Tissue library and DNA dataset creation for the investigation of migration patterns of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) are a migratory fish species that travel from the Gulf of Mexico, the Mediterranean Sea and the Slope Sea to forage in Atlantic Canada, however, the logistical specifics of these migrations are still unclear. The objective of this study was to create a tissue library and genomics database consisting of bluefin tuna samples with which their stock of origin can be identified. With those identifications, general migration timings of each stock through Canada can be determined. Muscle tissue was collected from 226 individuals across Eastern Nova Scotia. Of those samples, DNA was extracted from 51 and sequenced using Low-coverage Whole Genome Sequencing. This DNA created a high-quality genomics database with which researchers can use to genotype bluefin individuals, and, by cross referencing stock with date of capture, can be used to better understand bluefin migration timing.