Low genetic variation and strong genetic structure across a range of geographical scales in European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus L.)

McKeown, Niall J., Taylor, Alix N., Tysklind, Niklas, Healey, Amy J. E., Taylor, Martin I., Beaumont, Andy R. and McCarthy, Ian D. (2025) Low genetic variation and strong genetic structure across a range of geographical scales in European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus L.). Journal of Fish Biology. ISSN 0022-1112

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Abstract

Populations of anadromous European smelt (Osmerus eperlanus L.) are declining across its range with mitigation efforts for this ecologically important species hindered by a lack of demographic information. Here, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite analyses were used to describe historical and recurrent demographics for the species across a large part of its range. mtDNA revealed a shallow phylogeographic structure indicating a cohesive ancestral population, low overall haplotype and nucleotide diversities. However, microsatellites revealed unexpectedly high genetic structuring (FST = 0.15; p < 0.0001), including (i) isolation by distance effects over various scales, (ii) separation between Baltic and Atlantic samples and (iii) the highest interpopulation divergence and the lowest intrapopulation variation among UK sites. The results indicate that despite considerable dispersal potential, there is strong structuring among rivers, which should be recognised as separate management units. Furthermore, individual clustering analyses revealed further population separation within waterways and the need to resolve isolating mechanisms. Overall levels of genetic variation were found to be lower than those reported for other osmerids, with evidence suggesting that a considerable portion of ancestral variation has been eroded. As such, low genetic variation may limit resilience to environmental change. Proactive management strategies are discussed, with the prioritisation of UK populations recommended.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Data availability statement: All sequence data will be available on GenBank prior to publication. All microsatellite genotypes can be openly accessed on Aberystwyth University's Pure system Aberystwyth Research Portal. Funding information: This work was supported by a Bangor University PhD scholarship awarded to Alix N. Taylor, and an RC-UK fellowship in fisheries genetics and conservation awarded to Martin I. Taylor. In addition, support to Niklas Tysklind was provided by CEBA: ANR-10-LABX-25-01. Niall J. McKeown also acknowledges support from the GENSPEL project funded by the Welsh Government.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Biological Sciences
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Organisms and the Environment Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	04 Jun 2025 16:30
Last Modified:	04 Jun 2025 16:30
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/99398
DOI:	10.1111/jfb.70093

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