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Villagómez-Vélez SI, Noreña-Barroso E, Galván-Magaña F, González-Armas R, Rodríguez-Fuentes G, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ. Persistent Organic Pollutants in Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Skin Biopsies from Bahía de Los Ángeles, Mexico. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 112:18. [PMID: 38141110 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-023-03841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a filter-feeding organism that can be considered a sentinel species, and Bahía de los Ángeles (BLA) in the Gulf of California is an important sighting site for these elasmobranchs. This filter-feeding organism can be considered a pollutant sampler from the marine environment. Persistent organic pollutants are toxic compounds with high mobility and environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. Among these are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The present work aimed to determine concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in whale shark skin biopsies, collected in 2021 at BLA. Mean detected levels of PAHs and OCPs were 279.4 ng/g dw (dry weight) and 1478.1 ng/g dw, respectively. Analysis of similarities between the ordered sizes (4.2-7.6 m) and the concentrations of PAHs and OCPs indicated no significant differences. Individual PAHs detected indicate pyrogenic and petrogenic sources; the presence of pesticides at levels higher than those of hydrocarbons may be related to agricultural activity in the areas surrounding the Baja California peninsula. This study is the first report of PAH levels in R. typus for the Gulf of California and Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Itzel Villagómez-Vélez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional S/N, 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Elsa Noreña-Barroso
- Unidad de Química en Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, 97356, Sisal, Yucatán, México.
- Laboratorio Nacional de Resiliencia Costera (LANRESC), Puerto de Abrigo S/N, 97356, Sisal, Yucatán, México.
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional S/N, 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional S/N, 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
| | - Gabriela Rodríguez-Fuentes
- Unidad de Química en Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, 97356, Sisal, Yucatán, México
| | - Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional S/N, 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, México
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Gore M, Camplisson E, Ormond R. The biology and ecology of the basking shark: A review. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2023; 95:113-257. [PMID: 37923538 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Here we review the literature on the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus, Gunnerus, 1765), well known as the second largest extant shark (and fish) species globally. Previous reviews were published by Kunzlik in 1988 and Sims in 2008, but in the last 15 years modern electronic and DNA sequencing technologies have resulted in considerable advances in our knowledge of the species' behaviour and ecology. Basking sharks are planktivores and under appropriate conditions spend prolonged periods at the ocean surface feeding on copepod prey that primarily make up their diet, the behaviour that gave rise to their common name. In general, they are migratory and move into higher latitude waters during the summer months, when loose surface-feeding aggregations may form at favoured sites, the best known of which at present occur at hotspots on the west coasts of Britain and Ireland. The species is found circumglobally in temperate waters, but they are also now known on occasion to migrate at depth between northern and southern hemispheres, as well as across oceans within the northern hemisphere. In the past basking shark were more abundant across much of their range, but, consequent on targeted fisheries and in some places intentional eradication, became everywhere scarce, with recent population recovery in the north-east Atlantic being the result of protective measures initiated in the 1990s. Despite their charismatic nature, some of their most fundamental biological processes including copulation, gestation and birth remain largely unknown, due to their migratory and often deep-water lifestyle. In contrast, the deployment of small-scale archival and satellite tags has revealed the details of both broadscale migratory movements and horizontal and vertical foraging behaviours. Recent genetic studies support evidence suggesting a degree of site fidelity in relation to seasonal feeding grounds, which likely explains why in the past local populations have collapsed following periods of intensive fishing. Other recent research using aerial drones and towed cameras has revealed within loose feeding aggregations elements of social behaviour that may have a courtship function as well as enhance feeding efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauvis Gore
- Marine Conservation International, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ewan Camplisson
- Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; School of Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, England, United Kingdom
| | - Rupert Ormond
- Marine Conservation International, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Cade DE, Kahane-Rapport SR, Gough WT, Bierlich KC, Linsky JMJ, Calambokidis J, Johnston DW, Goldbogen JA, Friedlaender AS. Minke whale feeding rate limitations suggest constraints on the minimum body size for engulfment filtration feeding. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:535-546. [PMID: 36914772 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-01993-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Bulk filter feeding has enabled gigantism throughout evolutionary history. The largest animals, extant rorqual whales, utilize intermittent engulfment filtration feeding (lunge feeding), which increases in efficiency with body size, enabling their gigantism. The smallest extant rorquals (7-10 m minke whales), however, still exhibit short-term foraging efficiencies several times greater than smaller non-filter-feeding cetaceans, raising the question of why smaller animals do not utilize this foraging modality. We collected 437 h of bio-logging data from 23 Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) to test the relationship of feeding rates (λf) to body size. Here, we show that while ultra-high nighttime λf (mean ± s.d.: 165 ± 40 lunges h-1; max: 236 lunges h-1; mean depth: 28 ± 46 m) were indistinguishable from predictions from observations of larger species, daytime λf (mean depth: 72 ± 72 m) were only 25-40% of predicted rates. Both λf were near the maxima allowed by calculated biomechanical, physiological and environmental constraints, but these temporal constraints meant that maximum λf was below the expected λf for animals smaller than ~5 m-the length of weaned minke whales. Our findings suggest that minimum size for specific filter-feeding body plans may relate broadly to temporal restrictions on filtration rate and have implications for the evolution of filter feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Cade
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA.
| | | | - William T Gough
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - K C Bierlich
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, USA
- Marine Mammal Institute, Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, USA
| | - Jacob M J Linsky
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - David W Johnston
- Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Beaufort, NC, USA
| | | | - Ari S Friedlaender
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
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Green SM, Hearn A, Green JR. Species associated with whale sharks Rhincodontypus (Orectolobiformes, Rhincodontidae) in the Galapagos Archipelago. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e97864. [PMID: 38327377 PMCID: PMC10848626 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e97864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Whale sharks Rhincodontypus frequently appear to interact or associate with other species, which vary depending on the community structure and the demographic of the whale sharks at each location globally. Here, we present the species sighted frequently around whale sharks in the Galapagos Archipelago and reported by dive guides and scientists and also in earlier publications. These associated species include cetacean species: bottlenose dolphins Tursiopstruncatus, other shark species: silky sharks Carcharhinusfalciformis, Galapagos sharks Carcharhinusgalapagensis, scalloped hammerhead sharks Sphyrnalewini, tiger sharks Galeocerdocuvier and teleost fish species: remoras Remora remora, yellowfin tuna Thunnusalbacares, almaco jacks Seriolarivoliana and black jacks Caranxlugubris. The recording of interspecies associations and interactions may lead to better understanding of the natural history of whale sharks and can show important symbiotic relationships or interdependence between different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Green
- Galapagos Whale Shark Project, Puerto Ayora, EcuadorGalapagos Whale Shark ProjectPuerto AyoraEcuador
| | - Alex Hearn
- Galapagos Whale Shark Project, Puerto Ayora, EcuadorGalapagos Whale Shark ProjectPuerto AyoraEcuador
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, EcuadorUniversidad San Francisco de QuitoQuitoEcuador
| | - Jonathan R Green
- Galapagos Whale Shark Project, Puerto Ayora, EcuadorGalapagos Whale Shark ProjectPuerto AyoraEcuador
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Boldrocchi G, Monticelli D, Bettinetti R. To what extent are filter feeder elasmobranchs exposed to marine pollution? A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 318:120881. [PMID: 36528198 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Filter feeding elasmobranchs may be considered as biological indicators of marine pollution, despite most of these species are under some degree of extinction risk. Among threats to this taxonomic group, marine pollution might represent an additional concern for their survival. In this review, a comprehensive systematic search of scientific literature on pollutants in filter feeding elasmobranchs was conducted to evaluate the bioaccumulation patterns, and risk for human consumers. We found that, despite an increasing trend in the number of published studies, the geographical coverage is still very limited and most of the studies focused solely on trace elements (70.8%). Among sharks, Rhincodon typus was the most represented species (66.7%), while Mobula mobular the most studied ray species (41.7%). Comparing the levels of pollutants in filter feeders between ocean basins, this review highlighted that Hg, As and Cd levels are mostly higher in those areas affected by both strong natural and anthropogenic source of emissions, such as the Indian Ocean. With regards to OCs, ΣPCB levels in muscle of C. maximus were between 4.3 and 50.5 μg kg-1 ww, highlighting a persistent contamination of PCB in the Mediterranean Sea. Some species exceeded the maximum allowable limits for foodstuff consumption for As, Cd and Pb. A total of 77.8% of the analyzed species exceeded the Environmental Quality Standards for Hg, while they were always below the EQSbiota for HCB, PBDEs, PFOS and DDT. Given their feeding mechanism that continuously samples the marine environment, further investigations are urgently needed to determine not only the extent of contaminant exposure in different hotspot locations but also the risks posed to the elasmobranch health.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boldrocchi
- Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy.
