A Genomic Approach to the Conservation and Management of Red Snapper, a Non-Model Species Candidate for Stock Enhancement

Genetic management of marine fisheries and stock enhancement has been limited by the prohibitive costs associated with producing the fine scale genome scans needed to effectively study selection and local adaptation occurring in populations. Recent advances in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have considerably reduced the time and costs involved in generating genomic resources required to perform comprehensive population surveys, thus providing new opportunities for the study of non-model species.

This project aims to incorporate NGS technologies in the genetic management of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), an intensively exploited marine species candidate for stock enhancement. A red snapper draft genome sequence was generated using P-454 and Illumina sequencing and applied as a reference to map Restriction Site Associated DNA (RAD) Tags and characterize associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). RAD-sequencing is currently being deployed to describe genetic variation among wild populations of red snapper and construct a high-density linkage map. Anticipated developments also include a panel of targeted SNPs, selected for genetic monitoring of genome wide variation in populations during stock enhancement. The obtained tools will contribute to an effective characterization of linkage disequilibrium and mapping of genomic regions involved in local adaptation for improved conservation and management planning.