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Application of multiplex PCR approaches for shark molecular identification: feasibility and applications for fisheries management and conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Author(s) -
CABALLERO S.,
CARDEÑOSA D.,
SOLER G.,
HYDE J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
molecular ecology resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.96
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1755-0998
pISSN - 1755-098X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-0998.2011.03089.x
Subject(s) - biology , fishery , fishing , identification (biology) , pelagic zone , multiplex polymerase chain reaction , fisheries management , zoology , ecology , polymerase chain reaction , biochemistry , gene
Abstract Here we describe the application of new and existing multiplex PCR methodologies for shark species molecular identification. Four multiplex systems (group ID, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks and miscellaneous shark) were employed with primers previously described and some designed in this study, which allow for species identification after running PCR products through an agarose gel. This system was implemented for samples (bodies and fins) collected from unidentified sharks landed in the port of Buenaventura and from confiscated tissues obtained from illegal fishing around the Malpelo Island Marine Protected Area, Pacific Coast of Colombia. This method has allowed reliable identification, to date, of 407 samples to the genus and/or species levels, most of them (380) identified as the pelagic thresher shark ( Alopias pelagicus ). Another seven samples were identified as scalloped hammerhead sharks ( Sphyrna lewini ). This is an easy‐to‐implement and reliable identification method that could even be used locally to monitor shark captures in the main fishing ports of developed and developing countries.