Data from: Conservation genetics of the scalloped hammerhead shark in the Pacific coast of Colombia

Previous investigations of the population genetics of the scalloped
hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific have
lacked information about nursery areas. Such areas are key to promoting
conservation initiatives that can protect young sharks from threats such
as overfishing. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity,
phylogeography, and connectivity of S. lewini found in 3 areas of
Colombia’s Pacific coast: around Malpelo Island and in 2 National Natural
Parks on the Colombian Pacific mainland (Sanquianga and Ensenada de
Utría). We analyzed mtDNA control region (CR) sequences and genotyped 15
microsatellite loci in 137 samples of adults and juveniles. The mtDNA
analyses showed haplotypes shared between the Colombian Pacific
individuals sampled in this investigation and other areas in the Eastern
Tropical Pacific, the Indo-Pacific, and with sequences previously reported
in Colombia (Buenaventura Port), as well as 4 unique haplotypes.
Population assignment and paternity analyses detected 3 parent–offspring
pairs between Malpelo and Sanquianga and 1 between Malpelo and Utría.
These results indicate high genetic connectivity between Malpelo Island
and the Colombian Pacific coast, suggesting that these 2 areas are
nurseries for S. lewini. This is, to our knowledge, the first evidence of
nursery areas identified for the scalloped hammerhead shark anywhere in
the world. Additional conservation planning may be required to protect
these nursery habitats of this endangered shark species.