Using Molecular Markers to Assess Population Connectivity in Dungeness Crab (Cancer magister)

Connectivity broadly describes the extent to which populations in different parts of a species’ range are linked by the exchange of larvae, recruits, juveniles or adults.  Although both genetic (i.e. gene flow) and demographic (i.e. population growth) connectivity are important to developing effective management and conservation strategies, they are often poorly understood in marine species.  We are using molecular markers to evaluate the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of Dungeness crab, Oregon’s most valuable single-species fishery.  Understanding how patterns of larval distribution, abundance, and dispersal regulate adult population dynamics is important to the sustainable management of Dungeness crab.  This depends on explicit knowledge of population genetic structure which is currently lacking. Our research will thus help fill critical information gaps and promote science-based management and understanding of this fishery resource.