Development and application of microsatellite markers for Scomberomorus commerson (Perciformes; Teleostei) to a population genetic study of Arabian Peninsula stocks

We developed microsatellite markers for Scomberomorus commerson, and use these in a population genetic study of this species from the Arabian Peninsula. Samples were taken from six sites within four geographic regions: Iran (Arabian Gulf), two sites in northern Oman (Gulf of Oman), two sites in southern Oman (Arabian Sea) and Yemen (Gulf of Aden). A total of 26 markers were developed. Of these, five produced polymorphic PCR products which amplified all six populations. These five markers were used to assess genetic differentiation from 50 individuals at each site. Genetic differentiation, as measured by the fixation index, Fst or Φst, was determined to estimate stock structure. The results identified two genetic stocks, one restricted to one locality (Dhofar) in the Arabian Sea, the other widespread with sufficient gene flow between all four regions to prevent regional genetic differentiation from occurring. Almost 99% of the genetic variation was within populations (p < 0.001). It is however advisable to consider additional, more conventional stock structure methods to determine management strategies as conventional measures of stock structure operate at ecological rather than evolutionary time scales, unlike genetic methods based on neutral markers and genetic drift.