| | - D Monticelli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
| | - R Bettinetti
- Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, Como, Italy
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Global collision-risk hotspots of marine traffic and the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117440119. [PMID: 35533277 PMCID: PMC9171791 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117440119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine traffic is increasing globally yet collisions with endangered megafauna such as whales, sea turtles, and planktivorous sharks go largely undetected or unreported. Collisions leading to mortality can have population-level consequences for endangered species. Hence, identifying simultaneous space use of megafauna and shipping throughout ranges may reveal as-yet-unknown spatial targets requiring conservation. However, global studies tracking megafauna and shipping occurrences are lacking. Here we combine satellite-tracked movements of the whale shark, Rhincodon typus, and vessel activity to show that 92% of sharks’ horizontal space use and nearly 50% of vertical space use overlap with persistent large vessel (>300 gross tons) traffic. Collision-risk estimates correlated with reported whale shark mortality from ship strikes, indicating higher mortality in areas with greatest overlap. Hotspots of potential collision risk were evident in all major oceans, predominantly from overlap with cargo and tanker vessels, and were concentrated in gulf regions, where dense traffic co-occurred with seasonal shark movements. Nearly a third of whale shark hotspots overlapped with the highest collision-risk areas, with the last known locations of tracked sharks coinciding with busier shipping routes more often than expected. Depth-recording tags provided evidence for sinking, likely dead, whale sharks, suggesting substantial “cryptic” lethal ship strikes are possible, which could explain why whale shark population declines continue despite international protection and low fishing-induced mortality. Mitigation measures to reduce ship-strike risk should be considered to conserve this species and other ocean giants that are likely experiencing similar impacts from growing global vessel traffic.
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7
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Pratte ZA, Perry C, Dove ADM, Hoopes LA, Ritchie KB, Hueter RE, Fischer C, Newton AL, Stewart FJ. Microbiome structure in large pelagic sharks with distinct feeding ecologies. Anim Microbiome 2022; 4:17. [PMID: 35246276 PMCID: PMC8895868 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-022-00168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sharks play essential roles in ocean food webs and human culture, but also face population declines worldwide due to human activity. The relationship between sharks and the microbes on and in the shark body is unclear, despite research on other animals showing the microbiome as intertwined with host physiology, immunity, and ecology. Research on shark-microbe interactions faces the significant challenge of sampling the largest and most elusive shark species. We leveraged a unique sampling infrastructure to compare the microbiomes of two apex predators, the white (Carcharodon carcharias) and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), to those of the filter-feeding whale shark (Rhincodon typus), allowing us to explore the effects of feeding mode on intestinal microbiome diversity and metabolic function, and environmental exposure on the diversity of microbes external to the body (on the skin, gill). Results The fecal microbiomes of white and whale sharks were highly similar in taxonomic and gene category composition despite differences in host feeding mode and diet. Fecal microbiomes from these species were also taxon-poor compared to those of many other vertebrates and were more similar to those of predatory teleost fishes and toothed whales than to those of filter-feeding baleen whales. In contrast, microbiomes of external body niches were taxon-rich and significantly influenced by diversity in the water column microbiome. Conclusions These results suggest complex roles for host identity, diet, and environmental exposure in structuring the shark microbiome and identify a small, but conserved, number of intestinal microbial taxa as potential contributors to shark physiology. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-022-00168-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe A Pratte
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Montanta State University, 621 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
| | - Cameron Perry
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Kim B Ritchie
- University of South Carolina Beaufort, Beaufort, SC, USA
| | - Robert E Hueter
- OCEARCH, 1790 Bonanza Drive, Park City, UT, USA.,Center for Shark Research, Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | - Alisa L Newton
- Disney's Animals, Science and Environment, 1200 N. Savannah Circle East, Bay Lake, FL, USA
| | - Frank J Stewart
- Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology, Montanta State University, 621 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.,Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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8
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Romo-Curiel AE, Ramírez-Mendoza Z, Fajardo-Yamamoto A, Ramírez-León MR, García-Aguilar MC, Herzka SZ, Pérez-Brunius P, Saldaña-Ruiz LE, Sheinbaum J, Kotzakoulakis K, Rodríguez-Outerelo J, Medrano F, Sosa-Nishizaki O. Assessing the exposure risk of large pelagic fish to oil spills scenarios in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113434. [PMID: 35183025 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Exposure risk is assessed based on modeling suitable habitat of large pelagic fish and oil spill scenarios originating at three wells located in the western GM's deep waters. Since the fate of the oil depends on the oceanographic conditions present during the accident, as well as the magnitude and duration of the spill, which are not known a priori, the scenarios used are a statistical representation of the area in which oil spilled from the well could be found, given all possible outcomes. The ecological vulnerability assessment identified a subset of bony fish with low-medium vulnerability and elasmobranchs with medium-high vulnerability. The oiling probability and exposure risk of both bony fish and elasmobranchs hotspots vary by well analyzed. Thus, these results provide essential information for a risk management plan for the assessed species and others with economic or conservation importance distributed in the GM and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Romo-Curiel
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Z Ramírez-Mendoza
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - A Fajardo-Yamamoto
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - M R Ramírez-León
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - M C García-Aguilar
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - S Z Herzka
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - P Pérez-Brunius
- Departamento de Oceanografía Física, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - L E Saldaña-Ruiz
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - J Sheinbaum
- Departamento de Oceanografía Física, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - K Kotzakoulakis
- Departamento de Oceanografía Física, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico; Climate and Environment, SINTEF Ocean, Trindvegen 4, Trondheim, NO-7465, Norway..
| | - J Rodríguez-Outerelo
- Departamento de Oceanografía Física, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - F Medrano
- Departamento de Telemática, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico..
| | - O Sosa-Nishizaki
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada #3918, Zona Playitas, CP22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
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Hardenstine RS, He S, Cochran JEM, Braun CD, Cagua EF, Pierce SJ, Prebble CEM, Rohner CA, Saenz‐Angudelo P, Sinclair‐Taylor TH, Skomal GB, Thorrold SR, Watts AM, Zakroff CJ, Berumen ML. Pieces in a global puzzle: Population genetics at two whale shark aggregations in the western Indian Ocean. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8492. [PMID: 35127024 PMCID: PMC8796955 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The whale shark Rhincodon typus is found throughout the world's tropical and warm-temperate ocean basins. Despite their broad physical distribution, research on the species has been concentrated at a few aggregation sites. Comparing DNA sequences from sharks at different sites can provide a demographically neutral understanding of the whale shark's global ecology. Here, we created genetic profiles for 84 whale sharks from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea and 72 individuals from the coast of Tanzania using a combination of microsatellite and mitochondrial sequences. These two sites, separated by approximately 4500 km (shortest over-water distance), exhibit markedly different population demographics and behavioral ecologies. Eleven microsatellite DNA markers revealed that the two aggregation sites have similar levels of allelic richness and appear to be derived from the same source population. We sequenced the mitochondrial control region to produce multiple global haplotype networks (based on different alignment methodologies) that were broadly similar to each other in terms of population structure but suggested different demographic histories. Data from both microsatellite and mitochondrial markers demonstrated the stability of genetic diversity within the Saudi Arabian aggregation site throughout the sampling period. These results contrast previously measured declines in diversity at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Mapping the geographic distribution of whale shark lineages provides insight into the species' connectivity and can be used to direct management efforts at both local and global scales. Similarly, understanding historical fluctuations in whale shark abundance provides a baseline by which to assess current trends. Continued development of new sequencing methods and the incorporation of genomic data could lead to considerable advances in the scientific understanding of whale shark population ecology and corresponding improvements to conservation policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Royale S. Hardenstine
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and EngineeringRed Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Song He
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and EngineeringRed Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Jesse E. M. Cochran
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and EngineeringRed Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Camrin D. Braun
- Biology DepartmentWoods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
| | - Edgar Fernando Cagua
- School of Biological SciencesCentre for Integrative EcologyUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
- WorldFishBayan LepasMalaysia
| | | | - Clare E. M. Prebble
- Marine Megafauna FoundationTruckeeCaliforniaUSA
- National Oceanography CentreUniversity of South HamptonSouth HamtonUK
| | | | - Pablo Saenz‐Angudelo
- Facultad de CienciasInstituo de Ciencias Ambientales y EvolutivasUniversidad Austral de ChileValdiviaChile
| | | | - Gregory B. Skomal
- Massachusetts Division of Marine FisheriesNew BedfordMassachusettsUSA
| | - Simon R. Thorrold
- Biology DepartmentWoods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionWoods HoleMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alexandra M. Watts
- Marine Megafauna FoundationTruckeeCaliforniaUSA
- Ecological Genetics and Conservation LaboratoryManchester Metropolitan UniversityManchesterUK
| | - Casey J. Zakroff
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and EngineeringRed Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
| | - Michael L. Berumen
- Division of Biological and Environmental Science and EngineeringRed Sea Research CenterKing Abdullah University of Science and TechnologyThuwalSaudi Arabia
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11
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Boyd BM, Seitz JC. Global shifts in species richness have shaped carpet shark evolution. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:192. [PMID: 34674635 PMCID: PMC8529718 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01922-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evolutionary processes that shape patterns of species richness in marine ecosystems are complex and may differ between organismal groups. There has been considerable interest in understanding the evolutionary processes that led to marine species richness being concentrated in specific geographical locations. In this study we focus on the evolutionary history of a group of small-to-medium sized sharks known as carpet sharks. While a few carpet shark species are widespread, the majority of carpet shark species richness is contained within a biodiversity hotspot at the boundary of the Indian and Pacific oceans. We address the significance of this biodiversity hotspot in carpet shark evolution and speciation by leveraging a rich fossil record and molecular phylogenetics to examine the prehistoric distribution of carpet sharks. Results We find that carpet sharks species richness was greatest in shallow seas connected to the Atlantic Ocean during the Late Cretaceous, but that there was a subsequent loss of biodiversity in Atlantic waters. Fossil evidence from sites in close geographic proximity to the current center of carpet shark diversity are generally restricted to younger geologic strata. Conclusions From this data we conclude that (1) center of carpet shark biodiversity has shifted during the last 100 million years, (2) carpet sharks have repeatedly dispersed to nascent habitat (including to their current center of diversity), and (3) the current center of carpet shark biodiversity conserves lineages that have been extirpated from this prehistoric range and is a source of new carpet shark species. Our findings provide insights into the roles of marine biodiversity hotspots for higher-tropic level predators and the methods applied here can be used for additional studies of shark evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bret M Boyd
- Center for Biological Data Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
| | - Jason C Seitz
- ANAMAR Environmental Consulting, Inc, 2106 NW 67th Place, Suite 5, Gainesville, FL, 32653, USA
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12
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Love MS, Bizzarro JJ, Cornthwaite AM, Frable BW, Maslenikov KP. Checklist of marine and estuarine fishes from the AlaskaYukon Border, Beaufort Sea, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Zootaxa 2021; 5053:1-285. [PMID: 34810850 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5053.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This paper is a checklist of the fishes that have been documented, through both published and unpublished sources, in marine and estuarine waters, and out 200 miles, from the United States-Canadian border on the Beaufort Sea to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. A minimum of 241 families and 1,644 species are known within this range, including both native and nonnative species. For each of these species, we include maximum size, geographic and depth ranges, whether it is native or nonnative, as well as a brief mention of any taxonomic issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton S Love
- Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106.
