Effective population size and heterozygosity-fitness correlations in a population of the Mediterranean lagoon ecotype of long-snouted seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus

摘要: The management of endangered species is complicated in the marine environment owing to difficulties directly access, track and monitor situ. Population genetics provide a genuine alternative estimate population size inbreeding using non-lethal procedures. long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus, facing multiple threats such as human disturbance or by-catch, has been listed red list IUCN. One large found Thau lagoon, south France. A recent study shown this belongs genetic lineage only Mediterranean lagoons that can be considered an Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) should managed with dedicated conservation strategies. In present study, we used analysis temporal samples effective correlations between individual multilocus heterozygosity fitness traits investigate possible expression depression wild. Non-invasive sampling 172 seahorses for which profiles were pictured biometric data recorded genotyped 291 informative SNPs. Genetic diversity remained stable over 7-year time interval. addition, very low levels close relatedness observed, single pair related individuals 2008 two inbreds 2013. We did not detect departure from identity equilibrium. was estimated Ne = 2742 (~ 40 reproductive per km2), larger than previously thought. No correlation observed fluctuating asymmetry other morphometric traits, suggesting variance inbreeding. Together these results suggest does meet conventional criteria population, seems sufficiently avoid its detrimental effects. This paves way monitoring recently discovered ESU patrimonial concerns.