Spatial Subdivision and Genetic Diversity in Populations on the East and West Coasts of Australia: The Multi-Faceted Case of Nautilus pompilius (Mollusca, Cephalopoda)

Authors

William Sinclair, University of Cumbria, Penrith, United Kingdom
Stephen J. Newman, Department of Fisheries, Western AustraliaFollow
Gabriel M. Vianna, Undersea Explorer, Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Steven Williams, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
William J. Aspden, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-15-2010

Journal Title

Reviews in Fisheries Science

ISSN

Print: 2330-8249 Electronic: 2330-8257

Keywords

Nautilus, CoxI, Spatial subdivision, Great Barrier Reef, Western Australia, Population genetics

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Genetics | Marine Biology | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Population Biology | Sustainability

Abstract

The fragmented distribution of Nautilus pompilius and its biology suggest there will be significant genetic divergence and spatial subdivision between east and west Australian populations. Samples were collected from the northern Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Sea, and the Scott Reef off Western Australia. Phylogenetic trees and a minimum spanning tree were developed from these data to elucidate evolutionary relationships. These data demonstrate significant evolutionary separation of each of the three populations into strongly supported discrete clades matching geographic stratification. Within each of the discrete populations, genetic variation is evident. Strong inter-population variation is evident, with discrete geographic clades being recognized for each extant group. The distinct spatial subdivision between east and west Australian populations of Nautilus are related to geographic and physical isolation over evolutionary time, and this has important fisheries management implications. The distinct geographic patterns of genetic structuring demonstrated by these data indicate the existence of discrete eastern and western Australian management units, and as such, these Nautilus populations should be managed discretely, as each has a high conservation value containing unique genetic variation.

Recommended Citation

Sinclair, W., Newman, S. J., Vianna, G. M. S., Williams, S., & Aspden, W. J. (2010). Spatial Subdivision and Genetic Diversity in Populations on the East and West Coasts of Australia: The Multi-Faceted Case of Nautilus pompilius (Mollusca, Cephalopoda). Reviews in Fisheries Science, 19(1), 52–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/10641262.2010.533794