Molecular analysis of genetic variation and relationships amongst abalone (Haliotis midae) at the I&J abalone hatchery at Danger Point, Gansbaai, R.S.A.

Date
2002-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The species Haliotis midae is the only abalone species of commercial importance to the South African fisheries industry. The species is currently under substantial pressure due to commercial harvest and illegal poaching, to the extent that genetic and biodiversity may be under threat. The species is also being cultured in commercial systems for supply to international markets. The South African production for 2002 amounted to 350 tons. The commercial production of abalone may also have implications with regard to genetic diversity of natural and commercial populations. The aim of this project was to assess the genetic diversity of the natural and commercial populations of abalone at the I&J Abalone Farm, Danger Point, Gansbaai, in South Africa, in order to make recommendation with regard to possible impact on natural diversity as well as internal management systems. Distortion of natural genetic diversity or a loss of internal diversity will have detrimental consequences. Representative samples have been obtained from the surrounding natural population, as well as the commercial populations, including the broodstock and various progeny groups. Both mtDNA and AFLP molecular techniques were used to assess genetic diversity. Data analysis showed that the genetic profile of the commercial population display sufficient genetic variation. The genetic structure of the commercial population also displays no significant deviation from that of the surrounding natural population, i.e. the population of origin. The results through give indication of a small, though unsignificant loss of genetic variation from the broodstock to the subsequent progeny groups. The investigation conclude that the commercial populations of abalone at the I&J Abalone Farm, Danger Point, Gansbaai, in its current format holds no threat to the disruption of the genetic diversity of the surrounding natural population. Further, the commercial population possesses sufficient genetic variation in view of future genetic development. There is signs of a slight loss of genetic variation in the change over from the broodstock to the progeny groups. This would necessitate careful and controlled replacement of the original broodstock with new animals from the commercial progeny groups as part of an ongoing process of domestication.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die spesie Haliotis midae is die enigste perlemoen spesie van kommersiële belang vir Suid Afrikaanse visserye. Die spesie verkeer tans onder toenemende druk as gevolg van kommersiële en onwettige vangste, tot so 'n mate dat genetiese en biodiversiteit daardeur geaffekteer kan word. Die spesie word in toenemende mate kunsmatig gekweek vir voorsiening aan internasionale markte. Suid Afrikaanse produksie vir 2002 beloop reeds sowat 350 ton per jaar. Die kunsmatige produksie van perlemoen het ook moontlike implikasies op die genetiese diversiteit van natuurlike en kommersiële populasies van die perlemoen, Haliotis midae. Die doel van die projek was om die aard van genetiese diversiteit van die natuurlike en kommersiële populasies van perlemoen by die I&J Perlemoen Plaas, Danger Point, Gansbaai in Suid Afrika te ondersoek, ten einde aanbevelings te maak ten opsigte van moontlike impak op natuurlike diversiteit asook ten opsigte van interne genetiese bestuurstelsels. Versteuring van natuurlike diversiteit of verlies van interne diversiteit hou nadelige gevolge in. Verteenwoordigende monsters is versamel vanuit die omliggende natuurlike populasies, sowel as van die kommersiële populasie op die plaas, insluitend die teelmateriaal en verskillende nageslaggroepe. Beide mtDNA en AFLP-molekulêre tegnieke is gebruik tydens die ontleding van genetiese diversiteit. Dataontleding het aangetoon dat die genetiese profiel van die kommersiële populasie voldoende genetiese variasie demonstreer. Die genetiese struktuur van die kommersiële populasie toon verder geen betekenisvolle verskil met die omliggende natuurlike populasie nie, dit wil sê met die populasie van oorsprong nie. Die resultate toon verder 'n geringe, dog nie betekenisvolle verlies van genetiese variasie wat waargeneem word met oorgang van die teelmateriaal na die onderskeie nageslaggroepe. Die bevindinge van die ondersoek is dus dat die kommersiële populasie op die I&J Perlemoen Plaas, Danger Point, Gansbaai, in die huidige formaat, geen bedreiging inhou vir die versteuring van die omliggende natuurlike genetiese diversiteit nie. Verdere bevindinge is dat die kommersiële populasie oor voldoende genetiese diversiteit beskik met die oog op toekomstige genetiese ontwikkeling. Daar is tekens van 'n geringe afname in genetiese diversiteit met die oorgang vanaf die teelmateriaal na die nageslaggroepe. Dit beklemtoon die belang van 'n gekontroleerde vervanging van die oorspronklike teelmateriaal met nuwe teeldiere vanuit die kommersiële populasie as deel van die domestikasieproses.
Description
Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
Keywords
Abalones -- South Africa, Abalones -- Genetics, Abalone culture -- South Africa -- Gansbaai, Abalone populations
Citation