Population Structure, Genetic Diversity, Effective Population Size, Demographic History and Regional Connectivity Patterns of the Endangered Dusky Grouper, Epinephelus marginatus (Teleostei: Serranidae), within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone

摘要: The objective of this study is to describe the genetic population structure and demographic history endangered marine fish, Epinephelus marginatus, within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone for purpose localised conservation planning. marginatus a long-lived, sedentary, reef-associated protogynous hermaphrodite with high commercial recreational value that at risk extinction throughout its global distribution. Based on trends, substructuring gaps in local knowledge has led an increased interest evaluation stock. Assessment Maltese demography was based historical contemporary catch landings data whilst regional connectivity patterns were evaluated by examining 175 individuals collected central Mediterranean region between 2002 2009 using 14 nuclear microsatellite loci. Demographic stock assessment E. marginatus’ revealed 99% decline 1947 Zone. A modest mean size observed, 3 ± kg, where approximately 17% juvenile, 68% female/sex-changing 15% male male-to-female sex ratio 1:5. Genetic analysis describes overall as decreasing (ƟH = 2.2), which gone through significant reduction past (M 0.41) consequently shows signs moderate inbreeding (FIS 0.10, p < 0.001) estimated effective 130 individuals. Results spatially explicit Bayesian cluster detected two geographically distinct subpopulations they are connected larger network Sicily Channel. suggest management should be designed reflect units.