Seascape genomics and connectivity of spot prawn (Pandalus platyceros) to support management and conservation in Washington state

Led by James Dimond, Western Washington University

Washington’s spot prawn fishery is economically and culturally important, yet it is managed with little information about how prawn populations are connected throughout the state’s marine waters. This study will determine whether prawn populations are genetically well mixed in the Salish Sea, or if there is more localized population structure due to either isolation, environmental variability, or both. The study will provide actionable guidance to state and tribal fishery co-managers to support more effective monitoring and conservation of Washington’s spot prawn populations