile stage and opportunity for gene flow, even if post recruits show little movement among areas (e.g., the armorhead, Pseudopentaceros wheeleri (Martin et al 1992), and spiny lobster, Panulirus argus (Silberman et al 1994)). The genetic similarity could be the result of present gene flow, particularly by juvenile movement, or to historical gene flow between stocks which are currently isolated but have not evolved genetic differences.…”