Nuclear DNA RFLP variation of Atlantic cod in the North Atlantic Ocean

A total of 551 specimens of Atlantic cod was collected from six locations across the North Atlantic Ocean. The samples were analysed for allelic variation at six nuclear restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) loci scored by five anonymous cDNA clones, and the sequenced and identified synaptophysin (Syp I). Significant differences in allelic variation were found between the sampling localities. The greatest degree of differentiation was detected between the Barents Sea and Scotian Shelf samples vs. the remaining sample units and a clear differentiation between west and east Atlantic samples was found.