| | - Joseph J Bizzarro
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystems and Climate, University of California, Santa Cruz, 110 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. .
| | - A Maria Cornthwaite
- Pacific Biological Station, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6N7, Canada .
| | - Benjamin W Frable
- Marine Vertebrate Collection, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0244, USA. .
| | - Katherine P Maslenikov
- University of Washington Fish Collection, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences and Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, 1122 NE Boat St., Seattle, WA 98105.
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13
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Becerril-García EE, Pancaldi F, Cruz-Villacorta AA, Rivera-Camacho AR, Aguilar-Cruz CA, Whitehead DA, González-Armas R, Arellano-Martínez M, Galván-Magaña F. General descriptions of the dermis structure of a juvenile whale shark Rhincodon typus from the Gulf of California. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:1524-1528. [PMID: 34159587 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide preliminary observations on the microanatomy of Rhincodon typus skin using histology and electron microscopy analyses. Skin biopsies were obtained from a deceased juvenile male shark (548 cm total length) stranded in La Paz, Mexico, during February 2018. The results of this study evidenced the basic structure of the dermal denticles in the epidermis of the trunk of the shark, as well as the composition of the connective tissue in the hypodermis. Histological images of the hypodermis showed a high concentration of collagen fibres, formed by a large number of fine and wavy fibres of compact shape and little intercellular substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar E Becerril-García
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
- Pelagios Kakunjá A.C, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Francesca Pancaldi
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
| | | | - Alma R Rivera-Camacho
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Carlos A Aguilar-Cruz
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Darren A Whitehead
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
- Pelagios Kakunjá A.C, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
| | | | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, Mexico
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14
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15
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Dugal L, Thomas L, Jensen MR, Sigsgaard EE, Simpson T, Jarman S, Thomsen PF, Meekan M. Individual haplotyping of whale sharks from seawater environmental DNA. Mol Ecol Resour 2021; 22:56-65. [PMID: 34146448 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Population genetic data can provide valuable information on the demography of a species. For rare and elusive marine megafauna, samples for generating the data are traditionally obtained from tissue biopsies, which can be logistically difficult and expensive to collect and require invasive sampling techniques. Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) offers an alternative, minimally invasive approach to provide important genetic information. Although eDNA approaches have been studied extensively for species detection and biodiversity monitoring in metabarcoding studies, the potential for the technique to address population-level questions remains largely unexplored. Here, we applied "eDNA haplotyping" to obtain estimates of the intraspecific genetic diversity of a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation at Ningaloo reef, Australia. Over 2 weeks, we collected seawater samples directly behind individual sharks prior to taking a tissue biopsy sample from the same animal. Our data showed a 100% match between mtDNA sequences recovered in the eDNA and tissue sample for all 28 individuals sampled. In the seawater samples, >97% of all reads were assigned to six dominant haplotypes, and a clear dominant signal (~99% of sample reads) was recovered in each sample. Our study demonstrates accurate individual-level haplotyping from seawater eDNA. When DNA from one individual clearly dominates each eDNA sample, it provides many of the same opportunities for population genetic analyses as a tissue sample, potentially removing the need for tissue sampling. Our results show that eDNA approaches for population-level analyses have the potential to supply critical demographic data for the conservation and management of marine megafauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Dugal
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, WA, Australia.,The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Luke Thomas
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, WA, Australia.,The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | | | | | - Tiffany Simpson
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory and eDNA Frontiers Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Simon Jarman
- The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | | | - Mark Meekan
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, Crawley, WA, Australia.,The UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
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16
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Andrzejaczek S, Vély M, Jouannet D, Rowat D, Fossette S. Regional movements of satellite-tagged whale sharks Rhincodon typus in the Gulf of Aden. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:4920-4934. [PMID: 33976859 PMCID: PMC8093710 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To gain insight into whale shark (Rhincodon typus) movement patterns in the Western Indian Ocean, we deployed eight pop-up satellite tags at an aggregation site in the Arta Bay region of the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti in the winter months of 2012, 2016, and 2017. Tags revealed movements ranging from local-scale around the Djibouti aggregation site, regional movements along the coastline of Somaliland, movements north into the Red Sea, and a large-scale (>1,000 km) movement to the east coast of Somalia, outside of the Gulf of Aden. Vertical movement data revealed high occupation of the top ten meters of the water column, diel vertical movement patterns, and deep diving behavior. Long-distance movements recorded both here and in previous studies suggest that connectivity between the whale sharks tagged at the Djibouti aggregation and other documented aggregations in the region are likely within annual timeframes. In addition, wide-ranging movements through multiple nations, as well as the high use of surface waters recorded, likely exposes whale sharks in this region to several anthropogenic threats, including targeted and bycatch fisheries and ship-strikes. Area-based management approaches focusing on seasonal hotspots offer a way forward in the conservation of whale sharks in the Western Indian Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Rowat
- Marine Conservation Society SeychellesMaheSeychelles
| | - Sabrina Fossette
- MegapteraParisFrance
- Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceDepartment of Biodiversity, Conservation and AttractionsKensingtonWAAustralia
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17
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Whitehead DA, Magaña FG, Ketchum JT, Hoyos EM, Armas RG, Pancaldi F, Olivier D. The use of machine learning to detect foraging behaviour in whale sharks: a new tool in conservation. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:865-869. [PMID: 33058201 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this study we present the first attempt at modelling the feeding behaviour of whale sharks using a machine learning analytical method. A total of eight sharks were monitored with tri-axial accelerometers and their foraging behaviours were visually observed. Our results highlight that the random forest model is a valid and robust approach to predict the feeding behaviour of the whale shark. In conclusion this novel approach exposes the practicality of this method to serve as a conservation tool and the capability it offers in monitoring potential disturbances of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren A Whitehead
- Pelagios Kakunjá A.C., La Paz, Mexico
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Felipe G Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Mexico
| | | | | | - Rogelio G Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Francesca Pancaldi
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, La Paz, Mexico
| | - Damien Olivier
- Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, Mexico
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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18
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Miranda JA, Yates N, Agustines A, Enolva NP, Labaja J, Legaspi C, McCoy E, Ponzo A, Snow S, Araujo G. Donsol: an important reproductive habitat for the world's largest fish Rhincodon typus? JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 98:881-885. [PMID: 33161579 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the reproductive ecology of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. On 15 March 2020, a free-swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow, coastal waters of Donsol, Philippines. The total length of the male shark was 60 cm, falling within the species known size-at-birth. This is the third occurrence of neonatal whale sharks reported in the area, and coupled with the occurrence of juveniles and adults, and anecdotal mating and precopulatory behaviour reported herein, the importance of the site for this endangered species is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joni A Miranda
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Natasha Yates
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Ariana Agustines
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Nonie P Enolva
- Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region 5, Bula, Philippines
| | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Christine Legaspi
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Emer McCoy
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Sally Snow
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
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19
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Harvey-Carroll J, Stewart JD, Carroll D, Mohamed B, Shameel I, Zareer IH, Araujo G, Rees R. The impact of injury on apparent survival of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area, Maldives. Sci Rep 2021; 11:937. [PMID: 33441580 PMCID: PMC7806644 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species with a declining global population. The South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), Maldives, is one of few locations globally where year-long residency of individuals occurs. This SAMPA aggregation appears to consist almost exclusively of immature males. Due to its year-round residency, this local aggregation is subjected to a high degree of tourism pressure. This ecotourism contributes to the high level of interest and protection offered to whale sharks by the local community. Unfortunately, if regulations are not followed or enforced, tourism can bring with it major stressors, such as accidental injuries. We used POPAN capture-mark-recapture models and lagged identification rate analysis to assess the effect of major injuries on whale shark residency within SAMPA. Injuries may be obtained outside SAMPA. We found individuals with major injuries had a higher apparent survival in the area than those without. Lagged identification rates also demonstrated that sharks with major injuries are more likely to return to the area. We suggest that major injuries result in sharks prolonging their time in the developmental habitat. These findings have implications for individual fitness and the population viability of this endangered species. We propose targeted conservation strategies be considered to protect sharks from further injury. Based on the presented spatio-temporal distributions of sharks, and current local knowledge of sighting patterns, speed limit zones and propeller-exclusion zones should be implemented and enforced. If carried out alongside tourist education, these measures will contribute to the protection of whale sharks within SAMPA and beyond. Furthermore, our results can aid research direction, alongside regulation and enforcement development, at similar sites worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Harvey-Carroll
