Using otolith shape and DNA to identify the stock structure of the spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) around Iceland

Proper stock identification is a cornerstone of sustainable fisheries management. The spotted wolffish is overfished in Icelandic waters, primarily due to its capture as bycatch in other fisheries. To determine whether one or more stocks of spotted wolffish (Anarhichas minor) inhabit the waters of Iceland, genetic samples and otoliths were collected during the annual spring survey of the Icelandic Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in 2022. Genetic and otolith samples were collected from 185 individuals from Iceland’s West, North, and East coasts. Genetic material from 167 individuals and otoliths from 145 were usable in this study. Stock identification was performed using otolith shape analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) analysis. Otolith shape coefficients were measured with the ShapeR package in R. The differences in otolith shape between the regions were deemed statistically significant in ANOVA (p < 0.01). Analysis of the genetic material yielded 20.576 SNPs with a mean sample depth of 6,8. Further analysis of the genetic data suggests that a single stock of spotted wolffish occurs around Iceland. The findings of the two methods indicate a cryptic stock structure within a metapopulation. Further research is needed to establish the movement patterns and the reasons for the apparent genetic homogeneity of the stock, despite life history traits suggesting otherwise.

Author dc:creator

• Hlynur Pétursson 1972-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskóli Íslands

• Líffræði (námsgrein)
• Hlýri

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1946/52038

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/52038