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Andrews AJ, Puncher GN, Bernal-Casasola D, Di Natale A, Massari F, Onar V, Toker NY, Hanke A, Pavey SA, Savojardo C, Martelli PL, Casadio R, Cilli E, Morales-Muñiz A, Mantovani B, Tinti F, Cariani A. Ancient DNA SNP-panel data suggests stability in bluefin tuna genetic diversity despite centuries of fluctuating catches in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20744. [PMID: 34671077 PMCID: PMC8528830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) abundance was depleted in the late 20th and early 21st century due to overfishing. Historical catch records further indicate that the abundance of BFT in the Mediterranean has been fluctuating since at least the 16th century. Here we build upon previous work on ancient DNA of BFT in the Mediterranean by comparing contemporary (2009–2012) specimens with archival (1911–1926) and archaeological (2nd century BCE–15th century CE) specimens that represent population states prior to these two major periods of exploitation, respectively. We successfully genotyped and analysed 259 contemporary and 123 historical (91 archival and 32 archaeological) specimens at 92 SNP loci that were selected for their ability to differentiate contemporary populations or their association with core biological functions. We found no evidence of genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding or population restructuring between temporal sample groups that might explain what has driven catch fluctuations since the 16th century. We also detected a putative adaptive response, involving the cytoskeletal protein synemin which may be related to muscle stress. However, these results require further investigation with more extensive genome-wide data to rule out demographic changes due to overfishing, and other natural and anthropogenic factors, in addition to elucidating the adaptive drivers related to these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Andrews
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy. .,Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.
| | - Gregory N Puncher
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada.
| | - Darío Bernal-Casasola
- Department of History, Geography and Philosophy, Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - Francesco Massari
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Vedat Onar
- Osteoarcheology Practice and Research Centre and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nezir Yaşar Toker
- Osteoarcheology Practice and Research Centre and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Avcılar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alex Hanke
- St. Andrews Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St. Andrews, NB, Canada
| | - Scott A Pavey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | | | | | - Rita Casadio
- Biocomputing Group, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cilli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Mantovani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fausto Tinti
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Alessia Cariani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
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Guiry EJ, Kennedy JR, O'Connell MT, Gray DR, Grant C, Szpak P. Early evidence for historical overfishing in the Gulf of Mexico. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/32/eabh2525. [PMID: 34348901 PMCID: PMC8336961 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abh2525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fisheries encompass complex interplays between social, economic, and environmental factors, but limitations on historical fisheries data can hamper efforts to identify and contextualize the long-term spatiotemporal patterns that shape them. We integrate 2500 years of stable isotope (δ34S, δ13C, and δ15N) and zooarchaeological evidence from Gulf of Mexico fisheries to assess cultural, demographic, and technological changes affecting sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) populations and fishing practices in Louisiana, USA. Concurrent with human population growth, average sizes of sheepshead caught decreased from the 1720s to 1830s. The size of fish caught after the 1830s increased to pre-1720 levels at the same time that isotopic compositions of fish bone collagen show that fish were being caught from a more diverse range of ecosystems, including distant seagrass beds. Our findings provide the first evidence for large-scale depressions of historical sheepshead populations and the processes driving them, including rapid human population growth and sustained harvesting pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Guiry
- School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Mayor's Walk, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Kennedy
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Orleans, Milneburg Hall 352, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - Martin T O'Connell
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New Orleans, 1065 Geology and Psychology Building, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - D Ryan Gray
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Orleans, Milneburg Hall 352, 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
| | - Christopher Grant
- Department of Anthropology, University of Chicago, 1126 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Paul Szpak
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Dr., Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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The Urban River Syndrome: Achieving Sustainability Against a Backdrop of Accelerating Change. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126406. [PMID: 34199215 PMCID: PMC8296234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have been affecting rivers and other natural systems for millennia. Anthropogenic changes to rivers over the last few centuries led to the accelerating state of decline of coastal and estuarine regions globally. Urban rivers are parts of larger catchment ecosystems, which in turn form parts of wider nested, interconnected systems. Accurate modelling of urban rivers may not be possible because of the complex multisystem interactions operating concurrently and over different spatial and temporal scales. This paper overviews urban river syndrome, the accelerating deterioration of urban river ecology, and outlines growing conservation challenges of river restoration projects. This paper also reviews the river Thames, which is a typical urban river that suffers from growing anthropogenic effects and thus represents all urban rivers of similar type. A particular emphasis is made on ecosystem adaptation, widespread extinctions and the proliferation of non-native species in the urban Thames. This research emphasizes the need for a holistic systems approach to urban river restoration.
