Population Genetic Structure of the Guadalupe Bass Micropterus treculii

The population genetic structure of aquatic species are largely influenced by geographic factors, but can also be influenced by contemporary factors including anthropogenic activities such as stocking of hatchery reared fish and translocations.  The Guadalupe bass, Micropterus treculii, is native to the western gulf slope drainages from the Brazos to the Guadalupe drainages and occurs primarily in upland streams of the Edwards Plateau where stream captures and sea level changes have been proposed as mechanisms of dispersal among drainages.  Also, stocking of Guadalupe bass has occurred as a part of restoration efforts because of introgression with introduced smallmouth bass, M. dolomieu.  We investigated the influences of these historical and contemporary factors on the population genetic structure of Guadalupe bass using fifteen microsatellite loci.  The results of this study will provide insight into zoogeographic processes affecting distribution and genetic structure of aquatic organisms of the Edwards Plateau as well as provide critical information in establishing conservation and management strategies for Guadalupe bass.