Genetic Variation and Local Differentiation in the Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus Around Japan Revealed by mtDNA and RAPD Markers

Abstract

This study deals with local differentiation in Pacific cod among three Japanese coastal areas around putative reproductive sites and the western Bering Sea. Restriction and SSCP analyses conducted on the mitochondrial control region showed genetic divergence between some Japanese coastal areas and the Bering Sea. RAPD analysis also indicated divergence between Japanese coastal areas and the Bering Sea. mtDNA analysis revealed low variability and no local distinction among Japanese localities. Calculating gene frequency data sets by two different ways, RAPD markers showed accordance between genetic and geographic distances in Japanese coastal areas.