Genetic variation and population stucture in the blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra

Abstract

Populations of blacklip abalone (Haliotis rubra) from southern Australia have been investigated genetically using protein gel electrophoresis. Allele frequency and genotype distributions were analysed to provide information on population structure, gene flow patterns and genetic differentiation among local populations. Breeding populations appear to be large. Measures of genetic distance reveal an 'isolation by distance' broad-scale population structure, although significant genetic heterogeneity can occur between sites < 3 km apart. Reasons for this apparent contradiction are discussed. It is concluded that zones of about 500 km of coastline, corresponding to 'neighbourhood size', could be recognized for the conservation of regional gene pools, but that stock-recruitment relationships need to be established on a localized basis.