Genetic differences between hatchery stocks and natural populations in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus) estimated using microsatellite dNA markers.

Genetic variations within and between nine hatchery stocks and seven natural populations of abalone including Ezo-abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) and Kuro-abalone (H. d. discus) were assayed with nine microsatellite markers. Marked reductions of genetic variability in the hatchery stocks were recognized in the allelic diversity and mean heterozygosity compared with the natural populations. Thirteen of 16 significant HWE deviations in hatchery stocks revealed heterozygotes excess, while all natural populations did not show such a tendency. Highly significant F (ST) values were observed for all cases between the hatchery stocks, and between the hatchery stocks and natural populations. Genetic distance (D (A)) between each hatchery stock and the geographically proximal population (mean +/- SD, 0.108 +/- 0.035) were similar to those estimated for between the natural Ezo-abalone and Kuro-abalone (0.101 +/- 0.021). The self-assignment test, which allocated individuals to their own stock with a high success rate, provided evidence of solid genetic differences among the nine hatchery stocks. These results suggests that the allelic composition and diversity in the natural populations was not necessarily reflected in the hatchery stocks owing to population bottleneck and genetic drift through seedling process, and thus the seedling and stocking practice of these hatchery stocks should take much notice of the results to conserve the genetic diversity of natural populations.