ddRAD genotyping reveals hierarchical genetic population structure in anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in the Lower Northwest Passage, Nunavut

Contemporary intraspecific patterns of genetic variation reflect the historical effects of population subdivision/expansion and forces like drift, gene flow and selection. We investigated the population structure of anadromous Arctic char in the Lower Northwest Passage (LNWP), Nunavut, using 3,074 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms markers (SNPs). Overall, the genetic differentiation was weak to moderate among 18 sampling locales (global FST=0.037). Populations were structured hierarchically, with a deeper genetic division between King William Island (global FST=0.018) and mainland populations ~ 200 km away to the south (global FST=0.018), and some evidence of genetic subgroups within the former. These findings suggest a role for char migratory behaviour in shaping contemporary genetic population structure, with demographic modelling favouring an isolation with migration over a strict isolation scenario. Twenty-two SNPs were identified as potentially under divergent selection with putative functions including neurotransmission and bone development and growth during late embryogenesis. Our study is the first survey of Arctic char in the LNWP using genomics, and provides baseline data for the development of a sustainable fishery within this region.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author