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives ,grid.11914.3c0000 0001 0721 1626School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | | | - Daire Carroll
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives ,grid.43641.340000 0001 1014 6626The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, UK ,grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613The University of Warwick, School of Life Science, Coventry, UK
| | - Basith Mohamed
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | - Ibrahim Shameel
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | | | - Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, 6308 Jagna, Bohol Philippines
| | - Richard Rees
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
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20
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Valsecchi S, Lanfredi C, Azzellino A, Savini A, Bracchi VA, Marchese F, Hancock J, Rees R, Cánovas Pérez C. Analysis of the temporal and spatial variability of whale shark ( Rhincodon typus) aggregation in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, Maldives, Indian Ocean. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2021.1922523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Valsecchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | | | - A. Azzellino
- Milan DICA Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Politecnico di Milano University of Technology, Milano, Italy
| | - A. Savini
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - V. A. Bracchi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DISAT), University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - F. Marchese
- Habitat and Benthic Biodiversity Laboratory, Red Sea Research Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - J. Hancock
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | - R. Rees
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
| | - C. Cánovas Pérez
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), South Ari Atoll, Maldives
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21
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Legaspi C, Miranda J, Labaja J, Snow S, Ponzo A, Araujo G. In-water observations highlight the effects of provisioning on whale shark behaviour at the world's largest whale shark tourism destination. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200392. [PMID: 33489251 PMCID: PMC7813242 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The whale shark is the world's largest fish that forms predictable aggregations across its range, many of which support tourism industries. The largest non-captive provisioned whale shark destination globally is at Oslob, Philippines, where more than 500 000 tourists visit yearly. There, the sharks are provisioned daily, year-round, allowing the human-shark interaction in nearshore waters. We used in-water behavioural observations of whale sharks between 2015 and 2017 to understand the relationship between external stimuli and shark behaviour, whether frequency of visits at the site can act as a predictor of behaviour, and the tourist compliance to the code of conduct. Mixed effects models revealed that the number of previous visits at the site was a strong predictor of whale shark behaviour, and that provisioned sharks were less likely to exhibit avoidance. Compliance was poor, with 93% of surveys having people less than 2 m from the animal, highlighting overcrowding of whale sharks at Oslob. Given the behavioural implications to whale sharks highlighted here and the local community's reliance on the tourism industry, it is imperative to improve management strategies to increase tourist compliance and strive for sustainable tourism practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Legaspi
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Brgy. Tejero, Jagna, Bohol 6308, Philippines
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22
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Yamaguchi K, Koyanagi M, Kuraku S. Visual and nonvisual opsin genes of sharks and other nonosteichthyan vertebrates: Genomic exploration of underwater photoreception. J Evol Biol 2020; 34:968-976. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Yamaguchi
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) Kobe Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Koyanagi
- Department of Biology and Geosciences Graduate School of Science Osaka City University Osaka Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kuraku
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) Kobe Japan
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23
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Uno Y, Nozu R, Kiyatake I, Higashiguchi N, Sodeyama S, Murakumo K, Sato K, Kuraku S. Cell culture-based karyotyping of orectolobiform sharks for chromosome-scale genome analysis. Commun Biol 2020; 3:652. [PMID: 33159152 PMCID: PMC7648076 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Karyotyping, traditionally performed using cytogenetic techniques, is indispensable for validating genome assemblies whose sequence lengths can be scaled up to chromosome sizes using modern methods. Karyotype reports of chondrichthyans are scarce because of the difficulty in cell culture. Here, we focused on carpet shark species and the culture conditions for fibroblasts and lymphocytes. The utility of the cultured cells enabled the high-fidelity characterization of their karyotypes, namely 2n = 102 for the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum), and 2n = 106 for the brownbanded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) and whitespotted bamboo shark (C. plagiosum). We identified heteromorphic XX/XY sex chromosomes for the two latter species and demonstrated the first-ever fluorescence in situ hybridization of shark chromosomes prepared from cultured cells. Our protocols are applicable to diverse chondrichthyan species and will deepen the understanding of early vertebrate evolution at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinobu Uno
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan. .,Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryo Nozu
- Okinawa Churashima Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan.,Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Keiichi Sato
- Okinawa Churashima Research Center, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan.,Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Kuraku
- Laboratory for Phyloinformatics, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
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24
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Changes in diving behaviour and habitat use of provisioned whale sharks: implications for management. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16951. [PMID: 33046780 PMCID: PMC7550605 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73416-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) tourism is increasingly popular at predictable aggregations around the world, but only a few use provisioning to ensure close interactions. Understanding the effects of provisioning on the behaviour of this endangered species is critical to manage this growing industry. We recorded the diving behaviour and habitat use of juvenile whale sharks (n = 4) for a mean of 49.5 provisioned and 33.8 non-provisioned days using temperature-depth-recorders. We found that time spent at the surface (< 2 m) between 6 am and 1 pm increased ~ sixfold, while timing of deep dives shifted from 4–10 am to 10 am–2 pm, i.e. near or at the end of the provisioning activities. The shift might be related to a need to thermoregulate following a prolonged period of time in warmer water. These changes could have fitness implications for individuals frequently visiting the provisioning site. Based on recorded amount of time spent in warm waters and published Q10 values for ectotherms, we estimate a 7.2 ± 3.7% (range 1.3–17.8%) higher metabolic rate when sharks frequent the provisioning site. The observed behavioural, habitat use, and potential fitness shifts should be considered when developing guidelines for sustainable tourism, particularly in light of new provisioning sites developing elsewhere.
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25
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Araujo G, Miranda JA, Allen HL, Labaja J, Snow S, Ponzo A, Legaspi CG. Whale sharks Rhincodon typus get cleaned by the blue-streak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus and the moon wrasse Thalassoma lunare in the Philippines. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 97:1247-1251. [PMID: 32671837 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cleaning interactions are essential for healthy marine ecosystem communities. This study reports the first documentation of the whale shark Rhincodon typus cleaning behaviour in the Indo-West Pacific by two wrasse species, the blue-streak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus and the moon wrasse Thalassoma lunare in Cebu, Philippines. This study documented 36 cleaning interactions with 14 individual whale sharks. The cleaning interactions appear opportunistic rather than targeted by the sharks, unlike that observed in other species of elasmobranchs. Further work should focus on understanding the drivers of these unique cleaning interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Joni A Miranda
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Harriet L Allen
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Sally Snow
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Philippines
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26
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The whale shark genome reveals how genomic and physiological properties scale with body size. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:20662-20671. [PMID: 32753383 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1922576117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on Earth and a long-lived member of the ancient Elasmobranchii clade. To characterize the relationship between genome features and biological traits, we sequenced and assembled the genome of the whale shark and compared its genomic and physiological features to those of 83 animals and yeast. We examined the scaling relationships between body size, temperature, metabolic rates, and genomic features and found both general correlations across the animal kingdom and features specific to the whale shark genome. Among animals, increased lifespan is positively correlated to body size and metabolic rate. Several genomic traits also significantly correlated with body size, including intron and gene length. Our large-scale comparative genomic analysis uncovered general features of metazoan genome architecture: Guanine and cytosine (GC) content and codon adaptation index are negatively correlated, and neural connectivity genes are longer than average genes in most genomes. Focusing on the whale shark genome, we identified multiple features that significantly correlate with lifespan. Among these were very long gene length, due to introns being highly enriched in repetitive elements such as CR1-like long interspersed nuclear elements, and considerably longer neural genes of several types, including connectivity, activity, and neurodegeneration genes. The whale shark genome also has the second slowest evolutionary rate observed in vertebrates to date. Our comparative genomics approach uncovered multiple genetic features associated with body size, metabolic rate, and lifespan and showed that the whale shark is a promising model for studies of neural architecture and lifespan.
