
%0 Journal Article
%A Ward, R. D. 
%A Elliott, N. G. 
%T Genetic population structure of species in the South East Fishery of Australia
%J Marine and Freshwater Research
%D 2001/09/26
%V 52
%N 4
%P 563-573
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/MF99184
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF99184 
%X A summary is given of allozyme, mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite data for commercially important species (13 fish and 7 shellfish) in Australia&#8217;s South East Fishery, including contiguous waters and the Tasman Sea. For most fish species, genetic population differentiation was limited and in about half the studies was non-detectable. Striking population differentiation was recorded for gemfish. For fish species, on average only 2&#8211;3% of the total genetic variation could be attributed to population differentiation within southern Australian waters. In shellfish, ~5% of variation arose from population differences. The reduced differentiation of fish populations may be due to a longer larval period and greater adult mobility. Although there was evidence that the Tasman Sea acts as a barrier to gene flow, with most fish species showing significant differences between Australia and New Zealand, the degree of differentiation was small (only ~2%). The limited genetic differentiation obserred for most species is attributable to the lack of major oceanographic and environmental barriers to gene flow, together with influential current systems; it necessitates large sample sizes for good genetic tests. However, significant genetic stock structuring is apparent for several fish and shellfish species &#8211; particularly for coastal species, where isolation by distance may explain some of the data. Any evidence for genetic stock structure must be factored into plans for sustainable management. 
