Millions of organisms contribute to global marine biodiversity, and most of them are in need of protection. Unfortunately, the planet has lost about 70% of its animal diversity in the last five decades.Indonesia, known for its rich marine diversity, is at the heart of this challenge. Researchers have discovered that Indonesian sharks and manta ray populations are vanishing at an alarming rate.
Sharks and rays are some of the biggest victims of declining marine biodiversity. Once considered apex predators, these elasmobranchs have become vulnerable ocean inhabitants fighting for survival. The biological characteristics of sharks and rays also put them at a significant disadvantage. They grow relatively slowly, mature late, and reproduce at very low rates.
While this is a global crisis, Indonesia is taking a bigger hit than most countries worldwide. The country is home to over 220 shark and ray species, translating to one-fifth of the global population. Having such a rich diversity of sharks and rays comes with a few economic benefits. For example, shark tourism in the country contributes at least $22 million annually to the national coffers.
Despite their economic value, only six species are protected from all forms of catch and trade in Indonesia. These include whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), giant manta rays (Mobula birostris), reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), and three sawfish species.
The country also does not allow the export of four globally endangered species: three hammerhead shark species and oceanic white-tip sharks (Carcharhinus longimanus).
From 2007-2017, Indonesias shark and ray fishery recorded an annual average catch of 110,737 metric tons. This is the largest in the world.
Interestingly, the larger part of this weight comes from unintentional bycatch rather than intentional or active fishing. This aligns with the Wildlife Conservation Societys 2018 observation that up to 86% of Indonesian fisheries incidentally capture sharks and rays.
This situation leaves Indonesia with a crucial but tricky choice to make between conservation and the socioeconomic benefits of shark fishing.
The recent efforts of Indonesian authorities indicate the readiness of the country to protect these endangered marine species from extinction.
According to a newly published study, the recent advancements in science and technology may offer the country a solution. New DNA-based diagnostic tools, such as the FASTFISH-ID method, have advanced the process of wildlife identification.
FASTFISH-ID is an advanced real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique that supports rapid and reliable species identification. It uses fluorescent probes to create unique genetic signatures for each species, offering precise identification.
Initially designed for bony fishes, FASTFISH-ID has shown promise for elasmobranchs. Hence, researchers used it to generate fluorescent signatures for 28 frequently traded elasmobranch species found below the surface of Indonesian waters.
These signatures allowed for accurate species identification, although with a few misclassifications. The deep machine learning approach achieved an impressive 79.41% accuracy in species identification.
Andhika P. Prasetyo, a researcher at the University of Salford, led this vital work. Based on their findings, the experts believe the FASTFISH-ID could be a game-changer offering speed, portability, universality, and single nucleotide resolution when identifying elasmobranch species.
While limitations like misassignments and inconsistencies in hybridizations have been observed, the scientists hope the ongoing improvements and database expansions will improve the technology.
With further refinement, this method can improve monitoring of the elasmobranch trade worldwide, without a lab or species-specific assays, they noted.
The findings of this study were first published in the journal iScience.
Like what you read? Subscribe to our newsletter for engaging articles, exclusive content, and the latest updates.
Check us out on EarthSnap, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.
Link:
Indonesia turns to DNA technology to save their sharks - Earth.com
- DNA identifies last known remains of victims of notorious Green River Killer, cops say - Miami Herald - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- UNE to study why rare lobsters have strange-colored shells - Spectrum News - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- DNA evidence identifies last known victim of Green River Killer almost 40 years later - NBC Right Now - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- New bill would give California parents more control over whether state can store their kid's DNA - CBS News - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Lucas County Sheriff's Office doing advanced testing on DNA found at site of 2011 Clarke and Straub murders - WTOL - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Last known remains connected to the Green River Killer identified through DNA | WTGS - Fox28 Savannah - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- 5 Best Ancestry DNA Tests 2024 To Help You Learn More About Your Health - GLAMOUR UK - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- 11 Investigates: Lucas County Sheriff's Office doing advanced testing on DNA found at site of 2011 Clarke and Straub murders - WTOL - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Researchers improve blood tests' ability to detect and monitor cancer - MIT News - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- DNA test approved for Duxbury's Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of killing her 3 children - The Patriot Ledger - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- 1,650th victim of 9/11 identified through advanced DNA testing - FOX 17 West Michigan News - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- We Think Cavco Industries (NASDAQ:CVCO) Might Have The DNA Of A Multi-Bagger - Yahoo Finance - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- DNA From the Ocean's 'Twilight Zone' Could Lead to New Lifesaving Drugs, Scientists Say - Smithsonian Magazine - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Last known remains connected to the Green River Killer identified through DNA - KOMO News - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- 9/11 victim identified as John Ballantine Niven of Oyster Bay with help of DNA technology - WABC-TV - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Scott Peterson has every right to DNA test: Attorney from case - NewsNation Now - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- DNA from stone age chewing gum sheds light on diet and disease in Scandinavia's ancient hunter-gatherers - The Conversation - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Barbara Lee responds to Nikki Haley: Racism is in the DNA of this country - The Hill - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- DB Cooper 'will finally be identified' after 53 years due to huge DNA breakthrough - LADbible - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Dog Owners Who Abandon Poops To Be Found Using DNA Tests in Italy - Newsweek - January 23rd, 2024 [January 23rd, 2024]
