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Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal fine scale geographic structure in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico

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Abstract

There is a need for biological information to support current stock designations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico. The existence of many inshore, resident “communities” raises questions as to the relationship these dolphins may hold with dolphins inhabiting neighboring inshore and coastal areas. In this study, population subdivision was examined among four resident, inshore bottlenose dolphin stocks (Sarasota Bay, FL, Tampa Bay, FL, Charlotte Harbor, FL and Matagorda Bay, TX) and one coastal stock (1–12 km offshore) in the Gulf of Mexico. Evidence of significant population structure among all areas was found on the basis of both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data and nine nuclear microsatellite loci. Estimates of relatedness showed no population contained a significantly high number of related individuals, while separate AMOVAs for males and females indicated that both sexes exhibit a significant level of site philopatry. Results presented here provide the first genetic evidence of population subdivision between the coastal Gulf of Mexico and adjacent inshore areas along the central west coast of Florida. Such strong genetic subdivision is surprising given the short geographical distance between many of these areas and the lack of obvious geographic barriers to prevent gene flow. These findings support the current, separate identification of stocks for bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the eastern coastal and inshore areas of the Gulf of Mexico.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the following people for their assistance with sample collection: E. Zolman, J. Thera, M. Alsina, T. Speakman, K. Fazioli, A. Westgate, K. Hull, S. Hofmann and the entire staff of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. This work also benefited from discussions with and assistance from L. Adams, S. Kingston, K. Tolley, N. Barros, M. Krützen, L. Schwacke, A. Strand and D. Queller. Funding and/or logistical support for this research was provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Chicago Zoological Society, Dolphin Quest, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and the U. S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Biopsy sampling was carried out under NMFS Scientific Research Permits No. 522-1527 and No. 522-1569.

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  1. Ocean Sciences Department, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA

    Anna B. Sellas

  2. Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, 34236, USA

    Randall S. Wells

  3. National Marine Fisheries Service, 646 Cajundome Blvd, Lafayette, LA, 70506, USA

    Anna B. Sellas & Patricia E. Rosel

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  1. Anna B. Sellas
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  2. Randall S. Wells
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Correspondence to Patricia E. Rosel.

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Sellas, A., Wells, R. & Rosel, P. Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses reveal fine scale geographic structure in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Gulf of Mexico. Conserv Genet 6, 715–728 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-005-9031-7

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