Population structure and genetic variability in wild and farmed Mediterranean populations of gilthead seabream and European seabass inferred from a 60K combined species SNP array

Knowledge of population structure and genetic diversity within between wild farmed populations gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is important to achieve sustainable aquaculture production these species assess the risk impacts fish escaped from farms. Previous studies on have been based a limited number markers samples. In this study, features were assessed using samples 24 seabream 25 distributed throughout Mediterranean Sea, 3 Atlantic populations. Samples genotyped with newly developed combined SNP array that includes ~60K SNPs. Data sequencing pools individual DNA same also used. Different approaches employed for identifying extent stratification species. The effective size (a parameter inversely related rate at which variability lost) was estimated each linkage disequilibrium. Population results revealed clear differentiation in both Wild showed low degree differentiation, particularly seabream. Despite this, slight observed western eastern However, quite heterogeneous high differentiation. Some makeup similar found general, large (> 1000) small (< 100) About 40% 80% had estimates smaller than 50 highlighting need applying measures control lost.