Molecular tools for identification of shark species involved in depredation incidents in Western Australian fisheries

Authors

Seema Fotedar, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Sherralee Lukehurst, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia
Gary Jackson, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Michael Snow, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-11-2019

Journal Title

PLoS ONE

ISSN

1932-6203

Keywords

sharks, species identification, molecular, depredation

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Marine Biology

Abstract

Shark depredation is an issue of concern in some Western Australian recreational and commercial fisheries where it can have economic, social and ecological consequences. Knowledge of the shark species involved is fundamental to developing effective management strategies to mitigate the impacts of depredation. Identification of the species responsible is difficult as direct observation of depredation events is uncommon and evaluating bite marks on fish has a high degree of uncertainty. The use of trace DNA techniques has provided an alternative method for species identification. We demonstrate proof of concept for a targeted DNA barcoding approach to identify shark species using trace DNA found at bite marks on recovered remains of hooked fish. Following laboratory validation, forensic analysis of swabs collected from samples of bitten demersal fish, led to the definitive identification of shark species involved in 100% of the incidences of depredation (n = 16).

Recommended Citation

Fotedar, S, Lukehurst, S, Jackson, G, and Snow, M. (2019), Molecular tools for identification of shark species involved in depredation incidents in Western Australian fisheries. PLoS ONE, 14 (1), e0210500.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/133