The globally invasive Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) was introduced to the Great Lakes around 1990, spreading widely and becoming the dominant benthic fish in many areas. The speed and scope of this invasion is remarkable and calls into question conventional secondary spread models and scenarios. We utilized 9 microsatellites to identify large-scale genetic structure in Round Goby populations in the eastern Great Lakes, and assessed the role of colonization versus secondary transport and dispersal in developing this structure. We identified three clusters, corresponding with Lake Huron, eastern Lake Erie, and western Lake Erie plus eastern Lake Ontario, along with three highly-divergent populations. Bottleneck analysis identified founder effects in two divergent populations. Regression analyses of isolation-by-distance and allelic richness vs. distance from the initial invasion site were consistent with limited migration. However, some populations in eastern Lake Erie and Lake Ontario showed anomalously low genetic distance from the original site of colonization, consistent with secondary transport of large numbers of individuals via ballast water. Genetic structure of Round Goby in the Great Lakes principally resulted from long-distance secondary transport via ballast water with additional movement of individual via bait buckets and natural dispersal. The success of Round Gobies represents an interesting model for colonization characterization; however, those same attributes present significant challenges for conservation and fisheries management. Current management likely prevents many new species from arriving in the Great Lakes, but fails to address the transport of species within the lakes after they arrive; an issue of clear and pressing importance.
Usage Notes:
Round Goby Microsatellite Data
Microsatellite data for Round Goby in the eastern Great Lakes. Nine markers: (Nme10, Nme4, Nme9, Nme7, Nme5, Nme2, Nme3, Nme1, Nme6) and 32 population (location) samples. Locations sampled are identified with geographical coordinates in the associated manuscript.
Microsatellite Data.txt
Population Pairwise Distances
Shortest distances over water between all pairs of populations, in matrix format.
Pairwise Distances.txt