High Levels of Genetic Divergence Detected in Sacramento Perch Suggests Two Divergent Translocation Sources

Translocation has been used to conserve imperiled fishes and create new fisheries. One species for which translocation played a significant role is the Sacramento Perch Archoplites interruptus. Extirpated from its native range, introduced throughout California Nevada through multiple events, though historical records are incomplete. Recent assessments of eight previously uncharacterized populations have prompted reevaluation range-wide population structure inform genetic management plan long-term resiliency this species. We examined diversity across current range using 12 microsatellite markers. analyzed samples seven studied by Schwartz May (2008). Bayesian clustering supported two distinct clusters herein designated as A B. Within these we detected hierarchical substructure, likely due drift after founding. Genetic differentiation among within same cluster was relatively low (FST = 0.023–0.176), while different higher 0.190–0.320). The existence strongly divergent in suggests sources, recommend that be treated units (GMUs). B GMU had fairly levels relative populations. All showed evidence past bottlenecks, most effective sizes placing them at risk inbreeding depression. Human-facilitated gene flow recommended prevent further loss. Due uncertainty surrounding history strong divergence between GMUs, translocations should facilitated only GMU.