Genetic differentiation in Chilean hake Merluccius gayi gayi (Pisces : Merlucciidae)

The genetic structure of Chilean hake Merluccius gayi gayi, was analyzed us ing starch gel protein electrophoresis. Samples were collected from four lo calities along the coast off Chile. A total of 1500 specimens sampled from Coquimbo, San Antonio, Talcahuano and Puerto Montt were used in the study. Genetic information was obtained for six allozyme loci Pgi-1, Pgi-2, Pgm, I dh-1, Idh-2 and Aat. The results of the analysis showed no significant alle lic differences among samples from various localities, with an average F-ST value of 0.007 for all loci and samples. A heterogeneity test for all loci and specimens from the four localities showed only two significant values. Thus, Chilean hake populations along the coast of Chile appear to be genet ically homogeneous.