Population genomics analyses of Zostera capensis in KwaZulu-Natal

The endangered seagrass, Zostera capensis is currently restricted to only a few estuaries in KwaZulu-Natal; three (Amatikulu, Mlalazi, Mhlatuze) of which are situated <50km apart. Population genomic analyses using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) isolated from 31 individuals collected from the three closest estuaries, show distinct population clusters and that Mlalazi has very low levels of genomic diversity.  Results suggest that conservation and restoration efforts need to carefully consider unique population signals of Z. capensis even when populations are geographically close.