Development and characterization of ten highly polymorphic microsatellite markers for the demosponge Poecillastra laminaris (Sollas)

Poecillastra laminaris (Sollas) (Order Tetractinellida, Family Vulcanellidae) is a demosponge widely distributed on seamounts and other habitats around the New Zealand region. In order to investigate its genetic structure and connectivity, ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed and tested on all 54 individuals in the NIWA Invertebrate Collection (NIC), Wellington, using low-cost M13 labelling. High quality results were obtained for 34 individuals. The microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic, with ten to 27 alleles per locus (mean +/- SD of 16.2 +/- 5.1). Expected and observed heterozygosities of these loci were 0.786 to 0.952 and 0.550 to 0.926, respectively. These microsatellite markers will be used for population genetic studies of P. laminaris, in particular relating to the identification of metapopulations and barriers to gene flow. Results will inform spatial management planning for the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems.