Research Project
Researchers:
Amanda Hodgson
(Associated with)
,
Ankje Frouws
(Associated with)
,
Chadni Islam
(Associated with)
,
Chanelle Webster
(Associated with)
,
David Field
(Associated with)
View all 14 related researchers
Full description
This study focused on understanding genetic diversity and connectivity in the Posidonia sinuosa seagrass populations along the west coast of Western Australia, as part of Project 2.2 ‘Building Resilience and Future Proofing Seagrass Meadows’. Seagrass meadows were sampled across the latitudinal gradient from Geraldton (northern range edge) to Geographe Bay (southernmost meadows on the west coast) between May and December 2022. Sampling was clustered in three geographic areas (northern, central, southern) and included long term seagrass monitoring sites, with greater intensity of sampling conducted within the Cockburn Sound area at a range of depths (1.2 - 11.8 m). A population genomics approach was undertaken to assess levels of diversity within meadows (including clonal diversity), patterns of genetic structure among meadows (admixture and gene flow), and discovery of putative adaptive variants associated with local environmental conditions (local adaptation). These data will provide important baseline information for understanding patterns of genetic diversity in natural P. sinuosa meadows along the west coast, as well as enable informed decisions for incorporating resilience into future seagrass restoration activities.