Black Bass Diversity: Multidisciplinary Science for Conservation

<em>Abstract.</em>—The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has applied guidelines outlined in its genetic policy for the release of finfishes in Florida to the conservation and management of Florida Bass <em>Micropterus floridanus</em>. A statewide genetic study was initiated after interspecific hybrids with nonnative Largemouth Bass <em>M. salmoides </em>were found in 10% of a bass sample collected in 1999 from Lake Parker, which is located 150 km south of the previously recognized intergrade zone. Using allozyme polymorphisms, mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and microsatellite genotypes, genetic structure was resolved among 48 widely distributed populations of bass across Florida, some containing pure Florida Bass and others containing intergrades with Largemouth Bass. The FWC defined four geographic regions of Florida as genetic management units and prohibited government agencies from moving Florida Bass, Largemouth Bass, or hybrids between regions. All broodfish at the state’s Florida Bass Conservation Center hatchery are now genetically certified as pure Florida Bass prior to spawning, and wild fish are regularly added to the spawning stock to avoid the accumulation of domesticated traits. A large effective population size (about 100 or more breeders per spawning group) of hatchery broodfish is kept at the hatchery to maintain adequate genetic diversity of production fingerlings. A Florida statute was created making the nonnative Largemouth Bass and their hybrids a conditional nonnative species south and east of the Suwannee River; as such, it is currently illegal to possess them within the native range of Florida Bass without an FWC permit. Standards were also developed to genetically authenticate and manage the broodstock from private fish hatcheries requesting a FWC permit to possess, sell, or transport cultured Florida Bass within the regulated region of the state. Similar guidelines were developed for private pond management companies and other organizations that request a permit to relocate and stock wild bass in Florida. The FWC has taken two important steps forward in protecting the genetic integrity of Florida Bass: (1) developing genetic markers and applying them to bass conservation (particularly the genetic testing of broodfish), and (2) enabling fishery managers to develop and implement the rules and practices necessary for conservation of Florida’s black bass <em>Micropterus </em>spp. populations.