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Genetic differentiation among Atlantic salmon reared in sea‐cages reveals a non‐random distribution of genetic material from a breeding programme to commercial production
Author(s) -
Glover Kevin Alan,
Skaala Øystein,
Søvik Anne Grete Eide,
Helle Tor Arne
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2010.02720.x
Subject(s) - biology , breed , microsatellite , aquaculture , fishery , genotyping , fish farming , fish <actinopterygii> , marine fish , selective breeding , atlantic cod , genetic structure , zoology , ecology , genetic variation , genetics , allele , genotype , gene , gadus
Seven samples, each consisting of approximately 50 Atlantic salmon, were collected from five marine farms in Norway. These farms reported to rear fish originating from the same commercial breed; however, all samples followed a unique route of production from breeder to marine farm via egg, fry and smolt producers. A group of farmed escapees ( n =50) were also captured. Following genotyping with 18 microsatellite loci, the global F ST was 0.083, and pair‐wise values were as high as 0.158. Four clusters, with varying degrees of genetic differentiation, were identified among samples from the farms, and the source of the escapees was identified successfully. It is suggested that the genetic differences observed among samples from the farms were created through the process of genetic drift, facilitated by parallel sub‐strains, extensive within‐strain selection and low to moderate numbers of adults contributing to batches of eggs. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that genetic identification of escaped Atlantic salmon, back to the farm of origin, may be possible even when farms rear fish reported to originate from a single breeder.