Science Advisory Report 2011/021
Advice regarding the genetic structure of Canadian narwhal (Monodon monoceros)
Summary
- Narwhal samples from Canada and eastern and western Greenland were genetically profiled at 16 nuclear microsatellite markers.
- Conventional analysis which measures genetic differences (FST) among populations, detected a significant differentiation among the three populations (Baffin Bay, Northern Hudson Bay, and East Greenland).
- Genetic differences were evident between narwhals from Jones Sound and those from the Somerset Island summering stock.
- No other significant differences were observed however, a number of sampling issues limited the ability to differentiate among current summering stocks.
- Genetic profiling of narwhal coupled with new multivariate analyses show promise in distinguishing stocks but will require increased geographic sampling in the summer.
This Science Advisory Report results from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat, National Marine Mammal Peer Review Committee Meeting (NMMPRC) of November 22-26, 2010. Additional publications from this process will be posted as they become available on the DFO Science Advisory Schedule.
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