نبذة مختصرة : The objective of this study is to describe the population structure of the endangered marine fish, Epinephelus marginatus (Teleostei: Serranidae), in the Maltese archipelago for the purpose of localized conservation management planning. Preliminary genetic population structure of the Maltese dusky groupers was determined by six microsatellite markers. Initial results based on F values comparing three spatial groups (Group A, North Malta; Group B, South Malta; and Group C, Hurd Bank) indicate group A and B are one continuous population inhabiting the Maltese archipelago (P > 0.05) whereas group C, an area 23 km east of the main island, is identified as a sub-population to these groups (P = 0; P = 0). Results suggest that management should be designed to reflect the archipelago as a single population. ; peer-reviewed
No Comments.