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General Shark Identification |
Can you identify the shark species used to make these shark products?
© Prof. M. J. Shivji / Innerspace Visions / Hai-Stiftung
"What kind of shark was that?" Both fishing experts and customs inspectors are called upon to answer this question when examining a load of already processed sharks. But very often not even shark specialists can provide a clear answer.
Proponents of shark fishing argue that the fishermen cannot identify the shark species caught. Only in the case of shark fins are they precisely informed as to which fins obtain the best market price.
On the other hand, fishing supervisors and customs inspectors whose job is to control catches in port or at country boundaries often cannot clearly identify the fins or already processed sharks as belonging to this or that species. Lacking easy identification methods, only in rare cases can they prove that fishermen have caught sharks belonging to protected shark species.
It's a vicious circle: As long as catches are not clearly and legally identifiable, fishermen can continue to fish sharks indiscriminately. And unless we can determine the number of individuals from a specific shark species which are caught, we cannot establish any guidelines for the fishing industry which will help protect certain shark species.
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Shark Identification Project |
The subject of shark identification has been pursued in Professor Mahmood Shivji's laboratory at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. The project's objective is to develop molecular-biological, easy-to-use tools which will enable customs agents or fishing supervisors to identify shark species quickly.
Carcharodon carcharias). The tests are based on DNA analysis of the genetic structure which is unique for all living things.
Professor Shivji is currently implementing them on the Asian shark fin market.
© Professor M. J. Shivji / Shark Foundation
Illustration: Using gel electrophoresis many samples can be tested simultaneously.
Fishing industry supervisors and customs inspectors take small tissue samples (a few hundredths of a gram suffice) from the load and send them to a nearby laboratory for examination.
Today every laboratory can perform such a routine examination in a short period of time. In 2003 the shark identification project based on minute tissue samples was a prominent topic in the media. Being able to identify the white shark was big step forward in connection with the animal's protection by CITES. In 2003 Professor Shivji also used his method to perform examinations on shark fins in Asian fish markets.
 Publications
The Foundation has been cofinancing the project since June 2000 so far totalling about CHF 76,000.
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