16 research outputs found
Population genomic structure of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata in Mediterranean Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems
none8siAntipathella subpinnata (Ellis and Solander 1786) is one of the most frequently observed black corals at mesophotic depths (60–200 m) of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the northwestern part of the basin, where its populations can reach high densities and create forest-like aggregations, both along the coast and in offshore locations such as seamounts. Similar to other marine underwater forests, black coral gardens host a rich associated fauna and attract numerous species of commercial interest. As such, these corals are targeted by recreational and artisanal fisheries and are vulnerable to human impact due to their arborescent morphology and low growth rates. Genetic connectivity can provide valuable insight into the processes of population maintenance and replenishment following environmental disturbance and is often used as a proxy for population resilience. In our study, a restriction-site associated DNA analysis (2bRAD) was used to evaluate fine-scale population structure of the Mediterranean black coral A. subpinnata, and to understand which populations could serve as a potential source of genetic diversity for adjacent populations. Colonies from two offshore localities (a Ligurian seamount and a Tyrrhenian canyon) and four coastal populations from Liguria and Sicily were sampled and genotyped. Significant genetic differentiation was recorded between coastal and offshore localities. Moreover, offshore localities were genetically distinct from one another, while all coastal populations were characterized by panmixia. This indicates that offshore A. subpinnata gardens are potentially less resilient to human impact (i.e., demersal fishing activities) due to a limited influx of larvae from adjacent habitats. In addition, they are unlikely to supply coral propagules to coastal populations. Overall, this study highlights the vulnerability of Mediterranean A. subpinnata forests, and the importance of enforcing conservation and management measures to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES, EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive) of these valuable marine ecosystems.openTerzin M.; Paletta M.G.; Matterson K.; Coppari M.; Bavestrello G.; Abbiati M.; Bo M.; Costantini F.Terzin, M.; Paletta, M. G.; Matterson, K.; Coppari, M.; Bavestrello, G.; Abbiati, M.; Bo, M.; Costantini, F
Some viral, rickettsial and leptospiral infections diagnosed in Serbia. A serological study
Population genomic structure of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata in Mediterranean Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems
Antipathella subpinnata (Ellis and Solander
1786) is one of the most frequently observed black corals at
mesophotic depths (60\u2013200 m) of the Mediterranean Sea,
particularly in the northwestern part of the basin, where its
populations can reach high densities and create forest-like
aggregations, both along the coast and in offshore locations
such as seamounts. Similar to other marine underwater
forests, black coral gardens host a rich associated fauna and
attract numerous species of commercial interest. As such,
these corals are targeted by recreational and artisanal fisheries and are vulnerable to human impact due to their
arborescent morphology and low growth rates. Genetic
connectivity can provide valuable insight into the processes
of population maintenance and replenishment following
environmental disturbance and is often used as a proxy for
population resilience. In our study, a restriction-site associated
DNA analysis (2bRAD) was used to evaluate finescale
population structure of the Mediterranean black coral
A. subpinnata, and to understand which populations could
serve as a potential source of genetic diversity for adjacent
populations. Colonies from two offshore localities (a Ligurian
seamount and a Tyrrhenian canyon) and four coastal
populations from Liguria and Sicily were sampled and
genotyped. Significant genetic differentiation was recorded
between coastal and offshore localities. Moreover, offshore
localities were genetically distinct from one another, while
all coastal populations were characterized by panmixia.
This indicates that offshore A. subpinnata gardens are
potentially less resilient to human impact (i.e., demersal
fishing activities) due to a limited influx of larvae from
adjacent habitats. In addition, they are unlikely to supply
coral propagules to coastal populations. Overall, this study
highlights the vulnerability of Mediterranean A. subpinnata
forests, and the importance of enforcing conservation and
management measures to achieve Good Environmental
Status (GES, EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive) of
these valuable marine ecosystems