Genetic characterization, based on microsatellite loci, of Solea senegalensis (Soleidae, Pleuronectiformes) in Atlantic coast populations of the SW Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

The Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis, is an important commercial flatfish species with major fisheries located off the Atlantic coast of the SW Iberian Peninsula. Past information about the genetic structure and connectivity among natural populations of this species has been restricted to mitochondrial DNA analysis. The present analysis of eight natural Atlantic populations fished from Lisbon to the Gulf of Cádiz, using nine microsatellite loci, identifies high intrapopulation genetic variability. Out of 72 tests performed, a total of 19 statistically significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) expectations (24%), and 7 after Bonferroni corrections (9%), were observed in the populations examined. Most deviations from H-W expectations were caused by heterozygote deficiencies (positive Fis values) attributed to null alleles predominantly occurring in two loci (Sol GA12 and Sol MIJ) and one population (Río San Pedro). Pairwise genetic differentiation among populations was only found in comparisons involving Río San Pedro samples (five out of seven comparisons) and Barbate samples (two out of seven comparisons). The observed genetic structure complements existing information from mitochondrial data and should contribute to future management of fisheries of this species, since some fisheries are not environmentally sustainable.