Phylogeography and population dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean whiting (Merlangius merlangus) from the Black Sea, the Turkish Straits System, and the North Aegean Sea

Abstract

In this study, the taxonomic resolution and phylogenetic relationship of two presumed subspecies of Merlangius merlangus, namely M. m. euxinus and M. m. merlangus, were investigated. In addition, the effect of the Turkish Straits System on the evolutionary history and genetic structure of M. merlangus, was explored. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and cytochrome b genes, and the nuclear recombination activating gene-1 were analysed. Our results indicate no clear distinction between the two presumed subspecies, which is attributed to the low resolution of recombination activating gene-1 and/or presence of potential gene flow between the two subspecies. The temporal pattern of divergence between the two presumed subspecies related to the Last Glacial Maximum (219 Kya), whereas the expansion of each main sampling location occurred after the flooding of the Black Sea by salt water from the Mediterranean (5 Kya), following a period of stability. Additionally, significant genetic differences are observed among the North Aegean samples and the collections from the Turkish Straits System and the Black Sea, along with some significant structure among sampling sites located in the Turkish Straits System and Black Sea. The lower genetic variability of the eastern Mediterranean M. merlangus when compared to Atlantic ones might be due to a potential population bottleneck before the last glacial period, a trend that is commonly found in these waters.