Genome-wide analysis reveals regional patterns of drift, structure, and gene flow in longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) in the northeastern Pacific

The southernmost stock of longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) is approaching extirpation in the San Francisco Estuary (SFE); however, patterns of genetic structure, diversity and gene flow which are vital for management are poorly understood in this species. Here, we use genome-wide data to evaluate population structure of longfin smelt across a broad latitudinal scale across estuaries ranging from the SFE to Yakutat Bay and Lake Washington, and fine scale within the Fraser River and the SFE. Results indicate high genetic structure between major estuaries, fine-scale structure within the Fraser River, and low levels of structure within the SFE. Genetic structure was more pronounced between northern estuaries whereas southern estuaries showed shared ancestry and ongoing gene flow, most notably unidirectional northward migration out of the SFE. Furthermore, we detected signatures of local adaptation within the Fraser River and the Skeena River estuaries. Taken together, our results identify broad patterns of genetic diversity in longfin smelt shaped by co-ancestry, unidirectional migration and local adaptation. Results also suggest that the SFE population is genetically distinct from northernmost populations and an important source for maintaining nearby populations.

Automated summary

The southernmost stock of longfin smelt in the San Francisco Estuary is nearing extinction, but genetic structure, diversity, and gene flow patterns are poorly understood. The study found high genetic structure between major estuaries, fine-scale structure within the Fraser River, and low levels of structure within the San Francisco Estuary. Furthermore, there were signatures of local adaptation within the Fraser River and the Skeena River estuaries.