Transitioning from Conservation Genetics to Conservation Genomics or with Great DNA Sequencing Power Comes Great Computing and Bioinformatic Requirments

The genomics era, prompted by massively parallel DNA sequencing, has opened up exciting possibilities in the field of resource management by enabling analyses of non-model species. Genome-wide data allow for increased coverage of both nuclear and organelle components thus allowing robust studies of neutral and non-neutral genetic variation associated with fitness and adaptation potential. Genomic analyses can also advance management efforts for populations facing rapid environmental change by identifying markers exhibiting adaptive variation indicative of resiliency and persistence signatures (i.e. heat resistance, drought tolerance, pH tolerance, and phenology).  However, the development of genomic tools in non-model species still carries multiple challenges, particularly those associated with sampling, computational, and bioinformatic constraints. Full utilization of massively parallel sequencing will require higher accuracy, better ways to select genomic subsets of interest, and improvements in the functionality, speed, and ease of use of rapidly evolving data analysis software. In addition, substantial enhancements are needed in laboratory computer infrastructure, data storage, and data transfer capacity for the extremely large data sets produced. This review provides an overview of the most significant applications of massively parallel sequencing, the implications and limitations of genomic studies in conservation, and the resource limitations facing genome-scale research.