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EVOlutionary DYNamics and Genetic Adaptation in Atlantic Salmon
Funded under the SFI-IRC Pathway programme, this research programme (2022-2026) will investigate and predict how quickly natural Atlantic salmon evolve to human-driven environmental change.
Anthropogenic pressures can dramatically alter the demography and phenotypic composition of natural populations. Evolutionary dynamics can also be affected, but we currently lack understanding of patterns and drivers of contemporary evolution at a genomic and quantitative genetic level (i.e., the scope for future evolutionary responses). Without these insights, we cannot accurately predict future vulnerabilities.
In order to understand the complex processes of adaptation to anthropogenic impacts in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), we will use a multidisciplinary approach to identify evolutionary responses of natural populations to climate change. we will account for the multiplicative and interactive impact of other stressors such as overfishing and introgression with cultured fish.
The specific aims are to (1) evaluate the relative contribution of climate to historical population-level genetic and demographic changes in freshwater and marine environments and (2) assess the scope for evolution of ecologically relevant traits. We will exploit novel analytical advances in ecological genomics and quantitative genetics using a six-decade long sampling programme from migrating Atlantic salmon in Ireland.
The study will provide timely and critical insights into the evolutionary dynamics of Atlantic salmon and their capacity to respond evolutionarily to environmental change, providing a basis for comprehensive advice for future conservation and management.
Steps required to document adaptive genetic response to environmental changes based on Hansen, M. M. et al. Mol. Ecol. 21, 1311–1329 (2012)
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The long term monitoring of the Burrishoole, an opportunity to study evolutionary potential!
(a) Exhaustive knowledge of the salmon life cycle from eggs to smolts to adult
(b) Total census data including the yearly number of captive bred fish allowed to breed in the wild since 1970
(c) Average yearly surface water temperature taken at the Mill Race fish trap
(d) Map of the Burrishoole catchment, with long term monitoring sites, fish traps, macroinvertebrates, plankton and water quality. Insert: Number of adult salmon and trout counted as they return to spawn).
(e) Partial pedigree 1977-1986 (average 32% adults sampled, n=1515,) and complete pedigree 2011-2021 (average 95% adults sampled, n=11305, Pedigree reconstruction showing parental links maternal links shown in red, paternal links in blue).
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Objectives
1. To identify loci showing temporal allele frequency change in an Irish salmon population in respect of life in freshwater and marine environments;
2. To understand the relative contribution of climatic variability (selection), demographic processes (drift) and captive-bred populations (gene flow) to temporal allele frequency change;
3. To measure the genetic impact of captive breeding programs on the evolutionary dynamics of wild populations;
4. To quantify variation in heritability and selection on freshwater and marine phenotypes using a multigenerational pedigree;
5. To develop a tool box allowing forecasting of the evolutionary potential of Irish Atlantic salmon populations (see figure)
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Dr Russell Poole (MI)
Dr Elvira deEyto (MI)
Dr Tom Reed (UCC)
Pr Phil McGinnity (UCC)
Dr Deirdre Brophy (ATU)
Hannah Adons, Research Assistant
Thibaut Dugay (PhD student, UCC)
Former sutdents : Tara Kent (Bursar), Thomas Henault (MSc student)
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