Genetic diversity and structure of Euphausia superba in the South Shetland Islands using the mitochondrial ND6 gene

Abstract Euphausia superba is an abundant element in the marine plankton on the planet. Despite substantial research on this species, there is no comprehensive understanding of the population genetics of E. superba yet. In this study, the ND6 gene was used to assess the genetic variation in E. superba . In the South Shetland Islands, the population of E. superba shows abundant genetic variation, but we found a lack of genetic structure. An analysis of the demographic history suggested that a sudden expansion has been responsible for its high biomass. Our study could not only broaden our comprehension of E. superba , but also provide more scientific information on fisheries resources exploitation, biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of a proper ecological balance.