Recent Contributions of Genomics Towards a Better Understanding of Anguilla's Biology: Relevance for the Conservation of a Threatened Genus

Conservation genetics is the application of genetics to preserve species as dynamic entities capable of coping with environmental change. Here, molecular data can play two fundamental roles: 1) Inventorial, which pertains to documenting patterns and has driven much of what we have accomplished until recently, 2) Mechanistic, which refers to deciphering evolutionary processes underlying those patterns, and still in its infancy. This is where we put big hopes in the use of high throughput genomics methods that are currently revolutionizing the field of population genetics.  Ultimately, we aim at finding causal relationships between genetic variation, phenotypes and environment to predict future dynamics of selectively important variation and potential for adaptation to new conditions. I will illustrate the progress that has been made towards this end in Anguilla, with an emphasis on Atlantic eels.  In particular, recent studies provided; i) a detailed view of whole genome divergence between European and American eels; ii) definite evidence for panmixia in both species;  iii) strong support for spatially varying selection associated with temperature, habitat use and pollution, iv) suggestive evidence that such selection is responsible for generating genetically-based local phenotypic differences. I will discuss the relevance of these new findings for eel conservation strategies.