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Boldrocchi G, Monticelli D, Butti L, Omar M, Bettinetti R. First concurrent assessment of elemental- and organic-contaminant loads in skin biopsies of whale sharks from Djibouti. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 722:137841. [PMID: 32199374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Tadjoura (Djibouti) is an important site where the whale shark (Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828) aggregates seasonally. Because of the proximity to the port of Djibouti that is located along one of the busiest shipping areas in the world, whale sharks are potentially exposed to relatively high levels of trace elements and organochlorines. To assess their contamination status, concentrations of 15 trace elements, DDTs and PCBs were concurrently assessed for the first time in skin biopsies of 20 whale sharks. Additionally, 12 zooplankton samples were collected and analyzed for trace elements content. Concentration of As, Cu, Zn and Se were higher than in previous studies on this species. Whale shark samples exceeded the maximum allowable limits for foodstuffs for Cr, Pb Se, Cd and Zn. Results from this study suggests that Cr, Ni and Mo may biomagnify in this species. With regard to PCBs, the predominant congener were Tetra-CB, accounting for 41% of total PCBs and Penta-CB for 23%, while for DDTs, the predominant metabolite was DDE contributing for 51% of total compounds. The maximum residue limit for DDTs and for the ind-PCBs in fish set by U.S. EPA and by the EU regulation, respectively, was exceeded in 62% of whale sharks. Moreover, the p,p'DDE/ΣDDT ratios were higher than the critical value of 0.6, indicating possible recent inputs of technical DDTs in the area. This study suggests some concerns for the contamination status of whale sharks in Djibouti and, since major threats for this species include bycatch and illegal fisheries, highlights some level of risk from the exposure to elemental- and organic-contaminant via shark consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boldrocchi
- Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio, 11 22100 Como, Italy.
| | - D Monticelli
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - L Butti
- Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Moussa Omar
- Centre d' Etude et de Recherche de Djibouti Route de l'aéroport, Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - R Bettinetti
- Department of Human Sciences, Innovation and Territory, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio, 11 22100 Como, Italy.
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Cade DE, Levenson JJ, Cooper R, de la Parra R, Webb DH, Dove ADM. Whale sharks increase swimming effort while filter feeding, but appear to maintain high foraging efficiencies. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb224402. [PMID: 32366692 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.224402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) - the largest extant fish species - reside in tropical environments, making them an exception to the general rule that animal size increases with latitude. How this largest fish thrives in tropical environments that promote high metabolism but support less robust zooplankton communities has not been sufficiently explained. We used open-source inertial measurement units (IMU) to log 397 h of whale shark behavior in Yucatán, Mexico, at a site of both active feeding and intense wildlife tourism. Here we show that the strategies employed by whale sharks to compensate for the increased drag of an open mouth are similar to ram feeders five orders of magnitude smaller and one order of magnitude larger. Presumed feeding constituted 20% of the total time budget of four sharks, with individual feeding bouts lasting up to 11 consecutive hours. Compared with normal, sub-surface swimming, three sharks increased their stroke rate and amplitude while surface feeding, while one shark that fed at depth did not demonstrate a greatly increased energetic cost. Additionally, based on time-depth budgets, we estimate that aerial surveys of shark populations should consider including a correction factor of 3 to account for the proportion of daylight hours that sharks are not visible at the surface. With foraging bouts generally lasting several hours, interruptions to foraging during critical feeding periods may represent substantial energetic costs to these endangered species, and this study presents baseline data from which management decisions affecting tourist interactions with whale sharks may be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Cade
- Institute of Marine Science, University of California, Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - J Jacob Levenson
- US Department of Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240, USA
| | - Robert Cooper
- Oceans Forward, 17 Hamilton St, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
| | | | - D Harry Webb
- Research and Conservation Department, Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
| | - Alistair D M Dove
- Research and Conservation Department, Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA
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Araujo G, Ismail AR, McCann C, McCann D, Legaspi CG, Snow S, Labaja J, Manjaji-Matsumoto M, Ponzo A. Getting the most out of citizen science for endangered species such as whale shark. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2020; 96:864-867. [PMID: 31919845 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Tejero, Jagna, Philippines
- Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | | | - Cat McCann
- Scuba Junkie SEAS, 91308, Semporna, Malaysia
| | | | - Christine G Legaspi
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Tejero, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Sally Snow
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Tejero, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Tejero, Jagna, Philippines
| | - Mabel Manjaji-Matsumoto
- Endangered Marine Species Research Unit, Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Tejero, Jagna, Philippines
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30
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Whitehead DA, Jakes-Cota U, Pancaldi F, Galván-Magaña F, Gonzalez-Armas R. The influence of zooplankton communities on the feeding behavior of whale shark in Bahia de La Paz, Gulf of California. REV MEX BIODIVERS 2020. [DOI: 10.22201/ib.20078706e.2020.91.3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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31
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Sigsgaard EE, Jensen MR, Winkelmann IE, Møller PR, Hansen MM, Thomsen PF. Population-level inferences from environmental DNA-Current status and future perspectives. Evol Appl 2020; 13:245-262. [PMID: 31993074 PMCID: PMC6976968 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from water samples has recently shown potential as a valuable source of population genetic information for aquatic macroorganisms. This approach offers several potential advantages compared with conventional tissue-based methods, including the fact that eDNA sampling is noninvasive and generally more cost-efficient. Currently, eDNA approaches have been limited to single-marker studies of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and the relationship between eDNA haplotype composition and true haplotype composition still needs to be thoroughly verified. This will require testing of bioinformatic and statistical software to correct for erroneous sequences, as well as biases and random variation in relative sequence abundances. However, eDNA-based population genetic methods have far-reaching potential for both basic and applied research. In this paper, we present a brief overview of the achievements of eDNA-based population genetics to date, and outline the prospects for future developments in the field, including the estimation of nuclear DNA (nuDNA) variation and epigenetic information. We discuss the challenges associated with eDNA samples as opposed to those of individual tissue samples and assess whether eDNA might offer additional types of information unobtainable with tissue samples. Lastly, we provide recommendations for determining whether an eDNA approach would be a useful and suitable choice in different research settings. We limit our discussion largely to contemporary aquatic systems, but the advantages, challenges, and perspectives can to a large degree be generalized to eDNA studies with a different spatial and temporal focus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter Rask Møller
- Natural History Museum of DenmarkUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
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Araujo G, Agustines A, Tracey B, Snow S, Labaja J, Ponzo A. Photo-ID and telemetry highlight a global whale shark hotspot in Palawan, Philippines. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17209. [PMID: 31748588 PMCID: PMC6868279 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53718-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philippines is home to the second largest known population of whale sharks in the world. The species is listed as endangered due to continued population declines in the Indo-Pacific. Knowledge about the connectivity within Southeast Asia remains poor, and thus international management is difficult. Here, we employed pop-up archival tags, data mining and dedicated effort to understand an aggregation of whale sharks at Honda Bay, Palawan, Philippines, and its role in the species' conservation. Between Apr and Oct 2018, we conducted 159 surveys identifying 117 individual whale sharks through their unique spot patterns (96.5% male, mean 4.5 m). A further 66 individual whale sharks were identified from local operators, and data mined on social media platforms. The satellite telemetry data showed that the whale sharks moved broadly, with one individual moving to Sabah, Malaysia, before returning to the site <1 year later. Similarly, another tagged whale shark returned to the site at a similar periodicity after reaching the Malay-Filipino border. One individual whale shark first identified in East Kalimantan, Indonesia by a citizen scientist was resighted in Honda Bay ~3.5 years later. Honda Bay is a globally important site for the endangered whale shark with connectivity to two neighbouring countries, highlighting the need for international cooperation to manage the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines.
| | - Ariana Agustines
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Brian Tracey
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Sally Snow
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Cagulada Compound, Jagna, 6308, Bohol, Philippines
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Pancaldi F, Páez-Osuna F, Soto-Jiménez MF, González-Armas R, O'Hara T, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Vázquez A, Galván-Magaña F. Trace Elements in Tissues of Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) Stranded in the Gulf of California, Mexico. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:515-520. [PMID: 31143976 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02640-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concentration of essential (Se, Zn and Cu) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) trace elements were measured in selected tissues of two dead whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) stranded in the Gulf of California (GC) in 2017 and 2018. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in the skeletal muscle of the whale shark from La Paz Bay, GC were higher compared to a previous study on whale shark from China. The shark from La Paz Bay also presented higher concentration of Pb in the epidermis, compared to the same tissue of the other whale shark stranded in Punta Bufeo, GC. The Hg in all analysed tissues was lower than those documented in carnivorous sharks. Molar ratio Se:Hg shows an excess of Se over Hg in all the tissues sampled in both sharks.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pancaldi
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, BCS, 23096, Mexico
| | - F Páez-Osuna
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar Y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - M F Soto-Jiménez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar Y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - R González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, BCS, 23096, Mexico
| | - T O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775-7000, USA
| | - A J Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, BCS, 23096, Mexico
| | - A Vázquez
- Asociación de Pesca Deportiva Y Ecoturismo de Bahía de Los Ángeles, Domicilio Conocido, Bahía de Los Ángeles, Baja California, 22980, Mexico
| | - F Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, BCS, 23096, Mexico.
