Abstract
The distribution of a saccharinan kelp that is similar to Saccharina
japonica was confirmed in Hidaka region, Hokkaido. As a result of
amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis for the study
individuals from Utoma in Hidaka region and the four varieties of S.
japonica, genetic similarity (S) shows significantly higher
value and genetic differentiation coefficient (GST)
shows lower value both between the study individuals and S. japonica
var. japonica. The structure analysis based on the limited AFLP
data about the study individuals and S. japonica var. japonica
showed two clusters in all samples. The cluster dominant in the study
individuals was the same as the one dominant in the individuals collected
from the inner part of the Uchiura Bay. Accordingly, the study individuals
should be treated as S. japonica var. japonica
and it is inferred that the individuals were introduced from the vicinity
of boundary of Iburi and Oshima regions to Hidaka region.
