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Genetic structure and connectivity of the critically endangered deep-sea octocoral Isidella elongata (Esper, 1788): implications for marine biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea
  • +13
  • Valentina Lauria,
  • Francesco Gargano,
  • Marco Arculeo,
  • Gioacchino Bono,
  • Fabio Fiorentino,
  • Jean-François Flot,
  • Olivier Collard,
  • Maria Cristina Follesa,
  • Germana Garofalo,
  • Vincent Georges,
  • Porzia Maiorano,
  • Daniela Massi,
  • Caterina Stamouli,
  • Sandrine Vaz,
  • Sergio Vitale,
  • Luca Vecchioni
Valentina Lauria
IRBIM CNR

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Francesco Gargano
Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Marco Arculeo
Università di Palermo
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Gioacchino Bono
IRBIM CNR
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Fabio Fiorentino
IRBIM CNR
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Jean-François Flot
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
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Olivier Collard
IB
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Maria Cristina Follesa
University of Cagliari
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Germana Garofalo
IRBIM CNR
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Vincent Georges
IRBIM CNR
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Porzia Maiorano
University of Bari Aldo Moro
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Daniela Massi
IRBIM CNR
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Caterina Stamouli
Institute of Marine Biological Resources & Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research
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Sandrine Vaz
MARBEC
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Sergio Vitale
IRBIM CNR
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Luca Vecchioni
UNIPA STEBICEF
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Abstract

The protection of the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem identified by the presence of the critically endangered bamboo coral Isidella elongata has been recognized as an urgent task. Although some research has focused on its spatial distribution, there is no available information on this species connectivity and genetic structure. This study aims to investigate, for the first time, the genetic diversity pattern and the inter-population connectivity of I. elongata at the Mediterranean scale. A DNA-based approach was used to assess the genetic diversity of 33 I. elongata samples collected in six different areas using two mitochondrial genes (COI and MutS), and a nuclear one (ITS2). Molecular results confirmed that all samples belonged to I. elongata and showed a scarce level of intra- and inter-populational mtDNA differentiation, whereas nuDNA data showed higher genetic structuring. Furthermore, a Lagrangian model (forward-in-time simulations) was used to investigate the species larval connectivity under different sea currents conditions. Our results suggest the presence of persistent pathways, supporting the self-sustaining nature of the populations, especially in the central Mediterranean Sea. This study finding are discussed in light of the implementation of management measures encompassing both the conservation of vulnerable species and the sustainability of deep-water fisheries.