Past and present genetic structure of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the Carolinas and effects from stock enhancement.

摘要

In order to properly manage striped bass within a geographic area, it is necessary to understand the genetic relationships of striped bass populations within and between watersheds to identify appropriate management units. Determining temporal changes in genetic relationships as well as the genetic characteristics of the populations is important in understanding how stock enhancement may have and continues to influence population units. A suite of 12 microsatellites was used to evaluate patterns of striped bass gene flow both spatially and temporally across the watersheds of North and South Carolina. Populations from the study watersheds were genetically diverse with the exception of the Savannah River which is recovering from a major population decline. Striped bass in the Roanoke and Cape Fear rivers represented a single population, most likely due to historical transfer stocking across the state from Roanoke River stock. Watersheds in South Carolina contained genetically distinct striped bass populations, although the difference between striped bass populations in the ACE and Santee-Cooper watersheds has substantially decreased over fifteen years, likely due to the stocking of Santee-Cooper fish into the ACE Basin. Conversely, supportive stocking of the Santee-Cooper system has helped to maintain genetic diversity of the population. The striped bass populations of the Carolinas are good examples of the various positive and negative effects from stock enhancement that must be considered and monitored when implementing or assessing a stock enhancement program.