The Porpoises genetics and genomics dataverse gathers together data and scripts from the porpoise ecological and evolutionary genetics & genomics project. This project aims at advancing our knowledge regarding the ecology and evolution of the seven species of porpoises (Phocoenidae) with a specific anchor on the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

Molecular population genetics & genomics, phylogenomics, and habitat modelling are used to study the molecular ecology, phylogeography, and evolution of the populations, ecotypes, and species in order to gain knowledge on their historical demography that led to the current pattern of genetic structure, and how they will potentially evolved with the forecasted climate changes. Ultimately these genetic inferences on population structure, connectivity and demographic histories will be used to design tailored conservation and management strategies in order to design management units, identify evolutionary significant units and best preserve the evolutionary potentials of each species.

Data collected in this project includes genetic data such as microsatellite and SNPs genotypes, DNA sequences from the mitochondrial genome (fragments or complete), and whole genome resequencing data. Empirical data are collected from stranded and by-caught porpoises. Simulated genetic data are also used as part of the project for in silico data analyses.

Contact Michael C. FONTAINE (PI, UMR MIVEGEC: U. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier - FR) and GELIFES, U. Groningen, NL) for further information.
This project benefited from funding of the University of Groningen.