Genetic population structure in Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) and its relevance to fishery management

Exploited marine resources can be managed more effectively when accurate information on geographic population structure is available. Genetic markers offer a powerful tool for fisheries management, because they reveal biologically sound management units. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) markers derived from restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) were developed and used to investigate the stock structure of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). A total of 96 SNPs were analyzed from 384 individuals and eight locations across the Atlantic. Our results suggest a subdivision of Greenland halibut into two populations, an eastern Atlantic population and a western Atlantic population, with a proposed border across the Denmark Strait. In general, Greenland halibut display weak but significant population structure (overall F-ST = 0.003; p < 0.001), which can be explained by connectivity among populations owing to the migratory behavior or egg and larval drift.