Population genetics provides new insights into biomarker prevalence in dab (Limanda limanda L.): a key marine biomonitoring species

Bioindicators are species for which some quantifiable aspect of its biology, a biomarker, is assumed to be sensitive to ecosystem health. However, there is frequently a lack of information on the underlying genetic and environmental drivers shaping the spatiotemporal variance in prevalence of the biomarkers employed. Here, we explore the relative role of potential variables influencing the spatiotemporal prevalence of biomarkers in dab, Limanda limanda, a species used as a bioindicator of marine contaminants. Firstly, the spatiotemporal genetic structure of dab around UK waters (39 samples across 15 sites for four years: 2005-2008) is evaluated with 16 microsatellites. Two temporally stable groups are identified corresponding to the North and Irish Seas (average between basin G’ST =0.007; G’’ST=0.022). Secondly, we examine the association among biomarker prevalence and several variables, including genetic structuring, age, and contaminant exposure. Genetic structure had significant inte...