Connectivity among populations of bicolor damselfish ( Stegastes partitus) along the Mesoamerican barrier reef

Connectivity is a critical measure affecting the evolution and ecology of species. The purpose of this thesis was to assess connectivity between populations of Stegastes partitus at seven sites along the Mesoamerican barrier reef. First, seven novel microsatellite markers were developed to allow the assessment of genetic population structure in S. partitus in conjunction with existing markers. Next, population structure and stability was evaluated at seven sampling locations encompassing both atoll and barrier reef regions along the Mesoamerican barrier reef. Results indicate significant but temporally unstable genetic population structure suggesting high but unpredictable patterns of gene flow between sites. Further study utilizing multi-locus genotype population assignment techniques revealed dispersal over relatively short distances and temporally variable dispersal direction. These results suggest population structure may be dependent on local processes and that local management may be effective for some reef fishes, however time-series data are necessary to fully understand population connectivity.