Genetic structure of European populations of Salmo salar L. (Atlantic salmon) inferred from mitochondrial DNA

Abstract

The genetic relationships between the only natural population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Denmark and seven other European salmon populations were studied using RFLP analysis of PCR amplified mitochondrial DNA segments. Six different haplotypes were detected by restriction enzyme analyses of the NADH dehydrogenase 1 segment, employing four endonucleases. Significant genetic differentiation was observed among populations. A hierarchical analysis of the distribution of the mtDNA variability revealed that only a small part was distributed among geographical groups within the study area. No correlation was found between genetic and geographic distance among populations. The effective migration of females (Nm)(F) among rivers was estimated to be approximately one per generation.