Genetic Structure of Perch Perca Fluviatilis (L.) Populations in Latvian Rivers that are Fragmented (Daugava) and Non-Fragmented (Lielupe) By Hydroelectric Dams

Abstract

Abstract Water ecosystems have an important role in maintenance of biological diversity and environmental quality in Latvia. Fish resources are one of the most valuable biological resources in Latvia. To evaluate the influence of economic activity (anthropogenic influence of cities, hydroelectric power stations) on freshwater ecosystems, the genetic structure of perch Perca fluviatilis (L.) populations in Daugava River and Lielupe River was studied. The genetic structure of the perch populations from Daugava River and Lielupe River was investigated using 9 DNA microsatellites (Pfla L4, Pfla L10, Pfla L2, Pfla L6, YP111, YP78, YP60, Svi L10, Svi L7), and by genetic diversity, the level of polymorphism, means of alleles per locus, observed and expected heterozygosity, and population structuring. It was shown that the perch population in the Daugava River in the territory of Riga was significantly different from the other populations and there was a lower level of heterozygosity in this population. In the Daugava River, genetic differentiation was significant for fish populations between Ķegums Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) and Riga HPP reservoirs due to the fragmentation of population by HPP dams.