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34
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Whitehead DA, Petatán Ramírez D, Olivier D, Gonzalez Armas R, Pancaldi F, Galvan-Magana F. Seasonal trends in whale shark Rhincodon typus sightings in an established tourism site in the Gulf of California, Mexico. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 95:982-984. [PMID: 31338832 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The number of individual whale shark Rhincodon typus sightings registered October 2015-March 2018 in Bahia de La Paz, Mexico, ranged from 73 to 129 animals per season (total 1662), with the majority of them identified as males. Density plot maps showed high correlations in sightings between sample seasons and revealed potential hotspot areas. Our study provides an essential baseline of information for the management of whale shark conservation and the associated touristic activities in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Andrew Whitehead
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, México
| | - David Petatán Ramírez
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. Departamento Académico de Biología Marina Carretera Transpeninsular, La Paz, México
| | - Damien Olivier
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. Departamento Académico de Biología Marina Carretera Transpeninsular, La Paz, México
| | - Rogelio Gonzalez Armas
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, México
| | - Francesca Pancaldi
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, México
| | - Felipe Galvan-Magana
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, La Paz, México
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35
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Pancaldi F, Galván-Magaña F, González-Armas R, Soto-Jimenez MF, Whitehead DA, O'Hara T, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Vázquez-Haikin A, Páez-Osuna F. Mercury and selenium in the filter-feeding whale shark (Rhincodon typus) from two areas of the Gulf of California, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:955-961. [PMID: 31426243 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and selenium were measured for first time in the endangered species whale shark (Rhyncodon typus) from two areas of the Gulf of California, Bahía Los Angeles (BLA) and Bahía La Paz (LAP) using dermal biopsies of seventy specimens. Additionally, nineteen zooplankton samples from LAP were analysed. Concentrations (ng/g, wet weight (ww)) in biopsies of BLA ranged from 1 to 40 for Hg and 100 to 680 for Se; while in LAP varied from 1 to 9 for Hg and 11 to 850 for Se. A positive correlation was found for Hg in BLA males biopsies with length. Hg and Se concentrations in the zooplankton from LAP were 1.6 ± 1.8 and 770 ± 930 ng/g, respectively. Hg biomagnification factor ranged from 0.8 to 5.3 in sharks. A molar excess of Se over Hg was found in the biopsies and the zooplankton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pancaldi
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Martin F Soto-Jimenez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82040, Mexico
| | - Darren A Whitehead
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Todd O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000, United States
| | - Ana J Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, 23096 La Paz, BCS, Mexico
| | - Abraham Vázquez-Haikin
- Asociación de Pesca Deportiva y Ecoturismo de Bahía de los Ángeles, Domicilio conocido Bahía de los Ángeles, Baja California 22980, Mexico
| | - Federico Páez-Osuna
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa 82040, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio de Sinaloa, Antonio Rosales 435 Poniente, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico.
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36
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Jawad LA, Al-Dirawi AMH, Al-Hilali HI, Al-Asadi UTS. Observations of stranded and swimming whale sharks Rhincodon typus in Khor Al-Zubair, NW Arabian Gulf and Shatt Al-Arab Estuary, Iraq. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2019; 94:330-334. [PMID: 30560556 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study is the first record of a whale shark Rhincodon typus in Iraqi waters and the second record from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf portion of the north-west Indian Ocean. The stranding and sighting events were documented by photos of three individuals: the stranded specimen was 6.5 m total length (LT ) and the free-swimming individuals were c. 1-2 and 2-3 m LT respectively. An appeal is made for Iraqi policy makers to participate in regional and international organizations for the conservation of this endangered species.
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Wyatt AS, Matsumoto R, Chikaraishi Y, Miyairi Y, Yokoyama Y, Sato K, Ohkouchi N, Nagata T. Enhancing insights into foraging specialization in the world's largest fish using a multi-tissue, multi-isotope approach. ECOL MONOGR 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex S.J. Wyatt
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute; The University of Tokyo; 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-8564 Japan
| | - Rui Matsumoto
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium; 424 Ishikawa Motobu Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206 Japan
| | - Yoshito Chikaraishi
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology; 2-15 Natsushima Yokosuka Kanagawa 237-0061 Japan
| | - Yosuke Miyairi
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute; The University of Tokyo; 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-8564 Japan
| | - Yusuke Yokoyama
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute; The University of Tokyo; 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-8564 Japan
| | - Keiichi Sato
- Okinawa Churashima Research Center; Okinawa Churashima Foundation; 888 Ishikawa Motobu Kunigami, Okinawa 905-0206 Japan
| | - Nao Ohkouchi
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology; 2-15 Natsushima Yokosuka Kanagawa 237-0061 Japan
| | - Toshi Nagata
- Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute; The University of Tokyo; 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha Kashiwa Chiba 277-8564 Japan
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López-Martínez J, Porchas-Quijada M, Álvarez-Tello FJ, Porchas-Cornejo MA. Association of the whale shark Rhincodon typus with the cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2018; 93:401-404. [PMID: 29956308 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the first record of the whale shark Rhincodon typus association with the cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Whale sharks were observed swimming and feeding among swarms of jellyfish, suggesting competition and predatory behaviour given the overlap in food preferences between both species. This finding is relevant because of the species-wide distribution and the importance of these interactions, which should be considered in conservation strategies of R. typus and management of cannonball jellyfish fisheries.
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Araujo G, Rohner CA, Labaja J, Conales SJ, Snow SJ, Murray R, Pierce SJ, Ponzo A. Satellite tracking of juvenile whale sharks in the Sulu and Bohol Seas, Philippines. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5231. [PMID: 30065862 PMCID: PMC6063259 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The whale shark Rhincodon typus was uplisted to ‘Endangered’ in the 2016 IUCN Red List due to >50% population decline, largely caused by continued exploitation in the Indo-Pacific. Though the Philippines protected the whale shark in 1998, concerns remain due to continued take in regional waters. In light of this, understanding the movements of whale sharks in the Philippines, one of the most important hotspots for the species, is vital. We tagged 17 juvenile whale sharks with towed SPOT5 tags from three general areas in the Sulu and Bohol Seas: Panaon Island in Southern Leyte, northern Mindanao, and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP). The sharks all remained in Philippine waters for the duration of tracking (6–126 days, mean 64). Individuals travelled 86–2,580 km (mean 887 km) at a mean horizontal speed of 15.5 ± 13.0 SD km day−1. Whale sharks tagged in Panaon Island and Mindanao remained close to shore but still spent significant time off the shelf (>200 m). Sharks tagged at TRNP spent most of their time offshore in the Sulu Sea. Three of twelve whale sharks tagged in the Bohol Sea moved through to the Sulu Sea, whilst two others moved east through the Surigao Strait to the eastern coast of Leyte. One individual tagged at TRNP moved to northern Palawan, and subsequently to the eastern coast of Mindanao in the Pacific Ocean. Based on inferred relationships with temperature histograms, whale sharks performed most deep dives (>200 m) during the night, in contrast to results from whale sharks elsewhere. While all sharks stayed in national waters, our results highlight the high mobility of juvenile whale sharks and demonstrate their connectivity across the Sulu and Bohol Seas, highlighting the importance of the area for this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Araujo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | | | - Jessica Labaja
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Segundo J Conales
- Tubbataha Management Office, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
| | - Sally J Snow
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Ryan Murray
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
| | - Simon J Pierce
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, Truckee, CA, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Ponzo
- Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, Jagna, Bohol, Philippines
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40
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Boldrocchi G, Moussa Omar Y, Rowat D, Bettinetti R. First results on zooplankton community composition and contamination by some persistent organic pollutants in the Gulf of Tadjoura (Djibouti). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 627:812-821. [PMID: 29426206 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Gulf of Tadjoura is located in the Horn of Africa and is widely recognized as an important site where the zooplanktivorous whale sharks seasonally aggregate from October to February. The surface zooplankton community (0-3m) was weekly sampled from November 2016 to February 2017 in two sites during the whale shark aggregation period. A total of 12 phyla were identified. Copepoda represented the most abundant and diverse group with 29 different genera, and contributed with an average of 82% of the mean zooplankton density of approximately 6600indm-3. During the sampling period, copepods were dominated numerically by Calanoida (3600indm-3), followed by Poicilostomatatoida (1300indm-3). Within the copepods, Paracalanidae, Calanidae, Oncaeidae and Miraciidae were the most common families. The temporal trend in zooplankton biomass at both stations revealed the highest peak in December (41.3±36.4mgm-3), and the lowest in February (6.6±3.3mgm-3). As no information is available on the occurrence of legacy contaminants use and release in this area, analysis revealed the consistent presence of both DDT and PCB residues in zooplankton samples in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Total PCB ranged from approximately 110 to 637ngg-1 d.w., while total DDT from 21 to 80ngg-1 d.w. The proportion of primary DDT in the total residue was higher than DDE and DDD, which strongly suggests that the area might actually be subjected to DDT inputs of the parent compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boldrocchi
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy
| | - Y Moussa Omar
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche de Djibouti Route de l'aéroport, Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - D Rowat
- Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles, PO Box 389, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - R Bettinetti
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy.
