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High microsatellite genetic variability of the stone loach, **Barbatula barbatula**, in anthropogenically disturbed watercourses

Tijdschriftbijdrage - Tijdschriftartikel

Genetic variation within and among stone loach, Barbatula barbatula L., populations inhabiting anthropogenically degraded watercourses in Flanders (northern part of Belgium) was assessed using five microsatellite markers. High levels of genetic diversity were observed at all sampling sites, (MNA: 6.211.2; HO: 0.640.75; HE: 0.670.85). Estimates of the effective population size varied between 1535 and 3021 individuals and there were no indications of recent severe bottlenecks. Significant genetic differentiation was observed among sites belonging to different river systems and drainage basins. These results suggest human activities, such as pollution and river engineering, have not impacted significantly on genetic variability in the stone loach populations investigated. It is possible that this lack of genetic erosion may be attributed to species-specific characteristics such as pollution tolerance and ecological flexibility.
Tijdschrift: Fisheries management and ecology
ISSN: 0969-997X
Volume: 16
Pagina's: 112 - 120
Jaar van publicatie:2009