Genetic and phenotypic differentiation of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) across the North Atlantic: implications for conservation and aquaculture

摘要: Demand for lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) has increased exponentially over the last decade, both their roe, which is used as a caviar substitute, and increasingly also cleaner fish to control sea lice in salmon farming. The species classified Near Threatened by UICN there are growing concerns that exploitation of wild stocks translocation hatchery reared may compromise genetic diversity native populations. We carried comparative analysis phenotypic variation across range estimate level differentiation, determined patterns gene flow at spatial scales relevant management. found five genetically distinct groups located West Atlantic (USA, Canada), Mid (Iceland), East (Faroe Islands, Ireland, Scotland, Norway, Denmark), English Channel (England) Baltic Sea (Sweden). Significant differences were found, with more slowly, attaining higher condition factor maturing smaller size than North lumpfish. Estimates effective population consistently low NE (Iceland, Faroe Norway), area where most fished aquaculture industry. Our study suggests some populations very small have diversity, makes them particularly vulnerable over-exploitation introgression. To protect we advocate curtailing fishing effort, closing breeding cycle captivity reduce dependence on stocks, restricting populations, limiting risk farm escapes.