Low Genetic Differentiation across Three Major Ocean Populations of the Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus

TLDR

Whale sharks are a declining species with limited biological data, protected in many regions yet still fished in some, and it is unclear whether they form a single panmictic population or multiple isolated populations. Baseline biological and ecological data are needed to allow the formulation of an effective conservation plan for whale sharks. Genetic analysis of population structure is one essential component of the baseline data required for whale shark conservation.

Abstract

Whale sharks are a declining species for which little biological data is available. While these animals are protected in many parts of their range, they are fished legally and illegally in some countries. Baseline biological and ecological data are needed to allow the formulation of an effective conservation plan for whale sharks. It is not known, for example, whether the whale shark is represented by a single worldwide panmictic population or by numerous, reproductively isolated populations. Genetic analysis of population structure is one essential component of the baseline data required for whale shark conservation.