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Multifaceted framework for defining conservation units: An example from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Canada
Sarah J Lehnert1, Ian R Bradbury1, Brendan F Wringe2
1Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre Fisheries and Oceans Canada St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada.
Evolutionary Applications
|September 27, 2023
Summary
A new framework integrates genomic data to identify conservation units, specifically subdividing Atlantic salmon populations in northern Canada into three distinct designatable units (DUs). This approach enhances the assessment of intraspecific diversity for species conservation.
Area of Science:
- Conservation genetics and population structure analysis.
- Application of genomic data for biodiversity assessment.
- Wildlife management and endangered species assessment.
Background:
- Conservation units are vital for protecting diverse and resilient populations.
- The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) identifies designatable units (DUs) based on discreteness and evolutionary significance.
- Increasing genomic data necessitates a robust framework for DU characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a multifaceted framework for integrating genetic and genomic data into the characterization of COSEWIC designatable units.
- To delineate DUs for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), a species with complex population structure.
- To provide a repeatable and robust method applicable to other non-model species.
Main Methods:
- A weight-of-evidence approach incorporating multiple data types, including genetic and genomic data.
- Application of the framework to Atlantic salmon populations in northern Canada.
- Analysis of previously data-limited regions using new genomic insights.
Main Results:
- The framework successfully integrated diverse data to inform DU delineation.
- A previously recognized large DU of Atlantic salmon in northern Canada was subdivided.
- Three new DUs were identified in the studied region based on new genetic and genomic data.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework provides a robust method for characterizing conservation units using genomic data.
- The subdivision of the Atlantic salmon DU highlights the importance of detailed population structure analysis.
- This approach is widely applicable for defining conservation units across various species and jurisdictions.
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