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Population genetic connectivity of an endangered stingray from The Bahamas

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Abstract

An increasing number of studies are applying novel genetic tools to assess familial relationships of marine organisms to underpin management and conservation efforts. Here, we describe the reproductive population structure of the endangered Atlantic Chupare stingray (Styracura schmardae) from The Bahamas using a double digest restriction-site-associated DNA methodology among 71 individuals. Results from the 1552 SNPs indicate clear kinship patterns in 52 stingrays collected from three geographic zones and suggest individuals from the Exuma Sound study area belong to a single genetic population. A gradient in mature-immature rays existed, suggesting the Chupare rays of Exuma Sound may be reliant on the shallow waters along this island chain as an ontogenetic migration corridor (the deep waters of the sound likely is a physical barrier). These data are critical in evaluating the importance of coastal shallow water habitats to population connectivity in this large coastal elasmobranch. Study results document inherent vulnerability within the Exuma Sound population. Further, these data provide additional support for the declining population trends noted across the range of this endangered species and can inform effective management of this stingray and the habitats that support it.

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Data availability

The data that support this study will be shared upon reasonable request to the authors. Demultiplexed sequence data are available at the SRA database (SRA Bioproject: PRJNA905404).

Code availability

Code will be shared upon reasonable request to the authors.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the many volunteers and Cape Eleuthera Institute interns and technicians for assistance in data collection. A special thanks to Catherine Booker of the Exuma Foundation for in-kind support and for facilitating the outreach components of this study in Great Exuma. Additionally, A. Shultz, C. White, C. Ward, A. Waldman, K. Luniewicz, M. Firing, S. Burnside, D. Montgomery and R. Halinan for extended periods of field work. We also thank two anonymous reviewers for helpful suggestions which improved this manuscript.

Funding

This study was funded in part by the Hummingbird Cay Foundation, the Rufford Foundation and the Cape Eleuthera Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA

    Elizabeth M. Wallace

  2. Cape Eleuthera Institute, Rock Sound, Eleuthera, Bahamas

    Owen R. O’Shea

  3. The Centre for Ocean Research and Education, Gregory Town, Eleuthera, Bahamas

    Owen R. O’Shea

Authors
  1. Elizabeth M. Wallace
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  2. Owen R. O’Shea
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Contributions

Both authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by EW and ORO. The first draft of the manuscript was written by EW and ORO and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Owen R. O’Shea.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Ethical approval

This study was conducted with permission from The Bahamas Department of Marine Resources Permit Nos. MAF/FIS/17 and MAF/FIS/34 and strictly followed IACUC regulations for animal care. It should be noted at the time of data collection, this species was considered ‘Data Deficient’ by the IUCN and so endangered species research permits were not required.

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Wallace, E.M., O’Shea, O.R. Population genetic connectivity of an endangered stingray from The Bahamas. Hydrobiologia 850, 441–454 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-05087-1

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