Marker Development
In the course of this study we have developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for use on short fin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). These can be used along with the five previously developed for the species by Schrey and Heist in 2002.
We have also developed seven polymorphic microsatellite markers for common thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) and re-optimized four of the mako loci to work on threshers.
We have also developed seven polymorphic microsatellite markers for common thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) and re-optimized four of the mako loci to work on threshers.
Mako shark population genetics
Mako sharks are highly migratory predators found throughout the world's oceans. Due to their global distribution, quality meat, and reputation as fighters, they are often caught in commercial, artisanal, and recreational fisheries. Despite common interactions with fisheries, there are many unknowns about the biology of mako sharks.
As part of this study we are testing for population differentiation between mako sharks in California and Baja California in order to justify binational management for the species. We are also using genetics analyses to try determine if there is a regular breeding cycle of one, two, or three years.
We are also testing for population structure in short fin makos across the Pacific Ocean. We have samples from California, Taiwan, Chile, and Australia to see if they comprise a single population or whether their are barriers to gene flow in the Pacific.
As part of this study we are testing for population differentiation between mako sharks in California and Baja California in order to justify binational management for the species. We are also using genetics analyses to try determine if there is a regular breeding cycle of one, two, or three years.
We are also testing for population structure in short fin makos across the Pacific Ocean. We have samples from California, Taiwan, Chile, and Australia to see if they comprise a single population or whether their are barriers to gene flow in the Pacific.
Thresher Shark Population Genetics
Similar to makos, threshers are large pelagic sharks with a global distribution. They also affected by multiple fisheries world wide. In fact, threshers are the most targeted elasmobranch in the Western United States.
With help from collaborators at the National marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography we have collected samples from juvenile threshers off of Southern California. We also collaborated with colleagues at The Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education (Ensenada, BC) and fishermen in various fishing collectives along the Baja Pacific coast to collect samples from Northern Mexico. We are testing for population structure between the US and Mexico to validate binational management.
With help from collaborators at the National marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Science Center and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography we have collected samples from juvenile threshers off of Southern California. We also collaborated with colleagues at The Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education (Ensenada, BC) and fishermen in various fishing collectives along the Baja Pacific coast to collect samples from Northern Mexico. We are testing for population structure between the US and Mexico to validate binational management.
