Seagrass Population Genetics and morphological differences

The study on population genetics of this declining species will be relevant in conservation strategies of environmental management departments across New Zealand. Seagrasses appear to be quite sensitive to environmental change as is shown by the connection between changed land use and seagrass bed declines. Seagrass species here, as they are in other countries, are of high ecological importance. The genetics and morphological differences of different populations of seagrass are analysed with distribution. Purpose: Estimate population level variability and taxonomy to assist conservation management programmes.

Similarity within and between seagrass populations from Whangapoua and Raglan using allozyme analysis and DNA sequencing.

Whangapoua, Slipper Island, Raglan (also South Island rocky platforms and Stewart Island).

Whangapoua – 2745181, 6493816, NZMG, 1:20,000, AREA Slipper Island – 2771331, 6457086, NZMG, 1:50,000, AREA Raglan – 2676096, 6376563, NZMG, 20,000, AREA

2003

Allozyme analysis (Solstis & Solstis 1989) and DNA sequencing of the internal trascribed region (ITS) between the 18s and 26s of the nuclear ribosomal DNZ (rDNZ) (Baldwin 1992) of fresh samples. Possibly RAPD Analysis. Frequency of collection: One off collection

Thesis freely available in University of Waikato Library Sensitivity/Confidentiality: No confidentiality

Field work being undertaken. If the comparison of Whangapoua and Raglan samples can be completed in good time then further samples will be studied from south island (particularly rock platforms), subtidal population at Slipper Island (Coromandel), and Stewart Island.