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Martínez-García L, Ferrari G, Oosting T, Ballantyne R, van der Jagt I, Ystgaard I, Harland J, Nicholson R, Hamilton-Dyer S, Baalsrud HT, Brieuc MSO, Atmore LM, Burns F, Schmölcke U, Jakobsen KS, Jentoft S, Orton D, Hufthammer AK, Barrett JH, Star B. Historical Demographic Processes Dominate Genetic Variation in Ancient Atlantic Cod Mitogenomes. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.671281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ancient DNA (aDNA) approaches have been successfully used to infer the long-term impacts of climate change, domestication, and human exploitation in a range of terrestrial species. Nonetheless, studies investigating such impacts using aDNA in marine species are rare. Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), is an economically important species that has experienced dramatic census population declines during the last century. Here, we investigated 48 ancient mitogenomes from historical specimens obtained from a range of archeological excavations in northern Europe dated up to 6,500 BCE. We compare these mitogenomes to those of 496 modern conspecifics sampled across the North Atlantic Ocean and adjacent seas. Our results confirm earlier observations of high levels of mitogenomic variation and a lack of mutation-drift equilibrium—suggestive of population expansion. Furthermore, our temporal comparison yields no evidence of measurable mitogenomic changes through time. Instead, our results indicate that mitogenomic variation in Atlantic cod reflects past demographic processes driven by major historical events (such as oscillations in sea level) and subsequent gene flow rather than contemporary fluctuations in stock abundance. Our results indicate that historical and contemporaneous anthropogenic pressures such as commercial fisheries have had little impact on mitogenomic diversity in a wide-spread marine species with high gene flow such as Atlantic cod. These observations do not contradict evidence that overfishing has had negative consequences for the abundance of Atlantic cod and the importance of genetic variation in implementing conservation strategies. Instead, these observations imply that any measures toward the demographic recovery of Atlantic cod in the eastern Atlantic, will not be constrained by recent loss of historical mitogenomic variation.
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Environmentally triggered shifts in steelhead migration behavior and consequences for survival in the mid-Columbia River. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250831. [PMID: 33970924 PMCID: PMC8109777 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of Columbia River summer-run steelhead encounter high river temperatures (near or > 20°C) during their spawning migration. While some steelhead pass through the mid-Columbia River in a matter of days, others use tributary habitats as temperature refuges for periods that can last months. Using PIT tag detection data from adult return years 2004-2016, we fit 3-component mixture models to differentiate between "fast", "slow", and "overwintering" migration behaviors in five aggregated population groups. Fast fish migrated straight through the reach on average in ~7-9 days while slow fish delayed their migration for weeks to months, and overwintering fish generally took ~150-250 days. We then fit covariate models to examine what factors contributed to the probability of migration delay during summer months (slow or overwintering behaviors), and to explore how migration delay related to mortality. Finally, to account for the impact of extended residence times in the reach for fish that delayed, we compared patterns in estimated average daily rates of mortality between migration behaviors and across population groups. Results suggest that migration delay was primarily triggered by high river temperatures but temperature thresholds for delay were lowest just before the seasonal peak in river temperatures. While all populations groups demonstrated these general patterns, we documented substantial variability in temperature thresholds and length of average delays across population groups. Although migration delay was related to higher reach mortality, it was also related to lower average daily mortality rates due to the proportional increase in reach passage duration being larger than the associated increase in mortality. Lower daily mortality rates suggest that migration delay could help mitigate the impacts of harsh migration conditions, presumably through the use of thermal refuges, despite prolonged exposure to local fisheries. Future studies tracking individual populations from their migration through reproduction could help illuminate the full extent of the tradeoffs between different migration behaviors.
