Distribution of Mytilus taxa in European coastal areas as inferred from molecular markers

The genetic constitution of mussels (Mytilus spp.) was studied by means of three nuclear (Me 15/16, EF-bis, ITS) and one mtDNA (ND2-COIII) marker on a large European scale. In addition to a sharp cline between Atlantic and Mediterranean M. galloprovincialis, we observed a clear genetic distinction between the Black Sea and Mediterranean populations and a higher incidence of M. trossulus than reported so far in northern European populations. The frequency of M. galloprovincialis nuclear alleles was high along the Iberian Peninsula and decreased abruptly along the French coasts with a high frequency of M. edulis alleles in the Bay of Biscay, The Netherlands, Germany, Iceland, Barents and White Seas, and with little evidence of introgression between the two taxa. M. trossulus alleles were observed in the Baltic Sea and Danish Straits as expected. In addition, occurrence of M. trossulus alleles in cold waters of Iceland, Barents Sea and White Sea is reported for the first time.

Research Highlights► The Black Sea and Mediterranean Mytilus populations are genetically distinct. ► Sharp cline in allele frequencies is between Mediterranean and Atlantic M. galloprovincialis. ► The frequency of M. galloprovincialis nuclear alleles decreases abruptly north of Spain. ► M. trossulus alleles are present in North European seas.