Genetic management of small abalone (<i>Haliotis diversicolor</i>) by using ISSRseq technology

Abstract

The small abalone (Haliotis diversicolor) is commercially valuable for fisheries and aquaculture. Once ranked first globally, Taiwan's abalone industry is now on the brink of collapse due to disease issues. Despite improvements in survival rates through crossbreeding between Japan and Taiwan populations, the subsequent lack of further breeding selection and genetic management has led to disorder after over a decade of introduction. With frequent commercial exchanges, stock enhancement, private introductions, and hybridization, genetic management of H. diversicolor poses both challenges and necessity. This study utilizes ISSRseq technology to aid in the genetic management of H. diversicolor. Various analyses show significant differences among the Japan wild population, Taiwan wild populations, the Taiwan-Indonesia hybrid strain, and other cultured populations. Selective strains bred by research institutions and private hatcheries exhibit uniqueness distinct from commercial H. diversicolor. The presence of multiple populations exhibiting admixture may be attributed to improper stock enhancement and management practices. Our work elucidates the current status of genetic resources of Taiwan H. diversicolor, laying the foundation for future breeding efforts.