Fifteen years of elasmobranchs trade unveiled by DNA tools: Lessons for enhanced monitoring and conservation actions

This is a Preprint and has not been peer reviewed. The published version of this Preprint is available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110543. This is version 2 of this Preprint.

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Authors

Marcela Alvarenga, Ingrid Vasconcellos Bunholi, Gustavo Reis de Brito, Marcos Vinícius Bohrer Monteiro Siqueira, Rodrigo Rodrigues Domingues, Patricia Charvet, Fausto Foresti, Antonio Mateo Solé-Cava, Vanessa Paes da Cruz

Abstract

The trade of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) in Brazil threatens the country's rich endemic biodiversity. The present study explored the use of DNA-based tools to monitor the Brazilian elasmobranch trade, focusing on their role in identifying processed products and supporting conservation efforts. A systematic search of literature was conducted and included 35 peer-reviewed papers published between 2008 and 2023. A shift from the development of DNA-based tools to direct trade applications has been observed since 2015. Molecular identification challenges, including costly sequencing and limited resources in national databases, were identified along with proposed solutions, such as protocol optimization and exploration of cost-effective alternatives. Biases in trade analysis papers, particularly the lack of research in the Northeast Region of Brazil, and issues with sample sizes were evident. Species identified using DNA-based tools included the critically endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), which appeared in 46% of the evaluated papers, followed by the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca), and several others threatened species, such as the critically endangered and endemic Brazilian Guitarfish (Pseudobatos horkelii) and the recently categorized as vulnerable Sharpnose Shark (Rhizoprionodon porosus). Other species were reassessed by IUCN, including previously non-threatened species that are now at risk, emphasizing the need for fisheries management, trade monitoring and conservation measures. Our findings highlight the importance of continued genetic monitoring to analyze market trends and adjust legislation, encouraging compliance with frequent inspections to enhance wildlife conservation. We also identified gaps in research and recommended strategies for accurate species identification, broader investigation, and effective management.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.32942/X2N31X

Subjects

Biodiversity, Life Sciences

Keywords

DNA-based tools, elasmobranchs, conservation genetics, endemic species, Brazilian trade, fisheries genetics, forensics, meta-analysis, elasmobranchs, conservation genetics, endemic species, Brazilian trade, fisheries genetics, forensics, meta-analysis

Dates

Published: 2023-10-18 11:41

Last Updated: 2024-03-21 00:58

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License

CC-BY Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Additional Metadata

Language:
English