Genomic basis of fishing-associated selection varies with population density

: Crespel Amélie, Schneider Kevin, Miller Toby, Rácz Anita, Jacobs Arne, Lindström Jan, Elmer Kathryn R, Killen Shaun S

Publisher: National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America

: 2021

: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

: e2020833118

: 118

: 51

: 0027-8424

: 1091-6490

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2020833118

: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/51/e2020833118

: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/68809559

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.

e2020833118.full.pdf