Microsatellite genetic variation in wild and hatchery populations of the sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus Selenka) from northern China

Farming of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka) started 20 years ago and is still in rapid expansion in China. In order to assess the genetic status of both wild and cultivated stocks of this species, we used eight microsatellite markers to estimate the level of genetic diversity within five hatchery stocks and two wild populations of A. japonicus, and compared the degree of genetic differentiation between them. High levels of polymorphism were observed over all loci. The mean alleles and expected heterozygosities over the seven stocks were 10.4-12.3 and 0.735-0.783 respectively. The results of the microsatellite survey provide no evidence to show that hatchery practice of the sea cucumber in China to date has significantly affected the genetic variability of the cultured stocks. Significant differentiation was found between most pairs of the hatchery stocks and wild populations (F-st range: 0.008-0.036), and no obvious difference was detected between the wild populations (F-st=0.008). The information on the genetic variation and differentiation obtained in this study can be applied for future genetic monitoring of A. japonicus aquaculture stocks and will be useful for future genetic improvement by selective breeding, and for designing suitable management guidelines for these genetic materials.