DNA-based species identification of shark fins traded in thai markets

• Published in: Conservation genetics Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 537 - 546
• Main Authors: Klangnurak, Wanlada, Arunrugstichai, Sirachai, Manopawitr, Petch, Krajangdara, Tassapon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.08.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal Genetics and Genomics; Biodiversity; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carcharhinus signatus; Composition; Conservation; Conservation Biology/Ecology; Conservation status; Cytochrome-c oxidase; Cytochromes; Deoxyribonucleic acid; DNA; Dominant species; Ecology; Evolutionary Biology; Fins; Gene sequencing; Life Sciences; Overexploitation; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Population decline; Research Article; Seafood; Sharks; Species composition; Threatened species; Thailand; Shark fin; Threatened species; COI; Thailand; DNA barcoding
• ISSN: 1566-0621; 1572-9737
• DOI: 10.1007/s10592-023-01519-0

Shark fins are among the most highly prized seafood products in the world with massive consumption in Asia over the past several decades. The demand for shark fins is a major driver of the enormous population declines of elasmobranchs that are generally vulnerable to overexploitation. This study aims to better understand the species composition of shark fin products in Thailand and their conservation statuses by using DNA-based species identification. Various types and sizes of shark fins were collected from 4 locations in Thailand. DNA barcoding method based on a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was applied to species identification. Fins from at least 15 shark species were found from Thailand’s markets. The spottail shark (Carcharhinus sorrah ) and the night shark (Carcharhinus signatus ) were the two dominant species presented in this study. 34% of identifiable samples are the species that have not been record in this region. 62% of species detected from the fin samples are categorized under the threatened categories of IUCN Red List. Species composition reported in shark fin products potentially helps indicate the appropriate conservation action and increases awareness from monitoring the trade in elasmobranch products.