Genetic Profiling Reveals Illegal International Trade in Fins of the Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias

Authors

• Mahmood S. Shivji, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
• Demian D. Chapman, Nova Southeastern University
• Ellen K. Pikitch, University of Miami
• Paul W. Raymond, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

ResearcherID

G-4080-2013

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Conservation Genetics

ISSN

1566-0621

Publication Date

12-21-2005

Keywords

Conservation, Fin trade, Great white sharks, Shark DNA forensics

Abstract

Great white sharks are protected by national legislation in several countries, making this species the most widely protected elasmobranch in the world. Although the market demand for shark fins in general has continued to grow, the value and extent of utilization of white shark fins in trade has been controversial. We combine law enforcement with genetic profiling to demonstrate that illegal trade in fins of this species is occurring in the contemporary international market. Furthermore, we document the presence of fins from very young white sharks in the trade, suggesting a multiple-use market (food to trophies) exists for fins of this species. The presence of small fins in the trade contradicts the view that white shark fins have market value only as large display trophies, and not as food. Our findings indicate that effective conservation of protected shark species will require international management regimes that include monitoring of the shark fishery and trade on a species-specific basis.

DOI

10.1007/s10592-005-9082-9

Volume

6

Issue

6

First Page

1035

Last Page

1039

Comments

©Springer 2005

NSUWorks Citation

Shivji, Mahmood S.; Demian D. Chapman; Ellen K. Pikitch; and Paul W. Raymond. 2005. "Genetic Profiling Reveals Illegal International Trade in Fins of the Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias." Conservation Genetics 6, (6): 1035-1039. doi:10.1007/s10592-005-9082-9.