Genomic tools for the management of European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) stocks

While previous efforts to measure genetic diversity and structure among O. edulis stocks have provided valuable insights, they have relied on a limited number of molecular markers. In an effort to expand our understanding of O. edulis genetic units and aid effective long term stock management, tissue sampled from over 1700 individuals representing the Atlantic coasts (with a focus on Irish coasts), Croatia and introduced North American O. edulis were obtained.

This sample set was normalised (n = 867) across locations and used to estimate the genetic structure and diversity with existing microsatellite markers, using several analytic approaches (Chapter 2). Novel genetic clusters were identified, while also providing a point of reference for subsequent studies with new markers. A subsample (n = 364) of individuals, representing the microsatellite-inferred genetic clusters, were genotyped using an array consisting of 11,151 novel biallelic SNP loci, and genetic diversity and structure was estimated using several methods (Chapter 3).