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Kemp BM, Bingham B, Frome R, Labonte M, Palmer E, Parsons ES, Gobalet KW, Rosenthal J. Subduing the influence of PCR inhibitors on amplifying aged, degraded, and low copy number DNA: PCR enhancer cocktail-p and rescue PCR. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234745. [PMID: 32544213 PMCID: PMC7297307 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PCR inhibitors are a formidable problem to the study of aged, degraded, and/or low copy number DNA. As a result, there is a need to find alternate methods that ameliorate the efficacy of PCR. In this study, we attempted to use genetic methods to identify the species of salmonid (Oncorhynchus spp.) remains recovered from archaeological sites along the Feather River located in northern California, United States. In the process of doing so, we compared the efficacy of a PCR enhancer cocktail called “PEC-P” and a reagent rich PCR recipe called “rescue PCR” over standard PCR. Across all treatments (full concentration and 1:10 dilute eluates subjected to standard PCR, PEC-P, and rescue PCR) species identification was possible for 74 of 93 archaeological fish specimens (79.6%). Overall, six of the 93 samples (6.5%) consistently yielded species identification across all treatments. The species of ten specimens (10.8%) were uniquely identified from amplicons produced with either PEC-P or rescue PCR or both. Notably, the species of seven samples (7.5%) were uniquely identified with standard PCR over the alternative treatments. Considering both full concentration and 1:10 dilute eluates (N = 186), standard PCR performed as well as PEC-P (p = 0.1451) and rescue (p = 0.6753). Yet, considering results from full concentration eluates alone (N = 93), PEC-P (60.2%) outperformed both standard PCR (44.1%; p = 0.0277) and rescue PCR (40.9%; p = 0.0046). Stochasticity observed in our study cautions us against choosing a “best” performing method of those explored here and suggests their respective potentials to improve success may be sample dependent. When working with samples compromised by PCR inhibitors, it is useful to have alternative methodologies for subduing the problem. Both PEC-P and rescue PCR represent useful alternative methods for the study of aged, degraded, and/or low copy number DNA samples compromised by PCR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M. Kemp
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Brittany Bingham
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Ryan Frome
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Marie Labonte
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Erica Palmer
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Ella S. Parsons
- Laboratories of Molecular Anthropology and Microbiome Research, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W. Gobalet
- California State University, Bakersfield, California, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Rosenthal
- Far Western Anthropological Research Group, Davis, California, United States of America
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Guiry E, Royle TCA, Matson RG, Ward H, Weir T, Waber N, Brown TJ, Hunt BPV, Price MHH, Finney BP, Kaeriyama M, Qin Y, Yang DY, Szpak P. Differentiating salmonid migratory ecotypes through stable isotope analysis of collagen: Archaeological and ecological applications. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232180. [PMID: 32343728 PMCID: PMC7188214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to distinguish between different migratory behaviours (e.g., anadromy and potamodromy) in fish can provide important insights into the ecology, evolution, and conservation of many aquatic species. We present a simple stable carbon isotope (δ13C) approach for distinguishing between sockeye (anadromous ocean migrants) and kokanee (potamodromous freshwater residents), two migratory ecotypes of Oncorhynchus nerka (Salmonidae) that is applicable throughout most of their range across coastal regions of the North Pacific Ocean. Analyses of kokanee (n = 239) and sockeye (n = 417) from 87 sites spanning the North Pacific (Russia to California) show that anadromous and potamodromous ecotypes are broadly distinguishable on the basis of the δ13C values of their scale and bone collagen. We present three case studies demonstrating how this approach can address questions in archaeology, archival, and conservation research. Relative to conventional methods for determining migratory status, which typically apply chemical analyses to otoliths or involve genetic analyses of tissues, the δ13C approach outlined here has the benefit of being non-lethal (when applied to scales), cost-effective, widely available commercially, and should be much more broadly accessible for addressing archaeological questions since the recovery of otoliths at archaeological sites is rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Guiry
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
- School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Thomas C. A. Royle
- Department of Archaeology, Ancient DNA Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R. G. Matson
- Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hillary Ward
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tyler Weir
- Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Government of British Columbia, Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas Waber
- Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Thomas J. Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brian P. V. Hunt
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Hakai Institute, Heriot Bay, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael H. H. Price
- Department of Biological Sciences, Earth to Ocean Research Group, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruce P. Finney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, United States of America
- Department of Geosciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, United States of America
| | | | - Yuxue Qin
- School of Marine Science and Environmental Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Dongya Y. Yang
- Department of Archaeology, Ancient DNA Laboratory, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Szpak
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
