Genetic population structure of the precious coral Corallium japonicum in the Northwest Pacific

Population sizes of the Japanese red coral Corallium japonicum have been severely affected by poaching and overfishing. Although genetic structure connectivity patterns are considered important parameters for conservation strategies, there few studies focusing on population genetics C. in Northwest Pacific. We examined , used restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq), which can be to identify genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), reveal detailed within-species variations. Using variable SNP loci identified from this analysis, we successfully evaluated population-level diversity gene flow among multiple populations around Japan. The results analysis basically showed that is widely maintained geographic range study, but combination with larval dispersal simulations revealed several were genetically distinct other populations, suggesting geographically limited flows. information obtained study will useful design effective management schemes under threat