Genetic markers show Pacific albacore intermingle across equator but remain separate stocks

摘要

Researchers have discovered that Pacific albacore tuna from different hemispheres intermingle and sometimes breed with each other.Published recently in the journal Evolutionary Applications, the findings are an important step toward better understanding the population structure of a vital and inexpensive source of protein for people around the globe.Albacore in the North and South Pacific oceans are currently managed as separate stocks. The Oregon State University study affirms this approach while also opening the door to more research into overlap and interbreeding that can be used to refine management strategies throughout the Pacific."Albacore support one of the world's largest and most valuable fisheries and one that is particularly important on the west coast of North America," said Kathleen O'Malley, an associate professor in the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences. "There's been a lot of work done to understand stock structure of the albacore globally, but research in the Pacific hasn't been very fine-tuned and has tended to generate as many questions as answers."