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Copping JP, Stewart BD, McClean CJ, Hancock J, Rees R. Does bathymetry drive coastal whale shark ( Rhincodon typus) aggregations? PeerJ 2018; 6:e4904. [PMID: 29900072 PMCID: PMC5995094 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is known to aggregate in a number of coastal locations globally, however what causes these aggregations to form where they do is largely unknown. This study examines whether bathymetry is an important driver of coastal aggregation locations for R. typus through bathymetry's effect on primary productivity and prey availability. This is a global study taking into account all coastal areas within R. typus' range. METHODS R. typus aggregation locations were identified through an extensive literature review. Global bathymetric data were compared at R. typus aggregation locations and a large random selection of non-aggregation areas. Generalised linear models were used to assess which bathymetric characteristic had the biggest influence on aggregation presence. RESULTS Aggregation sites were significantly shallower than non-aggregation sites and in closer proximity to deep water (the mesopelagic zone) by two orders of magnitude. Slope at aggregation sites was significantly steeper than non-aggregation sites. These three bathymetric variables were shown to have the biggest association with aggregation sites, with up to 88% of deviation explained by the GLMs. DISCUSSION The three key bathymetric characteristics similar at the aggregation sites are known to induce upwelling events, increase primary productivity and consequently attract numerous other filter feeding species. The location of aggregation sites in these key areas can be attributed to this increased prey availability, thought to be the main reason R. typus aggregations occur, extensively outlined in the literature. The proximity of aggregations to shallow areas such as reefs could also be an important factor why whale sharks thermoregulate after deep dives to feed. These findings increase our understanding of whale shark behaviour and may help guide the identification and conservation of further aggregation sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Copping
- School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Bryce D. Stewart
- Environment Department, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Colin J. McClean
- Environment Department, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - James Hancock
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, York, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Rees
- Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, York, United Kingdom
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Diamant S, Rohner CA, Kiszka JJ, Guillemain d’Echon A, Guillemain d’Echon T, Sourisseau E, Pierce SJ. Movements and habitat use of satellite-tagged whale sharks off western Madagascar. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2018. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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43
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Rohner CA, Richardson AJ, Jaine FRA, Bennett MB, Weeks SJ, Cliff G, Robinson DP, Reeve-Arnold KE, Pierce SJ. Satellite tagging highlights the importance of productive Mozambican coastal waters to the ecology and conservation of whale sharks. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4161. [PMID: 29312815 PMCID: PMC5755488 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The whale shark Rhincodon typus is an endangered, highly migratory species with a wide, albeit patchy, distribution through tropical oceans. Ten aerial survey flights along the southern Mozambican coast, conducted between 2004–2008, documented a relatively high density of whale sharks along a 200 km stretch of the Inhambane Province, with a pronounced hotspot adjacent to Praia do Tofo. To examine the residency and movement of whale sharks in coastal areas around Praia do Tofo, where they may be more susceptible to gill net entanglement, we tagged 15 juveniles with SPOT5 satellite tags and tracked them for 2–88 days (mean = 27 days) as they dispersed from this area. Sharks travelled between 10 and 2,737 km (mean = 738 km) at a mean horizontal speed of 28 ± 17.1 SD km day−1. While several individuals left shelf waters and travelled across international boundaries, most sharks stayed in Mozambican coastal waters over the tracking period. We tested for whale shark habitat preferences, using sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a concentration and water depth as variables, by computing 100 random model tracks for each real shark based on their empirical movement characteristics. Whale sharks spent significantly more time in cooler, shallower water with higher chlorophyll-a concentrations than model sharks, suggesting that feeding in productive coastal waters is an important driver of their movements. To investigate what this coastal habitat choice means for their conservation in Mozambique, we mapped gill nets during two dedicated aerial surveys along the Inhambane coast and counted gill nets in 1,323 boat-based surveys near Praia do Tofo. Our results show that, while whale sharks are capable of long-distance oceanic movements, they can spend a disproportionate amount of time in specific areas, such as along the southern Mozambique coast. The increasing use of drifting gill nets in this coastal hotspot for whale sharks is likely to be a threat to regional populations of this iconic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph A Rohner
- Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre, Marine Megafauna Foundation, Praia do Tofo, Mozambique
| | - Anthony J Richardson
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Dutton Park, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Applications in Natural Resource Mathematics (CARM), School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Fabrice R A Jaine
- Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre, Marine Megafauna Foundation, Praia do Tofo, Mozambique.,Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, NSW, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael B Bennett
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Scarla J Weeks
- Biophysical Oceanography Group, School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Geremy Cliff
- Kwa-Zulu Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga, KZN, South Africa.,Biomedical Resource Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | | | | | - Simon J Pierce
- Manta Ray & Whale Shark Research Centre, Marine Megafauna Foundation, Praia do Tofo, Mozambique
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44
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Norman BM, Holmberg JA, Arzoumanian Z, Reynolds SD, Wilson RP, Rob D, Pierce SJ, Gleiss AC, de la Parra R, Galvan B, Ramirez-Macias D, Robinson D, Fox S, Graham R, Rowat D, Potenski M, Levine M, Mckinney JA, Hoffmayer E, Dove ADM, Hueter R, Ponzo A, Araujo G, Aca E, David D, Rees R, Duncan A, Rohner CA, Prebble CEM, Hearn A, Acuna D, Berumen ML, Vázquez A, Green J, Bach SS, Schmidt JV, Beatty SJ, Morgan DL. Undersea Constellations: The Global Biology of an Endangered Marine Megavertebrate Further Informed through Citizen Science. Bioscience 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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45
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Robinson DP, Jaidah MY, Bach SS, Rohner CA, Jabado RW, Ormond R, Pierce SJ. Some like it hot: Repeat migration and residency of whale sharks within an extreme natural environment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185360. [PMID: 28934371 PMCID: PMC5608409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Arabian Gulf is the warmest sea in the world and is host to a globally significant population of the whale shark Rhincodon typus. To investigate regional whale shark behaviour and movements, 59 satellite-linked tags were deployed on whale sharks in the Al Shaheen area off Qatar from 2011–14. Four different models of tag were used throughout the study, each model able to collect differing data or quantities of data. Retention varied from one to 227 days. While all tagged sharks crossed international maritime boundaries, they typically stayed within the Arabian Gulf. Only nine sharks dispersed through the narrow Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. Most sharks stayed close to known or suspected feeding aggregation sites over summer months, but dispersed throughout the Arabian Gulf in winter. Sharks rarely ventured into shallow areas (<40 m depth). A single, presumably pregnant female shark was the sole animal to disperse a long distance, crossing five international maritime boundaries in 37 days before the tag detached at a distance of approximately 2644 km from the tagging site, close to the Yemeni-Somali border. No clear space-use differentiation was evident between years, for sharks of different sizes, or between sexes. Whale sharks spent the most time (~66%) in temperatures of 24–30°C and in shallow waters <100 m depth (~60%). Sharks spent relatively more time in cooler (X2 = 121.692; p<0.05) and deeper (X2 = 46.402; p<0.05) water at night. Sharks rarely made dives deeper than 100 m, reflecting the bathymetric constraints of the Gulf environment. Kernel density analysis demonstrated that the tagging site at Al Shaheen was the regional hotspot for these sharks, and revealed a probable secondary aggregation site for whale sharks in nearby Saudi Arabian waters. Analysis of visual re-sightings data of tagged sharks revealed that 58% of tagged individuals were re-sighted back in Al Shaheen over the course of this study, with 40% recorded back at Al Shaheen in the year following their initial identification. Two sharks were confirmed to return to Al Shaheen in each of the five years of study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rupert Ormond
- Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Marine Conservation International, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Simon J. Pierce
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, Truckee, CA, United States of America
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46
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Fossi MC, Baini M, Panti C, Galli M, Jiménez B, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Marsili L, Finoia MG, Ramírez-Macías D. Are whale sharks exposed to persistent organic pollutants and plastic pollution in the Gulf of California (Mexico)? First ecotoxicological investigation using skin biopsies. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 199:48-58. [PMID: 28274762 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an endangered species that may be exposed to micro- and macro-plastic ingestion as a result of their filter-feeding activity, particularly on the sea surface. In this pilot project we perform the first ecotoxicological investigation on whale sharks sampled in the Gulf of California exploring the potential interaction of this species with plastic debris (macro-, micro-plastics and related sorbed contaminants). Due to the difficulty in obtaining stranded specimens of this endangered species, an indirect approach, by skin biopsies was used for the evaluation of the whale shark ecotoxicological status. The levels of organochlorine compounds (PCBs, DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) plastic additives, and related biomarkers responses (CYP1A) were investigated for the first time in the whale shark. Twelve whale shark skin biopsy samples were collected in January 2014 in La Paz Bay (BCS, Mexico) and a preliminary investigation on microplastic concentration and polymer composition was also carried out in seawater samples from the same area. The average abundance pattern for the target contaminants was PCBs>DDTs>PBDEs>HCB. Mean concentration values of 8.42ng/g w.w. were found for PCBs, 1.31ng/g w.w. for DDTs, 0.29ng/g w.w. for PBDEs and 0.19ng/g w.w. for HCB. CYP1A-like protein was detected, for the first time, in whale shark skin samples. First data on the average density of microplastics in the superficial zooplankton/microplastic samples showed values ranging from 0.00items/m3 to 0.14items/m3. A focused PCA analysis was performed to evaluate a possible correlation among the size of the whale sharks, contaminants and CYP1A reponses. Further ecotoxicological investigation on whale shark skin biopsies will be carried out for a worldwide ecotoxicological risk assessment of this endangerd species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Baini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Cristina Panti