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Ruggeri P, Pasternak E, Okamura B. To remain or leave: Dispersal variation and its genetic consequences in benthic freshwater invertebrates. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:12069-12088. [PMID: 31832145 PMCID: PMC6854113 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in dispersal capacity may influence population genetic variation and relatedness of freshwater animals thus demonstrating how life-history traits influence patterns and processes that in turn influence biodiversity. The majority of studies have focused on the consequences of dispersal variation in taxa inhabiting riverine systems whose dendritic nature and upstream/downstream gradients facilitate characterizing populations along networks. We undertook extensive, large-scale investigations of the impacts of hydrological connectivity on population genetic variation in two freshwater bryozoan species whose dispersive propagules (statoblasts) are either attached to surfaces (Fredericella sultana) or are released as buoyant stages (Cristatella mucedo) and that live primarily in either lotic (F. sultana) or lentic environments (C. mucedo). Describing population genetic structure in multiple sites characterized by varying degrees of hydrological connectivity within each of three (or four) UK regions enabled us to test the following hypotheses: (1) genetic diversity and gene flow will be more influenced by hydrological connectivity in populations of C. mucedo (because F. sultana dispersal stages are retained); (2) populations of F. sultana will be characterized by greater genetic divergence than those of C. mucedo (reflecting their relative dispersal capacities); and (3) genetic variation will be greatest in F. sultana (reflecting a propensity for genetic divergence as a result of its low dispersal potential). We found that hydrological connectivity enhanced genetic diversity and gene flow among C. mucedo populations but not in F. sultana while higher overall measures of clonal diversity and greater genetic divergence characterized populations of F. sultana. We suggest that genetic divergence over time within F. sultana populations reflects a general constraint of releasing propagules that might eventually be swept to sea when taxa inhabit running waters. In contrast, taxa that primarily inhabit lakes and ponds may colonize across hydrologically connected regions, establishing genetically related populations. Our study contributes more nuanced views about drivers of population genetic structures in passively dispersing freshwater invertebrates as outlined by the Monopolization Hypothesis (Acta Oecologica, 23, 2002, 121) by highlighting how a range of demographic and evolutionary processes reflect life-history attributes of benthic colonial invertebrates (bryozoans) and cyclically parthenogenetic zooplankton. In addition, growing evidence that genetic divergence may commonly characterize populations of diverse groups of riverine taxa suggests that organisms inhabiting lotic systems may be particularly challenged by environmental change. Such change may predispose riverine populations to extinction as a result of genetic divergence combined with limited dispersal and gene flow. OPEN RESEARCH BADGES This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally-shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.1tm8705.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Ruggeri
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology of Marine ModelsStation Biologique de RoscoffCNRS‐Sorbonne UniversityRoscoffFrance
| | - Ellen Pasternak
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
- Zoology DepartmentOxford UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Beth Okamura
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
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Oosting T, Star B, Barrett JH, Wellenreuther M, Ritchie PA, Rawlence NJ. Unlocking the potential of ancient fish DNA in the genomic era. Evol Appl 2019; 12:1513-1522. [PMID: 31462911 PMCID: PMC6708421 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish are the most diverse group of vertebrates, fulfil important ecological functions and are of significant economic interest for aquaculture and wild fisheries. Advances in DNA extraction methods, sequencing technologies and bioinformatic applications have advanced genomic research for nonmodel organisms, allowing the field of fish ancient DNA (aDNA) to move into the genomics era. This move is enabling researchers to investigate a multitude of new questions in evolutionary ecology that could not, until now, be addressed. In many cases, these new fields of research have relevance to evolutionary applications, such as the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the conservation of aquatic animals. Here, we focus on the application of fish aDNA to (a) highlight new research questions, (b) outline methodological advances and current challenges, (c) discuss how our understanding of fish ecology and evolution can benefit from aDNA applications and (d) provide a future perspective on how the field will help answer key questions in conservation and management. We conclude that the power of fish aDNA will be unlocked through the application of continually improving genomic resources and methods to well-chosen taxonomic groups represented by well-dated archaeological samples that can provide temporally and/or spatially extensive data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Oosting
- School of Biological SciencesVictoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Bastiaan Star
- Department of Biosciences, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary SynthesisUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - James H. Barrett
- Department of ArchaeologyUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Archaeology and Cultural HistoryNTNU University MuseumTrondheimNorway
- Trinity Centre for Environmental HumanitiesTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Maren Wellenreuther
- Nelson Seafood Research UnitPlant and Food ResearchNelsonNew Zealand
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Peter A. Ritchie
- School of Biological SciencesVictoria University of WellingtonWellingtonNew Zealand
| | - Nicolas J. Rawlence
- Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
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