1 research outputs found
Population genetics of the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) introduced in North America and Europe
Globally, the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) stands as the second most important bivalve
species in fisheries and aquaculture. Native to the Pacific coast of Asia, it is now well-established in
North America and Europe, where its on-going management reflects local economic interests. The
historic record of transfers spans the 20th century and suggests sequential movement from Japan to
North America, as a hitch-hiker on oysters, and then intentional introduction in Europe, but global
genetic data are missing. We have studied mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers in nine
populations from Asia, North America and Europe. The results from the two types of markers indicated
a good concordance of present-day genetic structure with the reported history of clam transfers across
continents, and no evidence of relevant concealed introductions from continental Asia in Europe and
North America. However, European populations showed a loss of genetic variability and significant
genetic differentiation as compared to their American counterparts. Our study shows that in spite of the
increasing ease for species to spread out of their native range, in the case of the Manila clam this has not
resulted in new invasion waves in the two studied continents.This study was financed by grants AGL2007-60049/ACU and AGL2013-49144-C3-3-R from the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación (Spanish Government) to C. S.Peer reviewe