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Patova, A.; Ribeiro, P. A.; Murillo, F. J.; Riesgo, A.; Taboada, S.; Pomponi, S. A.; Rapp, H. T.; Kenchington, E.; Xavier, J. R. (2025). Population genomics and connectivity of Vazella pourtalesii sponge grounds of the northwest Atlantic with conservation implications of deep sea vulnerable marine ecosystems. Scientific Reports. 15(1).
501606
10.1038/s41598-024-82462-z [view]
Patova, A.; Ribeiro, P. A.; Murillo, F. J.; Riesgo, A.; Taboada, S.; Pomponi, S. A.; Rapp, H. T.; Kenchington, E.; Xavier, J. R.
2025
Population genomics and connectivity of <i>Vazella pourtalesii</i> sponge grounds of the northwest Atlantic with conservation implications of deep sea vulnerable marine ecosystems
Scientific Reports
15(1)
Publication
Available for editors
Sponges are key ecosystem engineers that shape, structure and enhance the biodiversity of
marine benthic communities globally. Sponge aggregations and reefs are recognized as vulnerable
marine ecosystems (or VMEs) due to their susceptibility to damage from bottom-contact fishing
gears. Ensuring their long-term sustainability, preservation, and ecosystem functions requires the
implementation of sound scientific conservation tools. Here, the genetic diversity, structure, and
connectivity of the deep-sea glass sponge, Vazella pourtalesii (Schmidt, 1870), was investigated using
1,102 neutral SNPs obtained in RADseq. This species is distributed across the northwest Atlantic from
Florida, USA to Nova Scotia, Canada and we sequenced samples covering this full distribution and
provided evidence of strong genetic structure with two distinct clusters: Florida together with the
Carolina Shelves and the Scotian Shelf. We estimated moderate levels of diversity with low migration
across large distances (> 1000 kms) and high connectivity at smaller scales (< 300 kms). Further,
fishing pressure on genetic diversity was evaluated, within two Sponge Conservation Areas (SCAs) on
the Scotian Shelf. Those areas have different disturbance histories, and cumulative fishing pressure.
Slightly lower levels of genetic diversity were found inside the SCAs, and yet they encompassed a
high proportion of the diversity observed within the Scotian Shelf. We provide baseline data for future
monitoring of the SCAs, discussing our findings in the light of existing area-based management tools.
North Atlantic
Population
Vazella pourtalesii (Schmidt, 1870) (additional source)
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