Genetic erosion reduces biomass temporal stability in wild fish populations

Jérôme G. Prunier (), Mathieu Chevalier, Allan Raffard, Géraldine Loot, Nicolas Poulet and Simon Blanchet ()
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Jérôme G. Prunier: Université Paul Sabatier (UPS); Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029
Mathieu Chevalier: University of Lausanne, Biophore
Allan Raffard: Université Paul Sabatier (UPS); Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029
Géraldine Loot: UMR 5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique)
Nicolas Poulet: allée du Pr Camille Soula
Simon Blanchet: Université Paul Sabatier (UPS); Station d’Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, UAR 2029

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Genetic diversity sustains species adaptation. However, it may also support key ecosystems functions and services, for example biomass production, that can be altered by the worldwide loss of genetic diversity. Despite extensive experimental evidence, there have been few attempts to empirically test whether genetic diversity actually promotes biomass and biomass stability in wild populations. Here, using long-term demographic wild fish data from two large river basins in southwestern France, we demonstrate through causal modeling analyses that populations with high genetic diversity do not reach higher biomasses than populations with low genetic diversity. Nonetheless, populations with high genetic diversity have much more stable biomasses over recent decades than populations having suffered from genetic erosion, which has implications for the provision of ecosystem services and the risk of population extinction. Our results strengthen the importance of adopting prominent environmental policies to conserve this important biodiversity facet.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40104-4

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