Changing phylogeographic pattern of Fenneropenaeus chinensis in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea inferred from microsatellite DNA: Implications for genetic management

The artificial propagation and release of Fenneropenaeus chinensis have been conducted over the past three decades in China. To examine the current population genetic diversity and variability of F. chinensis, six broodstock populations and two wild populations from Chinese coastal waters were collected, and nine microsatellite loci were analyzed. High genetic diversity was found for the eight F. chinensis populations. Inbreeding coefficient (F-is) estimates were all positive (0.215-0.317), suggesting that inbreeding occurs in this species. A total of 36 (50%) tests deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and all these loci showed evidence of a null allele. Low genetic differentiation among some F. chinensis populations was detected, which is consistent with the microsatellite DNA results of previous studies. A changing geographic pattern was detected for the F. chinensis population, and stock enhancement activity should be focused on F. chinensis because positive inbreeding coefficients were found.