The first DNA -based research for shark identification in Vietnam

As apex predators, sharks play key roles in the ecology and food-web dynamics of marine ecosystems. Even though sharks are among the most charismatic species, and public awareness surrounding their conservation is increasing, shark populations have continuously declined due to overexploitation.  Unsustainable fishing pressure to meet human demand for shark products primarily causes this decline. In Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, the value of shark fins has resulted in the growth of IUU (illegal, unreported, unregulated) shark fishing. IUU practices often involve catching sharks, retaining only their fins, and discarding the remaining carcasses back into the sea. This method of exploitation leads to difficulties in species identification, thereby obstructing conservation efforts. In this case, DNA barcoding can be a powerful tool for shark identification, which is urgently needed for the conservation of endangered species.

Possessing more than 3,000 km of coastline, and being located in a tropical region, Vietnam has a high level of marine biodiversity. The country’s rich marine resources serve as the foundation for the development of its fisheries. Vietnamese fishermen have a long history of successfully catching sharks. In the past, shark fins were considered luxury food for the elite class. Together with economic development, the demand for shark products increases. This leads to an increase in shark catches and a subsequent decline in shark populations within the country. Despite the widespread consumption of shark products, the diversity of sharks in Vietnam remains poorly understood. Several factors, including Vietnam’s extensive coastline, diverse habitat, and scarcity of morphological identification experts, constrain the study of sharks in the region. Understanding shark diversity and endangered species is a prerequisite for conservation strategies, and DNA barcoding can play an important role in shark forensics and conservation in Vietnam.  However, there is still no study using a genetic approach to investigate sharks in the country.

In this project, we use DNA barcoding to identify sharks exploited in central Vietnam. The project activities have led to shark fin and meat samples in the region. The lab performs DNA analysis on the collected samples. As the work is in progress, we expect that the findings will provide a comprehensive picture of shark diversity in central Vietnam.  This data is critical for law enforcement to maintain and restore shark diversity in the country.

The project leader extracting DNA from shark samples in the lab. Photo © Lam Xuan Trana