Population genomics and management of albacore tuna and deacon rockfish

Genetic analyses have assisted fisheries management for over 50 years, but the uptake of methods has been slow, and the information provided by traditional DNA sequencing methods is often limited for marine organisms. Using preliminary results from North Pacific albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) and deacon rockfish (Sebastes diaconus) as example systems, we demonstrate the application and value of restriction site associated DNA sequencing (RAD sequencing) for fisheries management. Albacore tuna have a cosmopolitan distribution among the world’s oceans, supporting a global fishing industry, but the population genetic structure, migration routes and stock boundaries of the species are currently uncertain. Found in Oregon, the deacon rockfish was only recognised as a distinct species in 2015, and the biological diversity and stock boundaries of the species are a subject of ongoing investigation. RAD sequencing is a cost-time efficient method, and it provides a wealth of genetic data and novel insight towards the study of these species.