One species or two? Genetic analysis of the taxonomic status of pinto abalone Haliotis kamtschatkanakamtschatkana in northern Puget Sound-Georgia Basin.

Kerry Naish, University of Washington School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
$34,357

Populations of the northern or pinto abalone, (Haliotis kamtschatkana) an important herbivore in Georgia Basin and northern Puget Sound, have undergone alarming declines over the past 15 yrs. We have documented these declines and found evidence that abalone recruitment has not occurred for several years. In an earlier study, in which we sought to describe the genetic structure of pinto abalone, it became clear that more than one population exists around the San Juan Islands. Further investigation using species-level markers revealed two distinct groupings among Washington abalone; one that clustered with pinto abalone from Alaska, British Columbia and California, and one very divergent group that clustered with unrelated species. The Washington groups cannot be physically discriminated using standard taxonomic approaches. It became very clear that the widely used molecular markers were not sufficiently powerful for resolving whether the divergent group could be assigned to a known species, or whether these unusual results could be attributed to hybridization between two or more species. In order to enact an effective conservation strategy, it is imperative that the taxonomic status of these populations be clarified. Here, we propose developing standardized approaches to characterizing genetic diversity within and between abalone species using molecular markers. We will then use these approaches to determine whether Washington pinto abalone comprise one, two or more species, or whether hybridization has occurred in the region. We will then use these methods to census the distribution of the two genetic groups around the San Juan Islands. This study will provide important information pertinent to conservation of abalone in the region. First, we will determine if individuals in the Puget Sound-Georgia Basin region are unique to the area, or whether they form part of a widely distributed taxon. Second, we will generate a means of discriminating individuals to be used in restoration strategies such as captive breeding and outplanting, thus avoiding losses due to hybridization. Third, we will enumerate the number of individuals within each grouping, therefore providing important information for determining conservation status of the two forms.  Finally, we will develop a standardized approach to assist determination of the taxonomic status of all West Coast abalones, an essential step for species conservation, particularly those protected under the ESA. Our proposed study provides key information required for restoration for an important species in the Puget Sound, North Straits and the Georgia Basin.