DNA-based identification reveals illegal trade of threatened shark species in a global elasmobranch conservation hotspot.

ABSTRACT: Here, we report trading of endangered shark species in a world hotspot for elasmobranch conservation in Brazil. Data on shark fisheries are scarce in Brazil, although the northern and northeastern regions have the highest indices of shark bycatch. Harvest is made primarily with processed carcasses lacking head and fins, which hampers reliable species identification and law enforcement on illegal catches. We used partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (COI and/or NADH2) to identify 17 shark species from 427 samples being harvested and marketed on the northern coast of Brazil. Nine species (53%) are listed under some extinction threat category according to Brazilian law and international authorities (IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature; CITES - Convention on Internati

SUBMITTER: Feitosa LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5820252 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature