Effects of oceanographic circulation on the gene flow, genetic structure, and phylogeography of the rosethorn rockfish (Sebastes helvomaculatus)

The genetic structure and phylogeography of 88 rosethorn rockfish (Sebastes helvomaculatus) from five localities (California, Oregon, British Columbia, and two in the Gulf of Alaska) were analyzed using DNA sequences from the mitochondrial control region. High levels of genetic diversity (h > 85%) and significant population genetic structure (F ST = 0.13, P < 0.001; AMOVA Φ ST = 0.15, P << 0.001) were found. A significant genetic break was detected (Φ CT = 0.22, P << 0.001) coinciding with the transition zone between the Oregonian and Aleutian zoogeographic provinces and consistent with retention and dispersal mechanisms associated with the oceanographic circulation of the region. A correlation between geographic distance and population genetic distance supported the hypothesis of gene flow dominated by pelagic-phase dispersal. Oregonian province populations had higher haplotype diversity, with >70% of the individuals representing a recent lineage absent in the Aleutian province. This suggests a limited northward dispersal across the zoogeographic boundary. The phylogeographic stucture may be due to a founder effect in the Aleutian province or an ocean circulation driven pseudo-vicariance. These results demonstrate that organisms with protracted pelagic-phase stages and high dispersal capability can exhibit population genetic structure that reflects their historical demography and present dispersal patterns.