Population genetic structure of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) in the South Indonesia Sea with limited sample based on ND5 gene

Based on mitochondrial ND5 sequences from 22 individuals sampled in Palabuhanratu, Muncar, and the Savu Sea, this study found no significant genetic differentiation among locations, indicating that bentfin devil rays in southern Indonesian waters form a single, well-connected (panmictic) population. Although haplotype diversity was relatively high, overall nucleotide diversity was low, reflecting limited adaptive capacity under sustained fishing pressure. These results highlight that localized management alone is insufficient and emphasize the need for coordinated, multi-site co-management across southern Indonesian seas, including strict control of fisheries bycatch and trade, to ensure the long-term persistence of this endangered and highly migratory mobulid species.

Authors:

Erica Denise Wardana, I Nyoman Giri Putra, Muhammad Danie Al Malik, Ni Luh Astria Yusmalinda, Enex Yuniartiningsih, Ni Putu Dian Pertiwi, Muhammad Ghozaly Salim, Meuthia Maharani Kanedi, Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Andrianus Sembiring

Publisher:

Biodiversitas

Keywords:

connectivity, genetic diversity, fisheries management

Group Species:

Elasmobranch

Species:

Bentfin devil ray

Scale:

Savu Sea

Year:

2023