Genetic population structure of the endangered dusky grouper, epinephelus marginatus, in the Maltese archipelago as revealed by 14 microsatellite markers

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe the genetic population structure of the endangered marine fish, Epinephelus marginatus, in the Maltese archipelago for the purpose of localized conservation management planning. Genetic population structure was determined by examining 89 individuals collected within Malta’s Fisheries Management Zone with 14 microsatellite markers. Results of genetic clustering by admixture analysis found one continuous population (K = 1) inhabiting the Maltese archipelago. Further genetic analysis describes a population decreasing in size (Theta = 2.2), which has gone through a significant size reduction in the past (M = 0.41) and shows signs of inbreeding (F = 0.10, P > 0.001). Results suggest that management should be designed to reflect the archipelago as a single conservation unit.