FishBase 2016: Lovisa Wennerström
Channel: Fishbase Sweden
Date: 13/12/2016

Lovisa Wennerström, Stockholm University, Sweden, gave a lecture on "GENETIC BIODIVERSITY IN THE BALTIC SEA: CURRENT KNOWLEDGE RELATING TO CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT"

Abstract: Genetic variation constitutes a key part of biological diversity, forming the basis for variation also on species and ecosystem levels. Describing and monitoring this basal level of biodiversity is vital for effective management and conservation of species and populations. Genetic data can be used to provide information on the evolutionary history of species, identify the location of borders between subpopulations, estimate migration rates and identify populations to prioritize in conservation. All of which is valuable information for managers. Information on genetic patterns exist to some degree for over 60 Baltic Sea species, however this information is only used in management for a handful of them. One reason for this is a lack of communication between academics and bureaucrats. Another is the fact that genetics is being prioritized in international conventions, but on national and local levels the importance of conserving genetics is rarely mentioned in policy documents. This talk will focus on genetic patterns useful for management and conservation in the Baltic Sea. What we know and how this information can be used practically.