Data from: Contrasting patterns of population connectivity between regions in a commercially important mollusc Haliotis rubra: integrating population genetics, genomics and marine LIDAR data.

Estimating contemporary genetic structure and population connectivity in marine species is challenging, often compromised by genetic markers that lack adequate sensitivity, and unstructured sampling regimes. We show how these limitations can be overcome via the integration of modern genotyping methods and sampling designs guided by LIDAR and SONAR datasets. Here we explore patterns of gene flow and local genetic structure in a commercially harvested abalone species (Haliotis rubra) from South Eastern Australia, where the viability of fishing stocks is believed to be dictated by recruitment from local sources. Using a panel of microsatellite and genome-wide SNP markers we compare allele frequencies across a replicated hierarchical sampling area guided by bathymetric LIDAR imagery. Results indicate high levels of gene flow and no significant genetic structure within or between benthic reef habitats across 1400 km of coastline. These findings differ to those reported for other regions of the fishery indicating that larval supply is likely to be spatially variable, with implications for management and long-term recovery from stock depletion. The study highlights the utility of suitably designed genetic markers and spatially informed sampling strategies for gaining insights into recruitment patterns in benthic marine species, assisting in conservation planning and sustainable management of fisheries.评估海洋物种的当代遗传结构与种群连通性颇具挑战，此类难题常因遗传标记灵敏度不足、采样方案缺乏结构化设计而愈发凸显。本研究证明，通过整合现代基因分型方法，并依托激光雷达（LIDAR）与声呐（SONAR）数据集指导采样设计，可克服上述局限。本研究针对澳大利亚东南部一种商业捕捞的鲍属物种（Haliotis rubra）展开研究，探究其基因流模式与局部遗传结构——该物种的捕捞种群存续性被认为依赖于本地种群的幼体补充。研究借助微卫星（microsatellite）标记与全基因组单核苷酸多态性（SNP）标记组合，在水深激光雷达成像指导的重复分层采样区域内，对等位基因频率分布进行比较。结果显示，在1400公里的海岸沿线范围内，底栖礁生境内部及彼此之间的基因流水平较高，未检测到显著的遗传结构分化。上述研究结果与该渔业其他区域的已有报道存在差异，表明幼体补给可能存在空间异质性，对渔业管理以及种群枯竭后的长期恢复工作具有重要参考价值。本研究凸显了科学设计的遗传标记与空间导向采样策略的应用价值，有助于深入理解底栖海洋物种的幼体补给模式，从而为渔业保护规划与可持续管理提供支撑。