Genetic diversity and divergence of yellow perch spawning populations across the Huron-Erie Corridor, from Lake Huron through western Lake Erie

► The Huron-Erie Corridor (HEC) provides important fish spawning and nursery habitats. ► The HEC initiative has restored some areas degraded by habitat modifications. ► We test genetic patterns of spawning yellow perch using 15 microsatellite loci. ► Spawning groups differed in genetic diversity, which was highest at Belle Isle. ► All spawning groups were genetically distinct, reflecting reproductive isolation.