| Summary: | Intraspecific biodiversity is affected by homogenizing factors, mostly through gene flow, and differentiating factors such as mutation, genetic drift and selection. At first sight, the structure of fish populations of the Southern Ocean should be under influence of the Circumpolar Antarctic Current. Some species do indeed show evidence for strong connectivity, with genotypes being shared across the full range. However, species-specific life-history traits and local factors influence the patterns of many taxa such that distinct populations have evolved. Also global change (fishing and climate change) measurably impacts genetic structure, such that management measures are needed. Quota systems have been implemented for some time, while the delineation of marine protected areas is in progress.
|
|---|