Brown banded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) shows high genetic diversity and differentiation in Malaysian waters
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-20-2021
Abstract
The demersal brown banded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum is a major component of sharks landed in Malaysia. However, little is known about their population structure and the effect of high fishing pressure on these weak swimming sharks. Both mitochondrial DNA control region (1072 bp) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (1044 bp) were used to elucidate the genetic structure and connectivity of C. punctatum among five major areas within the Sundaland region. Our findings revealed (i) strong genetic structure with little present day mixing between the major areas, (ii) high intra-population genetic diversity with unique haplotypes, (iii) significant correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distance coupled with detectable presence of fine scale geographical barriers (i.e. the South China Sea), (iv) historical directional gene flow from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia towards the west coast and Borneo, and (v) no detectable genetic differentiation along the coastline of east Peninsular Malaysia. Genetic patterns inferred from the mitochondrial DNA loci were consistent with the strong coastal shelf association in this species, the presence of contemporary barriers shaped by benthic features, and limited current-driven egg dispersal. Fine scale population structure of C. punctatum highlights the need to improve genetic understanding for fishery management and conservation of other small-sized sharks.
Keywords
Brown banded bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum), Malaysian waters, Sharks, High fishing pressure, Fishery management and conservation
Divisions
Science,ocean
Funders
University Malaya Research Grant (UMRG) (RP018C-16SUS),University Malaya Research Fund Assistance (BK018-2015),WWF-Malaysia (PV049-2019),Top 100 Universities in The World Fund (TU001-2018)
Publication Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
11
Issue
1
Publisher
Nature Research
Publisher Location
HEIDELBERGER PLATZ 3, BERLIN, 14197, GERMANY