Background Stock enhancement has been widely used as an important resource restoration measure in global fisheries management. However, its long-term impact on the genetic characteristics of target species still requires further investigation. Acanthopagrus latus, an important commercial fish species in the coastal waters of Xiamen, Fujian Province, has genetic stability that is crucial for maintaining the health of its population.
Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of recent stock enhancement on the genetic characteristics of A. latus in the coastal waters of Xiamen and to determine whether it has caused any significant effects on the germplasm resources of the population.
Methods Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences were used to sequence samples of A. latus collected at different time points in the coastal waters of Xiamen. Genetic diversity analysis, phylogenetic tree construction, and molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) were employed to assess the genetic variation within the populations.
Results The analysis revealed 66 mitochondrial DNA control region sequences obtained from 3 A. latus populations, with 82 polymorphic sites, defining 58 haplotypes, 54 of which were unique. The overall genetic diversity level of the populations was high. The NJ-Tree based on 58 mitochondrial control region haplotypes showed that all A. latus clustered into one group. AMOVA analysis indicated that the majority of genetic variation in the populations came from within the groups, with only 1.23% of the variation attributed to differences between groups.
Conclusion The recent stock enhancement activities in the coastal waters of Xiamen have not significantly affected the genetic diversity of A. latus, and the population’s genetic structure remains stable. This finding supports the optimization of future stock enhancement strategies and the sustainable management of A. latus resources.
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