Genetic and morphometric differences demonstrate fine‐scale population substructure of the yellow perch Perca flavescens: need for redefined management units

• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12129
• Publication Date: 2013-05-07T11:13:20Z
• Authors: P. M. Kocovsky; T. J. Sullivan; C. T. Knight; C. A. Stepien
• Keywords: Morphometrics; Metapopulation; Percidae; Genetic divergence

Whole‐body morphometrics and 15 nuclear DNA microsatellite loci were analysed for 158 Perca flavescens collected during the spawning season from four locations in central Lake Erie, two along northern shore southern shore, to evaluate fine‐scale variation (spanning 17–94 km). Results showed significant morphological genetic differences among P. locations. The magnitudes of unrelated geographic distance, demonstrating spatially heterogeneous levels divergence. These results linked morphometric variation, showing a discontinuity scale between currently defined management units population structure support that might exist as one or more metapopulations. Findings demonstrate value using complementary techniques evaluating structure.