Phenotypic and genetic differentiation in young-of-the-year common sole (Solea solea) at differentially contaminated nursery grounds

► Sole is an important commercial species inhabiting polluted coastal areas and estuaries. ► The Charentais Straits are differentially affected by heavy contamination. ► Juvenile sole's phenotypes are differentially impaired over nurseries after colonisation. ► Genetic differentiation at a metallothionein locus parallels phenotypic change.