Genetic Diversity of the White Teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva Cherbonnier, 1980 Based on mtDNA COI Gene: Starting Point for its Conservation Management in the Philippines

Assessing the genetic information of natural populations of fishery species is crucial for enhancing management strategies. Here, we examined the genetic variability of the white teatfish Holothuria fuscogilva from the Philippines and neighboring countries in the Pacific using the mitochondrial DNA COI gene marker. The species has a declining population with a “vulnerable” status based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Our analysis revealed a high haplotype diversity within H. fuscogilva populations across the Pacific region (Hd = 0.95658). Notably, we observed significant partitioning in haplotype frequencies (Fst = 0.05800, p-value = 0.01139), indicating pronounced genetic differentiation among Pacific populations (5.8%), albeit the majority remains within populations (94.2%). Restocking efforts in response to the declining population should be carefully considered to safeguard the genetic integrity of local populations. However, strict adherence to protocol is necessary to safeguard the genetic integrity of each local population. Hence, country-specific diversity analysis of H. fuscogilva population is necessary as a basis to ensure long-term sustainability and conservation of the species.