Marine biodiversity is typically studied and managed at the ecosystem and species levels. However, it also exists at the genetic level: the more genetic diversity a population has, the more resilient it may be when encountering stressors. With this in mind, the advent of quick and inexpensive DNA-sequencing technology should be a boon for informing ocean and coastal conservation. The following items offer a primer on using genetic information for planning and management.
Literature
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Population Genetics, Demographic Connectivity, and the Design of Marine Reserves
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Connecting Palau’s marine protected areas: a population genetic approach to conservation
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A synthesis of genetic connectivity in deep-sea fauna and implications for marine reserve design