VCF for neutral data set and potential connectivity matrices of Harpagifer antarcticus, along the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Connectivity is a fundamental process of population dynamics in marine
ecosystems. In the last decade, with the emergence of new methods,
combining different approaches to understand the patterns of connectivity
among populations and their regulation has become increasingly feasible.
The Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP) is characterized by complex
oceanographic dynamics, where local conditions could act as barriers to
population connectivity. Here, the notothenioid fish Harpagifer
antarcticus, a demersal species with a complex life cycle (adults with
poor swim capabilities and pelagic larvae), was used to assess
connectivity along the WAP by combining biophysical modeling and
population genomics methods. Both approaches showed congruent patterns.
Areas of larvae retention and low potential connectivity, observed in the
biophysical model output, coincide with four genetic groups within the
WAP: (1) South Shetland Islands, (2) Bransfield Strait, (3) the central,
and (4) the southern area of WAP (Marguerite Bay). These genetic groups
exhibited limited gene flow between them, consistent with local
oceanographic conditions, which would represent barriers to larval
dispersal. The joint effect of geographic distance and larval dispersal by
ocean currents, had a greater influence on the observed population
structure, than each variable evaluated separately. The combined effect of
geographic distance and a complex oceanographic dynamic would be
generating limited levels of population connectivity in the fish H.
antarcticusalong the WAP. Based on this population connectivity
estimations, priority areas for conservation were discussed, considering
the Marine Protected Area proposed for this threatened region of the
Southern Ocean.