Getting off on the right foot: Integration of spatial distribution of genetic variability for aquaculture development and regulations, the European perch case

Knowledge of spatial genetic variability patterns allows improving conservation actions, translocation regulations, and farming productivity. However, these genetic variability patterns are often considered after issues are observed, long after the beginning of production. By taking into account lessons from other species, we investigate the genetic variability of Perca fluviatilis, a species at a nascent stage of production. The genetic variability has been previously studied but, due to discrepancies between conclusions and methodological limits, the spatial distribution of genetic variability in P. fluviatilis has not been demonstrated conclusively. Here, we characterise the genetic variability across 84 West-Palaearctic sampling sites using mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. We aim to provide (i) a genetically-based population structure that could act as an impetus for further production improvement and (ii) guidelines for translocation regulations. Our analyses show an uneven distribution of genetic variability. Based on inter-populational genetic differentiation, we identify five large geographic scale clusters which are further divided into several subgroups. Local genetic diversity mapping highlights a spatial pattern with several hotspots, which has serious implications in the development of appropriate regulations of translocations. Moreover, we here report an association between genetic differentiations and previously reported zootechnical performances. We ultimately propose guidelines for further investigations of population-specific performances in aquaculture and potentially efficient regulations for policy-makers.