Mullus

Research Directions:

Aquaculture Genetics

Description:

Genetic diversity, population structure and phylogeography of striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), one of the most high-priced demersal fishes in the Mediterranean Sea shall be determined by investigating mitochondrial control region sequences and microsatellite markers in parallel. A comparative investigation using different markers can be achieved by combining the competence of the two partner labs. The independent development of new mitochondrial control region primers at IFM-GEOMAR and the development of microsatellite markers at HCMR allows a close cooperation in terms of cross-laboratoy research with the goal of a joint data set for a better understanding of the genetic structure of striped red mullet populations throughout the distribution range of the species. Whether or not there is substantial genetic structure is of particular importance not only in the management of striped red mullet fisheries and the traceability of fisheries products but also for a better understanding of evolutionary pathways like the influence of geography, hydrography and reproduction mode on dispersal and speciation in the northeastern Atlantic and Mediterranean environment