Range-wide pinto/northern abalone population genomics

The study investigated the genetic connectivity and population structure of the pinto/northern abalone across its range from Alaska to Mexico using SNP data from over 300 individuals. Despite population declines, the species maintains high genetic diversity with no signs of a bottleneck. There is weak population structure, indicating panmixia (global FST = 0.0021), though slight differentiation was observed in the Salish Sea and Inside Passage, suggesting higher dispersal barriers there. The study also found no significant adaptive genetic differences. These findings provide important information for conservation, especially in selecting broodstock for restoration efforts.