Blood in the water: DNA barcoding of traded shark fins in Singapore

• DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2022.907714
• Publication Date: 2022-10-04T05:18:02Z
• Authors: Lynn Drescher; Noel Jin Kiat Heng; Min Yi Chin; Neel R. O. Karve; Edward Jun Wei Ch...; Anastasia Kurniadi; Mariana Quesada U...; Felipe Gabriel Wa...; U. Dharshini; Nirel Tze En Hoe; Joshua Song Yang ...; Russell Fock Jun Lok; Caroline Kibat; Benjamin J. Wainw...
• Keywords: DNA Barcoding; CITES; Overfishing

Overfishing has significantly decreased global shark populations, with some species experiencing reductions of approximately 70% over the last 50 years. Singapore is a major fin transhipment hub that helps to satisfy demand for fins, which are considered status symbols and reputed have medicinal value in Asian culture. Despite recognised urgent need better protect success such efforts been limited by difficulties associated visually identifying from fins originated. In this study, we collected 451 tissue samples variety local retail markets Singapore. Using DNA barcoding techniques, amplified 350 base pair fragment mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene each identify sold We identified 22 species, 17 categorised as Threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable) under IUCN Red List. Six these also listed on Appendix II Convention International Trade Species Wild Fauna Flora (CITES).