Isolation of 12 microsatellite markers for geelbeck (Atractoscion aequidens (Cuvier, 1860), Sciaenidae), an overexploited marine fish

Geelbeck (Atractoscion aequidens) represents a valuable fishery resource in the Benguela Current region in southwestern Africa. Due to overexploitation the species is considered depleted in South Africa, and little information is available for the rest of its distribution in the region. Genetic studies of the species are essential to inform management plans for sustainable harvesting and conservation. To facilitate such studies 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library. Genotyping of 41 individuals revealed an average of 17.75 alleles per locus (range 2-37), and observed/expected heterozygosity per locus of 0.024-0.951 and 0.024-0.962, respectively. These loci constitute the first microsatellite markers isolated for geelbeck and are applicable to multiple areas of research on this species.