In Troubled Waters: Applying DNA Barcoding to Monitor Singapore's Shark Fin Trade

In Troubled Waters: Applying DNA Barcoding to Monitor Singapore's Shark Fin Trade

ABSTRACT The global fin trade poses a significant threat to shark populations; many species of shark are at risk of extinction due to overfishing and unsustainable practices. This study examines the fin trade in Singapore, a globally significant fin trading hub, market and transit point. Using DNA b...

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Main Authors: Anya Ramanan, Kimberly H. Quek, Nicole Chung Mae Sze, Nicole Isabel Oo Xinyen, David Kim Hyun Soo, Changjun Sung, Vivien Dimitrov, Rebekah P. Nix, Ming Han Mark Sng, Pei Xuan Jody Lim, Elisa X. Y. Lim, Benjamin J. Wainwright
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Ecology and Evolution
Subjects:
CITES
DNA barcoding
IUCN
shark fin
sharks
wildlife trade
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71607
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Summary:ABSTRACT The global fin trade poses a significant threat to shark populations; many species of shark are at risk of extinction due to overfishing and unsustainable practices. This study examines the fin trade in Singapore, a globally significant fin trading hub, market and transit point. Using DNA barcoding techniques, we attempted to determine the species of origin for 300 processed fins that could not be identified by visual techniques. Fins were collected from a variety of outlets across Singapore. We identified 12 species, eight of which were identified as threatened on the IUCN Red List of threatened species (critically threatened n = 2, endangered n = 4 & vulnerable n = 2). Of all the samples we identified to the species or genus level, 13 (12 species and 1 entire genus) are listed on CITES Appendix II. This listing means that international trade has to be controlled to prevent further population declines and utilisation incompatible with their survival. Ninety‐eight percent of all the identifications made in this work belonged to species that are listed on CITES Appendix II. Demonstrating the importance of regular and repeated monitoring, we identified the blackchin guitarfish (Glaucostegus cemiculus); this is the first occurrence of fins from this species within Singapore and the wider Southeast Asian region. This is a CITES Appendix II listed species and one that has been designated as critically endangered by the IUCN. Without repeated monitoring, the presence of this species in Singpaore would likely have gone undetected.
ISSN:2045-7758

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