Genomic Tools for Inferring Population Processes: Linkage Mapping in Red Drum

Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated the rapid and inexpensive development of genetic resources that can be used for investigating population dynamics of exploited marine fishes at an unprecedented level of resolution.  Among these tools, genetic linkage maps containing thousands of molecular markers provide a resource for contextualizing fine-scale genetic population structure at the genomic level, enabling identification of genetic variation important for localized adaptation and estimation of demographic parameters such as effective population size.  Linkage mapping and high-throughput genetic marker development for red drum can provide a tool to better understand these processes and, in turn, inform stock management and stock-enhancement decisions for the species.  Details regarding the development of a genetic linkage map and its potential for advancing future population genetics studies of red drum will be discussed.