A simple genetic identification method for Northeast Atlantic smoothhound sharks (Mustelus spp.)

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Authors: Farrell, Edward D., Clarke, Maurice W., Mariani, Stefano
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2009
• Subjects: Northeast Atlantic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsn218; http://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article-pdf/66/3/561/29132138/fsn218.pdf

Abstract Farrell, E. D., Clarke, M. W., and Mariani, S. 2009. A simple genetic identification method for Northeast Atlantic smoothhound sharks (Mustelus spp.). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 561–565. Considerable ambiguity exists in the identification of the commercially valuable smoothhound sharks (Mustelus spp.) in the Northeast (NE) Atlantic. The lack of a clear and accurate method of identification prevents the collation of reliable species-specific landings and survey data for these fish and hinders the accurate delineation of the distribution ranges of species and stock boundaries, making it impossible to apply sound species-specific conservation and management strategies. This paper reports on the development of a multiplex PCR reaction that utilizes a set of mtDNA primers for the identification of Mustelus asterias, Mustelus mustelus, and Galeorhinus galeus. The high throughput method allows for the rapid and cost-effective identification of large numbers of samples; its application to 431 fish collected between 2006 and 2008 also raises important questions regarding the biogeography of the genus Mustelus in the NE Atlantic.