Parallel recolonizations generate distinct genomic sectors in kelp following high‐magnitude earthquake disturbance

Large‐scale disturbance events have the potential to drastically reshape biodiversity patterns. Notably, newly vacant habitat space cleared by disturbance can be colonized by multiple lineages, which can lead to the evolution of distinct spatial “sectors” of genetic diversity within a species. We test for disturbance‐driven sectoring of genetic diversity in intertidal southern bull kelp, Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot, following the high‐magnitude 1855 Wairarapa earthquake in New Zealand. Specifically, we use genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to analyse fine‐scale population structure across the uplift zone and apply machine learning to assess the fit of alternative recolonizaton models. Our analysis reveals that specimens from the uplift zone carry distinctive genomic signatures potentially linked to post‐earthquake recolonization processes. Specifically, our analysis identifies two parapatric spatial‐genomic sectors of D. antarctica at Turakirae Head, which experienced the most dramatic uplift. Based on phylogeographical modelling, we infer that bull kelp in the Wellington region was probably a source for recolonization of the heavily uplifted Turakirae Head coastline, via two parallel, eastward recolonization events. By identifying multiple parapatric genotypic sectors within a recently recolonized coastal region, the current study provides support for the hypothesis that competing lineage expansions can generate striking spatial structuring of genetic diversity, even in highly dispersive taxa.