Fine-scale genetic structuring in Corallium rubrum: evidence of inbreeding and limited effective larval dispersal

Abstract

The red coral Corallium rubrum, has a long history of intensive exploitation. As a consequence, most populations have been over harvested, which may lead to reduced levels of genetic diversity. Corallium rubrum is a gorgonian distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and neighbouring Atlantic coasts with brooding larvae which disperse only over short distances. Such limited dispersal of larvae suggests that gene flow is restricted in this species, but no experimental evidences are yet available. In this study small spatial scale genetic structuring was analysed in C. rubrum samples collected in the Ligurian Sea using a hierarchical sampling design including scales from tens to hundreds of meters. The genetic variation of each colony was analysed using four microsatellite loci. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to elevate heterozygote deficiencies were detected in all samples, and were consistent with the occurrence of inbreeding and a Wahlund effect. Significant levels of genetic differentiation were found both between locations (FST = 0.209±0.02) and among samples within each location (FST range = 0.025-0.082). Our results indicate the occurrence of significant genetic structuring at spatial scales of tens of meter, supporting the hypothesis of limited effective dispersal ability of the planulae. The occurrence of structured breeding units and differences in genetic diversity among samples also suggest that strategies for sustainable management and conservation of red coral should be defined at a local scale.