Fine-scale population genetic structure of the yellow perch Perca flavescens in Lake Erie

摘要: Discerning the genetic basis underlying fine-scale population structure of exploited native species and its relation- ship to management units is a critical goal for effective conservation. This study provides first high-resolution test relationships among spawning groups yellow perch Perca flavescens. Lake Erie stocks comprise valuable sport commercial fisheries have fluctuated extensively owing highly variable annual recruit- ment patterns. Fifteen nuclear DNA microsatellite loci are analyzed 569 individuals from 13 primary spawn- ing sites compared with those in Lakes St. Clair Ontario. Additional comparisons possible differences between sexes size-age cohorts. Results demonstrate that genetically distinguishable do not differ age Population does follow isolation geographic distance pattern, some contribute more overall lake-wide diversity than others. Partitioning perch's shows little congruence lake basins or current units. Our findings underlie importance understanding habitat be- havior conserve stock key fishery.