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Galli
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry. Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry. Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC). Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Finoia
- ISPRA, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via V. Brancati 48, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Dení Ramírez-Macías
- Tiburon Ballena Mexico proyecto de ConCiencia Mexico AC, La Paz, BCS, Mexico
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47
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Ryan JP, Green JR, Espinoza E, Hearn AR. Association of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) with thermo-biological frontal systems of the eastern tropical Pacific. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182599. [PMID: 28854201 PMCID: PMC5576648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Satellite tracking of 27 whale sharks in the eastern tropical Pacific, examined in relation to environmental data, indicates preferential occupancy of thermo-biological frontal systems. In these systems, thermal gradients are caused by wind-forced circulation and mixing, and biological gradients are caused by associated nutrient enrichment and enhanced primary productivity. Two of the frontal systems result from upwelling, driven by divergence in the current systems along the equator and the west coast of South America; the third results from wind jet dynamics off Central America. All whale sharks were tagged near Darwin Island, Galápagos, within the equatorial Pacific upwelling system. Occupancy of frontal habitat is pronounced in synoptic patterns of shark locations in relation to serpentine, temporally varying thermal fronts across a zonal expanse > 4000 km. 80% of shark positions in northern equatorial upwelling habitat and 100% of positions in eastern boundary upwelling habitat were located within the upwelling front. Analysis of equatorial shark locations relative to thermal gradients reveals occupancy of a transition point in environmental stability. Equatorial subsurface tag data show residence in shallow, warm (>22°C) water 94% of the time. Surface zonal current speeds for all equatorial tracking explain only 16% of the variance in shark zonal movement speeds, indicating that passive drifting is not a primary determinant of movement patterns. Movement from equatorial to eastern boundary frontal zones occurred during boreal winter, when equatorial upwelling weakens seasonally. Off Peru sharks tracked upwelling frontal positions within ~100–350 km from the coast. Off Central America, the largest tagged shark (12.8 m TL) occupied an oceanic front along the periphery of the Panama wind jet. Seasonal movement from waning equatorial upwelling to productive eastern boundary habitat is consistent with underlying trophic dynamics. Persistent shallow residence in thermo-biological frontal zones suggests the role of physical-biological interactions that concentrate food resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Ryan
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Eduardo Espinoza
- Galápagos National Park Directorate, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Alex R. Hearn
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito / Galápagos Science Center, Quito, Ecuador
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48
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Reynolds SD, Norman BM, Beger M, Franklin CE, Dwyer RG. Movement, distribution and marine reserve use by an endangered migratory giant. DIVERS DISTRIB 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D. Reynolds
- Franklin Eco-Laboratory; The School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
- ECOCEAN Inc.; 102/72 Marine Terrace; Fremantle WA Australia
| | | | - Maria Beger
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; The School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
- School of Biology; University of Leeds; Leeds UK
| | - Craig E. Franklin
- Franklin Eco-Laboratory; The School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Ross G. Dwyer
- Franklin Eco-Laboratory; The School of Biological Sciences; The University of Queensland; St Lucia QLD Australia
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49
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McKinney JA, Hoffmayer ER, Holmberg J, Graham RT, Driggers WB, de la Parra-Venegas R, Galván-Pastoriza BE, Fox S, Pierce SJ, Dove ADM. Long-term assessment of whale shark population demography and connectivity using photo-identification in the Western Atlantic Ocean. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180495. [PMID: 28817569 PMCID: PMC5560665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The predictable occurrence of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, has been well documented in several areas. However, information relating to their migratory patterns, residency times and connectivity across broad spatial scales is limited. In the present study photo-identification data is used to describe whale shark population structure and connectivity among known aggregation sites within the Western Central Atlantic Ocean (WCA). From 1999 to 2015, 1,361 individuals were identified from four distinct areas: the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico (n = 1,115); Honduras (n = 146); northern Gulf of Mexico, United States (n = 112), and Belize (n = 49). Seasonal patterns in whale shark occurrence were evident with encounters occurring in the western Caribbean Sea earlier in the year than in the GOM. There was also a significant sex bias with 2.6 times more males present than females. Seventy sharks were observed in more than one area and the highest degree of connectivity occurred among three aggregation sites along the Mesoamerican Reef. Despite this, the majority of resightings occurred in the area where the respective sharks were first identified. This was true for the WCA as a whole, with the exception of Belize. Site fidelity was highest in Mexico. Maximum likelihood modelling resulted in a population estimate of 2,167 (95% c.i. 1585.21-2909.86) sharks throughout the entire region. This study is the first attempt to provide a broad, regional population estimate using photo-identification data from multiple whale shark aggregations. Our aim is to provide population metrics, along with the description of region-scale connectivity, that will help guide conservation action in the WCA. At a global level, rapidly growing photographic databases are allowing for researchers to look beyond the description of single aggregation sites and into the ocean-scale ecology of this pelagic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. McKinney
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Eric R. Hoffmayer
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, MS, United States of America
| | | | | | - William B. Driggers
- National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Mississippi Laboratories, Pascagoula, MS, United States of America
| | | | | | - Steve Fox
- Utila Whale Shark Research, Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
| | - Simon J. Pierce
- Wild Me, Portland, OR, United States of America
- Marine Megafauna Foundation, Truckee, CA, United States of America
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50
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Read TD, Petit RA, Joseph SJ, Alam MT, Weil MR, Ahmad M, Bhimani R, Vuong JS, Haase CP, Webb DH, Tan M, Dove ADM. Draft sequencing and assembly of the genome of the world's largest fish, the whale shark: Rhincodon typus Smith 1828. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:532. [PMID: 28709399 PMCID: PMC5513125 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) has by far the largest body size of any elasmobranch (shark or ray) species. Therefore, it is also the largest extant species of the paraphyletic assemblage commonly referred to as fishes. As both a phenotypic extreme and a member of the group Chondrichthyes - the sister group to the remaining gnathostomes, which includes all tetrapods and therefore also humans - its genome is of substantial comparative interest. Whale sharks are also listed as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of threatened species and are of growing popularity as both a target of ecotourism and as a charismatic conservation ambassador for the pelagic ecosystem. A genome map for this species would aid in defining effective conservation units and understanding global population structure. RESULTS We characterised the nuclear genome of the whale shark using next generation sequencing (454, Illumina) and de novo assembly and annotation methods, based on material collected from the Georgia Aquarium. The data set consisted of 878,654,233 reads, which yielded a draft assembly of 1,213,200 contigs and 997,976 scaffolds. The estimated genome size was 3.44Gb. As expected, the proteome of the whale shark was most closely related to the only other complete genome of a cartilaginous fish, the holocephalan elephant shark. The whale shark contained a novel Toll-like-receptor (TLR) protein with sequence similarity to both the TLR4 and TLR13 proteins of mammals and TLR21 of teleosts. The data are publicly available on GenBank, FigShare, and from the NCBI Short Read Archive under accession number SRP044374. CONCLUSIONS This represents the first shotgun elasmobranch genome and will aid studies of molecular systematics, biogeography, genetic differentiation, and conservation genetics in this and other shark species, as well as providing comparative data for studies of evolutionary biology and immunology across the jawed vertebrate lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Read
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Robert A Petit
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sandeep J Joseph
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Md Tauqeer Alam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - M Ryan Weil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Maida Ahmad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ravila Bhimani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Jocelyn S Vuong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chad P Haase
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - D Harry Webb
- , Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA, 30313, USA
| | - Milton Tan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 1760 Haygood Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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