Aquatic Wildlife DNA Forensics: Tracking Illegal Shark Trade in the Philippines using DNA Barcodes

Sharks and rays are an important part of the Philippine fisheries. At present, there are at least 100 species occurring in Philippine waters. However, like many top predators, several species are showing signs of depletion.... [ view full abstract ]

Sharks and rays are an important part of the Philippine fisheries. At present, there are at least 100 species occurring in Philippine waters. However, like many top predators, several species are showing signs of depletion. Hence, some species have been placed under CITES Appendices, which automatically makes them fully protected under current Philippine national laws. Moreover, local government units have started implementing blanket bans of shark fishing in their areas. To support implementation of shark and ray regulations the DNA Forensics capability of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute – Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory was developedfor monitoring of trade and providing species identification to law enforcement agencies.

Here, we present the results of applying DNA barcoding to identifying illegal trade of shark and rays species in the Philippines.We analyzed samples from confiscations made by regulatory units and law enforcement agencies, and those sent for species identification validation. Some key species in trade include the protected manta ray (Manta birostris), found in a shipment of dried sharks skin, meat and bones sent by Customs from the Manila North Harbor; the reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) in landings in Bohol; and great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Baler and Aurora. All DNA barcodes have been stored in a database specifically developed to store and manage DNA data,and be used as a tool for conducting DNA forensics.

Our experiences illustrate the benefits of DNA barcoding for trade monitoring, traceability and implementing CITES, and provide some lessons learned for future application.