Genomic analysis of DNA from archived shark jaws (GenoJaws) (39391)

Knowledge of species responses to past environmental changes is vital for understanding current patterns of biodiversity. In this context, collections of archived specimens in museums and other repositories represent exclusive DNA “log-books” for climate change research. Virtually nothing is known about the genetic impact of past environmental changes and exploitation on sharks and other elasmobranchs, which are keystone species for healthy marine ecosystems. Shark jaws are abundant in museums and as trophies with recreational anglers constituting one of the world’s most abundant sources of DNA for retrospective genetic analysis. However, until now the potential of genomic analysis of theseunique samples remain largely unexplored. The aim of this project is to apply cutting edge genomic tools to abundant samples of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in order to describe historical changes in population distribution, abundance andevolutionary response to global change and exploitation.

Partners
DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources (coordinator)
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia
College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, Australia

Funding
The project is funded by Danish Council for Independent Research.

Research area: Population Genetics