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Strong population genetic structure and larval dispersal capability of the burrowing ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis)
Citation:
Kozuka, K., V. Chaidez, T. H. DEWITT, A. D'Andrea, B. Dumbauld, AND L. Parr. Strong population genetic structure and larval dispersal capability of the burrowing ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis). Presented at Pacific Estuarine Research Society 2008 Meeting, Newport, OR, February 28 - March 01, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
The burrowing ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis, is a vital member of the estuarine benthic community.
Description:
The burrowing ghost shrimp, Neotrypaea californiensis, is a vital member of the estuarine benthic community. Dense populations of shrimp are found in the major estuaries of Washington and Oregon. Our study determines the genetic structure of shrimp populations in order to gain insight into the dispersal capability of larvae. We analyzed COI, a mitochondrial gene, from 500+ adult shrimp sampled along estuaries in Washington and Oregon and 200 larvae samples along the Oregon coast. We identified three major adult haplotypes and five major larvae haplotypes. Adults from Washington have strong genetic similarity to Oregon samples and larvae sampled from Oregon share haplotypes with the adults from both regions. Juvenile recruitment to the estuaries follows a southward seeding pattern (consistent with direction of flow of the California Current) during the summer recruitment period. This data suggests that shrimp larvae are not simply passive drifters in the ocean, but could be moving vertically through the water column to maintain retention along the nearshore. Genetically distinct haplotypes are present at or south of Heceta Head, OR indicating limited gene flow to this region. Coastal topography and oceanic currents are likely a key factor in determining the migration boundaries for these larvae.