Updated connectivity assessment for the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) in Pacific and Indian Oceans using a multi-marker genetic approach

Patterns of genetic connectivity can be used to define the geographic boundaries fishes and underpin management decisions. This study a multi-marker approach investigate population structure scalloped hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini) in Indo–Pacific. Samples from 541 S. lewini were collected 12 locations across analysed using two regions mitochondrial genome, nine microsatellite loci sets Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP). Our has four key findings; (1) Indo–Pacific is affected by oceanic basins separated into distinct regions. (2) Within central Indo–Pacific, facilitated along continental shelves strong signals Isolation-By-Distance (IBD) observed. (3) Mitochondrial haplotypes previously thought only exist Atlantic Ocean are observed populations, suggesting haplotype should reconsidered as more widespread than initially thought. (4) Results microsatellites SNPs largely agree, however few differences apparent with identifying discrete subdivision. findings suggest at spatial scales identified this will necessitate international national cooperation conserve populations.