What Are The Implications Of Diel Vertical Migration Patterns On The Effective Population Size And Genetic Diversity Of Critically Endangered Deep-sea Fish Species, Such As The Gulper Eel (Eurypharynx Pelecanoides), In The Context Of Oceanic Oxygen Minimum Zones And How Can This Knowledge Inform The Design Of Marine Protected Areas In The Eastern Pacific Ocean?

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Implications of Diel Vertical Migration on Gulper Eel Populations and MPA Design

Introduction: Diel vertical migration (DVM) in deep-sea fish like the gulper eel involves movement between different water depths, typically for feeding or predator avoidance. This behavior has significant implications for their effective population size (Ne) and genetic diversity, especially in the context of expanding oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs).

Key Implications:

  1. Effective Population Size (Ne):

    • Population Mixing: If DVM facilitates mixing of populations, it can increase genetic diversity and Ne, enhancing adaptability.
    • Isolation: Conversely, if DVM leads to population isolation due to barriers like OMZs, Ne may decrease, reducing genetic diversity.

  2. Genetic Diversity:

    • Essential for adaptability, genetic diversity can be preserved through population connectivity or lost through isolation, affecting survival.

  3. Impact of Oceanic Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs):

    • Expanding OMZs may fragment populations, reducing gene flow and increasing isolation, thereby lowering Ne and genetic diversity.
    • If gulper eels can navigate OMZs, population connectivity may be maintained, preserving genetic health.

Informing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):

  1. Connectivity and Corridors:

    • MPAs should protect critical migration corridors and habitats to maintain population connectivity, essential for genetic diversity.

  2. Comprehensive Coverage:

    • MPAs must encompass the entire depth range of gulper eels, considering both horizontal and vertical movements to ensure effective protection.

  3. Regulation of Human Activities:

    • Protecting against fishing and mining requires MPAs to cover essential migration areas, reducing threats like bycatch and habitat destruction.

  4. Research and Monitoring:

    • Continued study of migration patterns and population genetics is crucial for informed MPA design, using tools like tracking devices and genetic studies.

Conclusion: Diel vertical migration can either enhance or undermine the genetic health of gulper eel populations, depending on interactions with OMZs. MPAs should be designed to protect migration routes and critical habitats, considering both depth and horizontal movements, to preserve effective population size and genetic diversity, ensuring the species' survival.