Genetic identification of commercial rockfish species (Sebastes spp.) across de United States-Mexico border
In this study, we are developing a highly precise genetic method to identify rockfish species north and south of the Mexico – United States border. We are generating a species identity database with microhaplotype markers. Also, we will use the data base as a baseline to investigate the species composition in the rockfish fishery in both sides of the border between California, USA and Baja California, Mexico.
Candidatus Xenohaliotis californiensis (CXc) prevalence on black abalone, Haliotis cracherodii Leach 1814, in Baja California, Mexico
The main cause of black abalone mass mortalities is related to a combination of factors like overfishing, environmental factors and the wasting syndrome (WS) caused by pathogen CXc. Particularly, black abalone seems more vulnerable to this pathogen compared to other abalone species. Recent observations, suggest that there is a black abalone abundance increase along the Baja California peninsula and it is fundamental to evaluate the prevalence of the bacteria CXc on the recovering populations.
Phylogenetic relationships in Family Sciaenidae from the Gulf of California, Mexico
A fundamental step for a taxon conservation is to document the biological diversity and evolutionary processes that define that taxon. The Gulf of California is recognized globally for its high biodiversity and productivity. Particularly, the Family Sciaenidae represents an ecological and economically important group of marine fishes in the area, including the Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), an endemic and vulnerable species, which fishery is one of the most controversial around the world. A hotspot of biodiversity of sciaenids and a high endemism has been recognized in the Gulf, however, there are no studies that evaluate the actual biological diversity and the phylogenetic relationships between the species in the area.