Philippine Journal of Science
153 (5): 1569-1577, October 2024
ISSN 0031 – 7683
Date Received: 01 Feb 2024
Genetic Diversity of the White Teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva Cherbonnier, 1980 Based on mtDNA COI Gene: Starting Point for its Conservation Management in the Philippines
Nonillon M. Aspe1,2*, Christian Jay R. Nob2, Venus E. Leopardas1,2, Sitti Zayda B. Halun3, Mariefe B. Quiñones1,2, Sandra M. Moscoso1,2, Dan M. Arriesgado2,4, Oliver Ratunil T. Paderanga2,5, Harry Kenn T. dela Rosa2, Kevin G. Natingga2, Abner C. Evasco Jr.2, Jackie Lou G. Empron2, and Wilfredo H. Uy1,2
1College of Marine and Allied Sciences, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines 2Sea Cucumber Research and Development Center, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines 3Institute of Oceanography and Environmental Science, Mindanao State University–Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, Bongao 7500, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines 4School of Marine Fisheries and Technology, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines 5Institute of Arts and Sciences, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, Mambajao 9100, Camiguin, Philippines
*Corresponding author: nonillon.aspe@msunaawan.edu.ph
Aspe et al. 2024. Genetic Diversity of the White Teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva Cherbonnier, 1980 Based on mtDNA COI Gene: Starting Point for its Conservation Management in the Philippines. Philipp J Sci 153(5): 1569–1577.
ABSTRACT
Assessing the genetic information of natural populations of fishery species is crucial for enhancing management strategies. Here, we examined the genetic variability of the white teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva from the Philippines and neighboring countries in the Pacific using the mitochondrial DNA COI gene marker. The species has a declining population with a “vulnerable” status based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Our analysis revealed a high haplotype diversity within H. fuscogilva populations across the Pacific region (Hd = 0.95658). Notably, we observed significant partitioning in haplotype frequencies (Fst = 0.05800, p-value = 0.01139), indicating pronounced genetic differentiation among Pacific populations (5.8%), albeit the majority remains within populations (94.2%). Restocking efforts in response to the declining population should be carefully considered to safeguard the genetic integrity of local populations. However, strict adherence to protocol is necessary to safeguard the genetic integrity of each local population. Hence, country-specific diversity analysis of H. fuscogilva populati on is necessary as a basis to ensure long-term sustainability and conservation of the species.
Keywords: conservation, genetic diversity, mtDNA COI, Philippines, sea cucumber