Hong Kong: A novel environmental DNA monitoring method for identifying rare and endangered fish species sold in markets

Published 2022년 5월 25일

Tridge summary

A study by The University of Hong Kong's Conservation Forensics Lab, published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, introduces a novel tool for monitoring rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong's wet markets. This tool, which uses environmental DNA (eDNA) found in drain runoff water, successfully identified over 100 fish species, including several vulnerable and endangered ones. The method, which involves eDNA extraction and sequencing, is a significant advancement over traditional morphology-based identification methods and can be executed by individuals with basic molecular lab training. The researchers hope this method will encourage the adoption of more advanced solutions to combat the illegal wildlife trade in Hong Kong.

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Original content

In a paper recently published in Methods in Ecology and Evolution, researchers in the Conservation Forensics Lab at The University of Hong Kong have outlined a powerful new tool for monitoring trade of rare and endangered fish species in Hong Kong wet markets. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) present in the drain runoff water of fish markets, researchers were able to extract and sequence enough DNA to identify over 100 species of fish that had passed through the market. Various types of vulnerable or endangered species were detected by the eDNA method in the study, including Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, a type of brown marbled grouper which is listed as vulnerable and decreasing according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and three eel species ...

Source: Phys