Genomic basis of fishing-associated selection varies with population density

Crespel, A., Schneider, K., Miller, T., Rácz, A., Jacobs, A. , Lindström, J. , Elmer, K. R. and Killen, S. S. (2021) Genomic basis of fishing-associated selection varies with population density. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 118(51), e2020833118. (doi: 10.1073/pnas.2020833118) (PMID:34903645) (PMCID:PMC8713780)

Abstract

Fisheries induce one of the strongest anthropogenic selective pressures on natural populations, but the genetic effects of fishing remain unclear. Crucially, we lack knowledge of how capture-associated selection and its interaction with reductions in population density caused by fishing can potentially shift which genes are under selection. Using experimental fish reared at two densities and repeatedly harvested by simulated trawling, we show consistent phenotypic selection on growth, metabolism, and social behavior regardless of density. However, the specific genes under selection—mainly related to brain function and neurogenesis—varied with the population density. This interaction between direct fishing selection and density could fundamentally alter the genomic responses to harvest. The evolutionary consequences of fishing are therefore likely context dependent, possibly varying as exploited populations decline. These results highlight the need to consider environmental factors when predicting effects of human-induced selection and evolution.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Lindstrom, Dr Jan and Killen, Professor Shaun and Schneider, Mr Kevin and Crespel, Dr Amelie and Elmer, Professor Kathryn and Miller, Mr Toby and Racz, Miss Anita and Jacobs, Mr Arne
• Authors: Crespel, A., Schneider, K., Miller, T., Rácz, A., Jacobs, A., Lindström, J., Elmer, K. R., and Killen, S. S.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
• Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
• ISSN: 0027-8424
• ISSN (Online): 1091-6490
• Published Online: 13 December 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 118(51): e2020833118
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License
• Data DOI: 10.5525/gla.researchdata.1011

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
172121		Funding Schemes	Anna Dominiczak	Wellcome Trust (WELLCOTR)	105614/Z/14/Z	Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences
167015		The Influence of Individual Physiology on Group Behaviour in Fish Schools	Shaun Killen	Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)	NE/J019100/1	Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine