York, Paul, Smith, Timothy, Thiel, Martin, Broitman, Bernardo, Hays, Graeme, van Sebille, Erik, Putman, Nathan, Macreadie, Peter, and Sherman, Craig (2014) The South American seagrass Zostera chiliensis: endangered or invasive? In: 11th International Seagrass Biology Workshop Abstracts. From: ISBW11: 11th International Seagrass Biology Workshop, 6-10 November 2014, Sanya, China.

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Abstract

The seagrass Zostera chilensis was recently described following taxonomic separation of Heterozostera tasmanica into four new species. With only three known populations occurring along the coast of central Chile it is classified as an endangered species under the IUCN redlist. Recent molecular work has revealed no distinction between Z. chiliensis and the Australian seagrass Z. nigricaulis, suggesting a recent introduction to Chile. Successful amplification of seagrass samples from Chile using species-specific microsatellite markers developed for Z. nigricaulis support the idea that Chilean populations are derived from Australia. Using a combination of molecular data, historical shipping records, fragment viability data and oceanic modeling, we explore the possibility of a trans-oceanic dispersal event spanning several thousands of kilometres, versus a human mediated introduction event via shipping. Levels of genotypic diversity and patterns of connectivity among the three isolated populations along the Chilean coast are also explored. The results from this study have important implications for understanding how potentially rare (but important) trans-oceanic dispersal events can lead to establishment of new populations.

Item ID:	83786
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	15 Oct 2024 00:14
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310307 Population ecology @ 50% 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 50%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 100%
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