Exploring mtDNA Databases to Evaluate the Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tursiops truncatus in the Atlantic Ocean: Implications for the Conservation of a Small, Offshore Population

Abstract

Inshore and offshore bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, ecotypes were distinguished through genetics, distribution, diet, morphology, diversity, and social behaviors. Although T. truncatus is a widely studied species, few studies have focused on offshore populations. Offshore biodiversity is frequently neglected due to the difficulty of data collection, and therefore, it is challenging to assess how threatened these populations are. A small, offshore population of dolphins residing around the Saint Peter Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA) in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean has been monitored for several years, and a decrease in the number of dolphin sightings has recently been noticed. We analyzed a comprehensive mtDNA control-region sequence dataset for this species to infer the conservation status and better understand the relationships between the SPSPA population and other offshore populations. We assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of the bottlenose dolphin from inshore and offshore populations of the Atlantic Ocean. Offshore populations are more genetically diverse and have less variation between populations than inshore populations. The offshore populations share haplotypes, indicating potential gene flow. However, the SPSPA population presented the lowest levels of genetic diversity between populations. The conservation status of the SPSPA population is concerning, and it is necessary to apply effective management strategies to guarantee its protection.