Genetic diversity and population structure of yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) along the Chinese coast using 2b-RAD technology

The yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) is a commercially valuable fish species inhabiting the northwest Pacific and is also an important fisheries resource in China. However, overexploitation of marine resources in recent years has had a certain impact on the natural resources of its wild populations. To assess the status of its wild genetic resources, we employed 2b-RAD technology to identify 81,044 high-quality SNP loci from 99 individuals across 10 regions along the Chinese coast. Utilizing these SNP loci, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 10 yellowfin seabream populations and conducted a demographic history analysis for the species along the Chinese coast. The study results indicate that there was not much difference in the genetic diversity among the 10 populations, all of which were at a relatively low level. No genetic differentiation has been observed among the 10 populations. The 99 individuals showed close kinship, clustering as a single population. Demographic history analysis revealed a rapid expansion of the yellowfin seabream population during the Late Pleistocene. This study provides important insights into the current status of wild yellowfin seabream resources along Chinese coast and underscores the need for effective and scientific conservation measures. The findings also provide a theoretical basis and reference for the conservation and sustainable utilization of its genetic resources.