Phylogeographic lineages and differentiation pattern of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) in the Baltic Sea with management implications

The genetic structure and isolation pattern of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) throughout its range in the Baltic Sea were examined as a starting point for a conservation strategy for the species in this area. The allozyme variation in seven polymorphic loci was studied in 5125 salmon from 24 rive...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Main Authors: Koljonen, Marja-Liisa, Jansson, Håkan, Paaver, Tiit, Vasin, Oleg, Koskiniemi, Jarmo
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1999
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Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f99-104
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f99-104
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Summary:The genetic structure and isolation pattern of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) throughout its range in the Baltic Sea were examined as a starting point for a conservation strategy for the species in this area. The allozyme variation in seven polymorphic loci was studied in 5125 salmon from 24 rivers in four countries. A clear dichotomy was observed between stock groups from southeastern (Russia, Estonia, Latvia, southern Sweden) and northwestern (northern Finland, northern Sweden) drainage regions, corresponding to the postglacial colonisation of the Baltic Sea by two phylogeographic lineages, one from the east (the Ice Lake lineage) and one from the west (the Atlantic lineage). The geographical and genetic distances between stocks fit the one-dimensional "isolation-by-distance" model (p < 0.001). The estimated gene flow ranged from 0 to10 migrants per generation. The total diversity of hatchery stocks was 72% of that of the wild stocks. Genetically similar stock groups, phylogeographic lineages, and drainage regions are recommended for use as genetic management units in addition to stock level.