Patrones de conectividad y diversidad genética de una pequeña especie de tiburón demersal, Mustelus lunulatus (Carcharhiniformes: Triakidae), en el Pacífico de Panamá
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.3922026010410Palabras clave:
Diversidad genética, pesquerías, ADN mitocondrial, Pacífico tropical orientalResumen
Commonly known as the sicklefin smooth-hound shark due to its characteristic molariform teeth, Mustelus lunulatus, is one of the main shark species targeted by fisheries along the Pacific coast of Panama. It is distributed from southern California to Ecuador, including Malpelo Island in Colombia. The species inhabits benthic zones on the continental shelf and nearshore coastal waters of the Pacific. This study evaluated the genetic diversity, population structure and connectivity of M. lunulatus using COI mitochondrial. Tissue samples were collected from three major Pacific Gulf systems of Panama: Gulf of Chiriqui, Gulf of Montijo, and Gulf of Panama. Genetic analysis revealed differences among regions. Among the analyzed areas, Gulf of Montijo exhibited the highest haplotypic diversity (Hd = 0.83) with a moderately negative Tajima’s D value (D = -0.42436), suggesting a population with signs of expansion and lower fishing pressure. On the other hand, Gulf of Chiriqui showed reduced haplotypic diversity (Hd = 0.42) and positive Tajima’s D (D = 0.33350), consistent with a population under demographic contraction of intense targeted fishing. Gulf of Panama showed intermediate levels of haplotypic diversity (Hd = 0.79), and a strongly negative Tajima’s D (D = -1.52793). The observed genetic structuring and different levels of genetic diversity across study sites underscore the importance of incorporating genetic data into sustainable fisheries and management. These findings support the delineation of region-specific conservation strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of M. lunulatus populations in Panama’s Pacific coastal ecosystems, especially at the Gulf of Montijo.
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