- Scientists gather bobcat DNA from paw prints - KJZZ - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Discovering Fusions Requires More Than DNA Testing in GI Cancers - OncLive - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Largest-ever ocean DNA study uncovers mysteries of marine life - Earth.com - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- 1st-ever ancient case of Turner syndrome, with just 1 X chromosome instead of 2, found in ancient DNA - Livescience.com - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Minnesota Mother Calls on NYS to Allow DNA Testing Finger Lakes Daily News - Finger Lakes Daily News - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- DNA Didn't Match Marcellus Williams. Missouri May Fast-Track Execution Anyway. - The Intercept - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Ancient DNA From Eurasian Herders Sheds Light on the Origins of Multiple Sclerosis - Smithsonian Magazine - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- DNA's hotel toh kuyabeh mirrors bird flight undulations in tulum - Designboom - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Research into ancient DNA sheds new light on cause of Multiple Sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases - University of Oxford - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Ancient DNA reveals reason for high MS and Alzheimer's rates in Europe - University of Cambridge news - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- TIME-seq reduces time and cost of DNA methylation measurement for epigenetic clock construction - Nature.com - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Gilgo Serial Killer Suspect Rex Heuermann Tied to Slaying by DNA From Daughter's Can of Coffee: Prosecutors - The Messenger - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- DNA evidence leads to arrest of Denton sexual assault suspect - The Cross Timbers Gazette - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Ancient DNA reveals reason for high multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's rates in Europe - EurekAlert - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- New technique identifies earliest cases of genetic disorders from ancient DNA - University of Oxford - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Ancient DNA could be hiding all kinds of health secrets - Deccan Herald - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Ancient DNA reveals reason for high MS and Alzheimer's rates in Europe - ScienceBlog.com - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Supreme Court seeks government's view on DNA profiling of unidentified bodies - IndiaTimes - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Prosecution Ordered to Release Portion of DNA Evidence to Kohberger's Defense Team - bigcountrynewsconnection.com - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Judge orders more DNA disclosure in University of Idaho murder case - KXLY Spokane - January 16th, 2024 [January 16th, 2024]
- Cas9-induced targeted integration of large DNA payloads in primary human T cells via homology-mediated end-joining ... - Nature.com - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- The DNA glycosylase NEIL2 is protective during SARS-CoV-2 infection - Nature.com - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- How an immune response is driven by one letter difference in DNA - Medical Xpress - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Tracy Morgan Discovered He Was Related to Nas After DNA Test - PEOPLE - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Scientists testify about DNA in third week of Aguirre trial - The Spokesman Review - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- DNA metabarcoding focusing on the plankton community: an effective approach to reconstruct the paleo-environment ... - Nature.com - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Advancement in DNA Technology and Tenacity of Cold Case Detective Identifies Victim in 37-year-old Homicide - hellowoodlands.com - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Integrating DNA methylation and gene expression data in a single gene network using the iNETgrate package ... - Nature.com - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Forensic scientist testifies about evidence contamination at state lab in 1986, says knowledge of DNA has since ... - The Spokesman Review - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Tracy Morgan Discovers He Is Related To Nas Through DNA Test - BET - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- DNA discovery opens door to tailored medicine for Indigenous Australians | Australian National University - ANU - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Tracy Morgan Started Crying After Learning Hes Related To Nas Through A DNA Test - TODAY - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Electric eel zaps do more than just stun they can alter the DNA of their victims, study suggests - Salon - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Blueface Says He Took a DNA Test That Proves He's Not the Father of Chrisean Rock's Son: 'Thank You Jesus' - Complex - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Altina Wildlife Park to use DNA tests to find mystery father of black-and-white ruffed lemur triplets - ABC News - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- In the Shadow of Rome: Ancient DNA Recasts Balkan History - SciTechDaily - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Even microbes felt the impact of ancient climate transitions, McMaster DNA researchers find - Brighter World - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Clarence 'Red' Wilson cold case murder: DNA helps Montgomery County detective break 37-year unsolved Texas homicide - KTRK-TV - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- How Construction Companies Can Make Diversity Part of Their DNA - For Construction Pros - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- DNA analysis of bat droppings shows astonishingly high number of insect species - Phys.org - December 14th, 2023 [December 14th, 2023]
- Co-Lin football's blue-collar DNA on display in huge road win at Gulf ... - Dailyleader - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- DNA methylation: The hidden mechanism enabling plants to adapt ... - EurekAlert - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- Neanderthals carried genes acquired from ancient interactions with ... - Penn Today - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- DNA meythlation clocks and their limitations - Lifespan.io News - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- Neanderthal DNA may shape how sensitive you are to pain, genetic ... - Livescience.com - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- OvaPrint a cell-free DNA methylation liquid biopsy for the risk ... - Cancer Discovery - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- After being freed once, Ohio man languishes on death row - Ohio Capital Journal - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- Maximizing ROI With Cattle DNA Testing - AG INFORMATION ... - AGInfo Ag Information Network - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- Pittsburgh's Opening Night Roster Stays True to Its DNA | Pittsburgh ... - NHL.com - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- There are 750 unidentified human remains in Australia. Could your ... - The Conversation - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- Baltimore Witness - Baltimore Witness - October 13th, 2023 [October 13th, 2023]
- DNA Chips: The Billion Gigabyte Storage Solution of Tomorrow - SciTechDaily - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- DNA's 'topography' influences where cancer-causing mutations appear - Livescience.com - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- Dog diversity unveiled by international DNA database - Science Daily - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- DNA from UW student attack 'one in one quadrillion' match to suspect - The Capital Times - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- Invitation: TAG Heuer popup to showcase its DNA and motorsports - - Deployant - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- Ancient Clostridium DNA and variants of tetanus neurotoxins ... - Nature.com - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- DNA methylation and the opposing NMDAR dysfunction in ... - Nature.com - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- 'I don't think it's in her DNA': Man who co-authored Murdaugh book with Colleton Co. Clerk of Court discusses allegations - ABC NEWS 4 - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]
- Using DNA to solve a family mystery: 'It brought great comfort to ... - The Irish Times - September 9th, 2023 [September 9th, 2023]