AUTHOR=Corrigan Shannon , Lowther Andrew D. , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Bruce Barry D. , Cliff Geremy , Duffy Clinton A. , Foulis Alan , Francis Malcolm P. , Goldsworthy Simon D. , Hyde John R. , Jabado Rima W. , Kacev Dovi , Marshall Lindsay , Mucientes Gonzalo R. , Naylor Gavin J. P. , Pepperell Julian G. , Queiroz Nuno , White William T. , Wintner Sabine P. , Rogers Paul J. TITLE=Population Connectivity of the Highly Migratory Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque 1810) and Implications for Management in the Southern Hemisphere JOURNAL=Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution VOLUME=6 YEAR=2018 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2018.00187 DOI=10.3389/fevo.2018.00187 ISSN=2296-701X ABSTRACT=

In this paper we combine analyses of satellite telemetry and molecular data to investigate spatial connectivity and genetic structure among populations of shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) in and around Australian waters, where this species is taken in recreational and commercial fisheries. Mitochondrial DNA data suggest matrilineal substructure across hemispheres, while nuclear DNA data indicate shortfin mako may constitute a globally panmictic population. There was generally high genetic connectivity within Australian waters. Assessing genetic connectivity across the Indian Ocean basin, as well as the extent that shortfin mako exhibit sex biases in dispersal patterns would benefit from future improved sampling of adult size classes, particularly of individuals from the eastern Indian Ocean. Telemetry data indicated that Australasian mako are indeed highly migratory and frequently make long-distance movements. However, individuals also exhibit fidelity to relatively small geographic areas for extended periods. Together these patterns suggest that shortfin mako populations may be genetically homogenous across large geographical areas as a consequence of few reproductively active migrants, although spatial partitioning exists. Given that connectivity appears to occur at different scales, management at both the national and regional levels seems most appropriate.