Journal of Heredity Advance Access published online on October 30, 2008
Journal of Heredity, doi:10.1093/jhered/esn090
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Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genetic Variation across Calving Lagoons in Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales (Eschrichtius robustus)
From the Department of Biological Sciences, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Oceanview Boulevard, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 (Alter and Palumbi); the Departmento de Biologia Marina, Universidad Autonoma Baja California Sur, Apartado Postal 12-B, La Paz, BCS 23081, Mexico (Ramirez, Nigenda, and Ramirez); and the Coordinación de Investigación y Conservación de Mamiferos, Instituto Nacional de Ecologia c/o CICESE, Km 107 Carrereta Ensenada-Tijuana, Ensenada 22860, Baja California, Mexico (Bracho)
Address correspondence to S. E. Alter at the address above, or e-mail: sealter{at}stanford.edu.
Accurate knowledge of population structure in cetaceans is critical for preserving and managing breeding habitat, particularly when habitat is not uniformly protected. Most eastern gray whales return to their major breeding range each winter along the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico, concentrating in 3 major calving lagoons, but it is unknown whether genetic differences exist between lagoons. Previous photo-identification studies and genetic studies suggest that gray whales may return to their natal lagoons to breed, potentially resulting in the buildup of genetic differences. However, an earlier genetic study used only one genetic marker and did not include samples from Bahia Magdalena, a major calving lagoon not currently designated as a wildlife refuge. To expand on this previous study, we collected genetic data from the mitochondrial control region (442 bp) and 9 microsatellite markers from 112 individuals across all 3 major calving lagoons. Our data suggest that migration rates between calving lagoons are high but that a small but significant departure from panmixia exists between Bahia Magdalena and Laguna San Ignacio (Fisher's Exact test, P < 0.0001; FST = 0.006, P = 0.025). Coalescent simulations show that the lack of extensive population structure may result from the disruption of structure due to whaling. Another possibility is that rates of migration have always been high (>10% per generation). In addition, microsatellite data showed evidence of a severe population bottleneck. Eastern gray whales are still recovering from the impacts of whaling on their breeding grounds, and these populations should be protected and monitored for future genetic changes.
Key Words: cetacean • microsatellite • population structure
Corresponding Editor: C. Scott Baker
Received January 28, 2008
Revised September 15, 2008
Accepted September 18, 2008