Genetic variation in Irish Sea brown crab (Cancer pagurus L.) : implications for local and regional management

摘要: Understanding demographic processes over multiple spatial scales is vital for the optimization of conservation/management strategies, particularly commercially harvested taxa such as brown crab (Cancer pagurus L). Brown population genetic structure was investigated at (i) a local scale within Irish Sea, which included comparisons with Lundy No Take Zone (NTZ) and (ii) across NE Atlantic. The results indicate that does not exhibit strong either Sea or regional level, suggesting high gene flow among English Channel North Sea. Comparisons between NTZ areas revealed similarly levels diversity. An intriguing result sample exhibited degree patchiness (ephemeral geographically unpatterned differentiation) may elevated recruitment skews NTZ. Overall, support view crabs sampled area belong to single genetically panmictic stock if breeding sizes are maintained drift will be enough reduce neutral highly connected nature this species requires international cooperation sustainable management, an important component application more powerful genomic approaches assess finer aspects well drivers reported species. This timely consideration in light potential future misalignments biological geopolitical boundaries following Brexit.