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Genetic diversity and structure of natural and transplanted eelgrass populations in the Chesapeake and Chincoteague Bays

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Abstract

The objective of this study was to gain baseline population data on the genetic diversity and differentiation of eelgrass (Zostera marïna L.) populations in the Chesapeake and Chincoteague bays. Natural and transplanted eelgrass beds were compared using starch gel electrophoresis of allozymes. Transplanted eelgrass beds were not reduced in genetic diversity compared with natural beds. Inbreeding coefficients (FIS) indicated that transplanted eelgrass beds had theoretically higher levels of outcrossing than natural beds, suggesting the significance of use of seeds as donor material and of seedling recruitment following transplantation diebacks. Natural populations exhibited very great genetic structure (FST=0.335), but transplanted beds were genetically similar to the donor bed and each other. Genetic diversity was lowest in Chincoteague Bay, reflecting recent restoration history since the 1930s wasting disease and geographical isolation from other east coast populations. These data provide a basis for developing a management plan for conserving eelgrass genetic diversity in the Chesapeake Bay and for guiding estuary-wide restoration efforts. It will be important to recognize that the natural genetic diversity of eelgrass in the estuary is distributed among various populations and is not well represented by single populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 92182-4614, San Diego, California

    Susan L. Williams

  2. School of Marine Science Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, 23062, Gloucester Point, Virginia

    Robert J. Orth

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  1. Susan L. Williams
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  2. Robert J. Orth
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Correspondence to Susan L. Williams.

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Contribution number 281 from the Coastal and Marine Institute, San Diego State University, and number 2074 from the School of Marine Science, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary.

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Williams, S.L., Orth, R.J. Genetic diversity and structure of natural and transplanted eelgrass populations in the Chesapeake and Chincoteague Bays. Estuaries 21, 118–128 (1998). https://doi.org/10.2307/1352551

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