Data from: Seascape genomics of the sugar kelp Saccharina latissima along the North Eastern Atlantic latitudinal gradient

Temperature is one of the most important range-limiting factors for many
seaweeds. Driven by the recent climatic changes, rapid northward shifts of
species’ distribution ranges can potentially modify the phylogeographic
signature of Last Glacial Maximum. We explored this question in detail in
the cold-tolerant kelp species Saccharina latissima, using microsatellites
and double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing
(ddRAD-seq) derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to
analyze the genetic diversity and structure in 11 sites spanning the
entire European Atlantic latitudinal range of this species. In addition,
we checked for statistical correlation between genetic marker allele
frequencies and three environmental proxies (sea surface temperature,
salinity, and water turbidity). Our findings revealed that genetic
diversity was significantly higher for the northernmost locality
(Spitsbergen) compared to the southern ones (Northern Iberia), which we
discuss in light of the current state of knowledge on phylogeography of S.
latissima and the potential influence of the recent climatic changes on
the population structure of this species. Seven SNPs and 12 microsatellite
alleles were found to be significantly associated with at least one of the
three environmental variables. We speculate on the putative adaptive
functions of the genes associated with the outlier markers and the
importance of these markers for successful conservation and aquaculture
strategies for S. latissima in this age of rapid global change.