Unidirectional trans-Atlantic gene flow and a mixed spawning area shape
the genetic connectivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna
Abstract
The commercially important Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), a
large migratory fish, has experienced notable recovery aided by accurate
resource assessment and effective fisheries management efforts.
Traditionally, this species has been perceived as consisting of eastern
and western populations, spawning respectively in the Mediterranean Sea
and the Gulf of Mexico, with mixing occurring throughout the Atlantic.
However, recent studies have emerged challenging this assumption by
revealing weak genetic differentiation and identifying a previously
unknown spawning ground in the Slope Sea used by Atlantic bluefin tuna
of uncertain origin. To further understand the current and past
population structure and connectivity of Atlantic bluefin tuna, we have
assembled a unique dataset including thousands of genome-wide Single
Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from five hundred larvae, young of the
year and spawning adult samples covering the three spawning grounds and
including individuals of other Thunnus species. Our analyses support two
weakly differentiated but demographically connected ancestral
populations that interbreed in the Slope Sea. Moreover, we also
identified signatures of introgression from albacore into the Atlantic
bluefin tuna genome, exhibiting varied frequencies across spawning
areas, indicating strong gene flow from the Mediterranean Sea towards
the Slope Sea. We hypothesize that the observed genetic differentiation
may be attributed to increased gene flow caused by a recent
intensification of westward migration by the eastern population, which
could have implications for the genetic diversity and conservation of
western populations. Future conservation efforts should consider these
findings to address potential genetic homogenization in the species.