Data from: Population genetics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Data files
Apr 22, 2025 version files 44.28 KB
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PEI_Microsatellite_Genotypes.txt
42.92 KB
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README.md
1.36 KB
Abstract
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) have experienced population declines across their native range. Widespread stocking has been a population recovery strategy, but there is a growing awareness that stocking may put genetic integrity at risk. In Prince Edward Island, Canada, over 37 million salmon have been stocked since 1880. This study used a panel of six microsatellites and next-generation sequencing to evaluate the genetic composition of 884 individuals from 20 rivers. Bayesian clustering methods inferred groupings that were generally consistent with spatial distribution of rivers. A cluster in northeastern PEI was the most distinct, clustering separately across all methods. Distance between rivers accounted for 25.8% of the variations, whereas stocking intensity did not predict genetic variation. The genetic composition of the most heavily stocked river changed over a few years, suggesting that wild free-ranging fish could outcompete stocked fish. Currently, PEI has multiple genetic stocks that are consistent with the post-glacial biogeography rather than stocking history. Clarification of these adaptations is required to guide the incorporation of genetics into management strategies for the benefit of Atlantic salmon conservation.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.xksn02vst
Description of the data and file structure
The dataset contains alleles from six microsatellite loci to evaluate Atlantic salmon populations in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. Data cover 752 individuals from 21 watersheds in the province of PEI. Analysis of genetic structure showed multiple groupings on PEI. Some of this variation can be explained by geographic distance between groupings and post-glacial recession and biogeography. While stocking was presumed to impact genetic structure on PEI there were no significant correlations between these.
Files and variables
File: PEI_Microsatellite_Genotypes.txt
Description: Compilation of microsatellite alleles across 752 individual Atlantic salmon from 21 rivers in Prince Edward Island Canada. Sampling occurred from 2016-2017. Missing data are entered as 000000. When the name of the river was too long, abbreviations were used and are listed below with full names. Assume the full name is given in the file if not listed.
CARR: Carruthers Brook
NLC: North Lake Creek
LTROUT: Little Trout River
NRIVER: North River
PRIESTP: Priest Pond Creek
COLEMAN: Trout River Coleman
TYNEV: Trout River Tyne Valley