Thesis
Phylogeography of Three Snapper Species from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Western Atlantic Ocean
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2025
Abstract
Population genetic studies have been an important tool in fisheries management policies as genetic variation is important in identifying stock structure, especially for species of high economic and ecological importance. Population size reductions due to environmental and exploitation stressors can impact and increase the risk of losing genetic variability, which can compromise the stability and recovery potential of organisms, should they be exploited. This study examined three commercially and recreationally important fish species in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Western Atlantic Ocean: blackfin snapper (Lutjanus buccanella), silk snapper (Lutjanus vivanus) and yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). Individuals were collected from locations within the three regions and studied in terms of population genetics using two mitochondrial markers, the 12S rRNA and COI genes. Each of the three species were found to be genetically homogeneous throughout the three regions with moderate haplotype and low nucleotide diversities. Results indicated that blackfin snapper 12S sequences have 5 haplotypes, blackfin snapper COI sequences have 2 haplotypes, silk snapper 12S sequences have 2 haplotypes, silk snapper COI sequences have 4 haplotypes, and yellowtail snapper 12S and COI sequences both have 3 haplotypes. Statistical analyses further revealed homogeneous populations which could indicate single panmictic stocks of each of the three fishes throughout these regions. This study contributes to the limited body of knowledge on the population genetics of three snapper species, providing insights that can inform new or improved management efforts, and to support their long-term conservation.
Details
- Title
- Phylogeography of Three Snapper Species from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and Western Atlantic Ocean
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Alexis M Janosik (Committee Chair)Viktoria E Bogantes (Committee Member)Katherine E Overly (Committee Member)
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 67
- Copyright
- © 2025 Bethany R. Davis
- Identifiers
- 99381469153306600
- Academic Unit
- Biology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida