Genetic Population Structure of Adult Red Drum Along the Southeastern US. Coast

Red drum Sciaenops ocellatus is an estuarine-dependent finfish that supports a large recreational fishery along the southeastern Atlantic coast of the U.S.  Significant declines in population abundance have triggered substantial research efforts directed toward assessing red drum.  However, most work has focused on the estuarine-dependent subadult portion of the population due to logistical sampling limitations, resulting in a data deficiency regarding adult red drum (ASMFC, 2009).  Currently, red drum is managed as two units along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast based on variations in life history characteristics occurring near the North Carolina/South Carolina border, with no information on genetic population structure available. Robust microsatellite data were generated from collections made off the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  Results indicate the North Carolina aggregations are genetically distinct from the southern collection locations during the spawning season indicating a break in gene flow among these regions.  Among year recapture of individuals further support the unique population structure findings.  Comparative genetic characterization of adult red drum in these regions is provided.  These data complement the observed life history characteristics of red drum and verify the ASMFC management units.