High connectivity of the white seabream (Diplodus 2 sargus, L. 1758) in the Aegean Sea, eastern 3 Mediterranean basin. population stucture of white seabream

Population dynamics in the marine realm, can shape species spatial structure and influence genetic 12 variability between given geographical areas. Connectivity is such an important factor of species 13 population structure. In this study, we examined the genetic diversity and structure of white 14 seabream (Diplodus sargus, L. 1758) in the eastern Mediterranean basin, using a panel of four 15 microsatellite markers. Recorded low FST values within the study area indicate little evidence of 16 genetic differentiation among populations. Results suggest high gene flow which may imply near-17 panmixia between populations, indicating the possibility of a probable movement of adult migrants, 18 or strong passive drift at sea in early life stages of the species. To this extent, bibliography speaking, 19 different species within the Sparidae family favor altered population dynamics pattern with respect 20 to local populations and genetic divergence, in the shed of course of the molecular marker used.