Résumé
Genetic diversity is the raw material for evolutionary change, so a species' capacity to maintain its genetic diversity is a major concern in conservation genetics. Although genetic diversity within a population is reduced through time by genetic drift, gene flow among populations can act to recover or add new genetic variants. The goal of this study was to infer potential connectivity among isolated-by-sea populations of the vulnerable freshwater blenny (Salaria fluviatilis) and to determine if gene flow could contribute to maintaining genetic diversity in connected populations. Four genetic clusters (one small at the North, one large at the South for both East and West coasts) were detected with different clustering methods (FLOCK, STUCTURE, UPGMA, AMOVA). The two larger genetic clusters with higher migration-rate estimates among localities had higher genetic diversity and allelic richness and lower relatedness between individuals, compared to isolated localities found in smaller clusters. Our results also suggest that sea currents may facilitate fish movements among neighbouring rivers. Overall, gene flow among isolated-by-sea but close rivers could maintain the evolutionary potential of freshwater blenny populations. This finding should be considered when elaborating a conservation program for this species.