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Abstract
Genetic data are needed to aid in restoring several species of seabirds to the Gulf of Alaska. We analyzed sequence variation in mitochondrial DNA, microsatellite DNA and nuclear introns in samples of commom murres (Uria aalge), pigeon guillemots (Cepphus columba) and marbled murrelets (Brachyramphus marmoratus) from throughout the North Pacific. Data were analyzed using traditional approaches, nested clade analyses and assignment tests. No cryptic species were found, and there was no strong evidence for inbreeding, low genetic variation, or souce or sink regions in any them. Pacific common murres constitute a single genetic management unit (MU), but hybridization occurs between common and thick-billed murres (U. lomvia). In contrast, gene flow in pigeon guillemots is very restricted and population genetic structure is very strong; guillemots from the spill area are part of a MU that extends from the Alaska Peninsula to somewhere between Prince William Sound and Vancouver Island. Marbled murrelets in the spill area are part of a MU that extends from the Alaska Peninsula to at least British Columbia; tree- and ground-nesting murrelets are not genetically differentiated. Little if any hybridization occurs between marbled and Kittlitz's murrelets.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Other Report |
| Title | A genetic study to aid in restoration of murres, guillemots and murrelets to the Gulf of Alaska |
| Year Published | 2003 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council |
| Publisher location | Anchorage, AK |
| Contributing office(s) | Alaska Science Center |
| Description | 119 p. |
| Public Comments | Final Report: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Project 00169 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Gulf of Alaska |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |