Phylogenetic structure of tuna (Thunnus spp.) based on mitochondrial COI DNA in Indonesian and Australian waters

Tuna (Thunnus spp.) is a seafood commodity that significantly contributes to a country’s foreign exchange. Given the increase in fishing activities, genetic studies have become vital to ensure sustainable management. This study analyzed 65 mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) DNA sequences were obtained from GenBank and subjected to genetic and phylogenetic analyses using the Bootstrap Neighbor-Joining Model Kimura 2 Parameter Method. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 65 Thunnus spp. sequences clustered into five clades. Tuna had a bootstrap phylogenetic value of more than 50%, with the largest genetic distance recorded at 0.04 and the smallest at 0.00. Regarding tuna species and distribution zones, these findings imply that there are no significant genetic differences between Australia and Indonesia and indicating high genetic connectivity between these regions.