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Marine Life & Conservation

Marine Megafauna Foundation: Science with a Toothbrush

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Marine Megafauna Foundation

New study explains effective method for underwater-sampling of manta ray mucus as an alternative DNA source

DNA-based population studies help to understand population structure, connectivity and population sizes. Apart from land-based sampling at fish landing sites, manta ray tissue samples are typically collected underwater while scuba or free diving using hand spears with punch tips. But this technique may be discouraged in some areas where manta rays are an attraction for tourists, due to the perceived fear that the sampling activity may harm the rays or change their behaviour, thereby impacting the tourists’ manta ray encounter.

Marine Megafauna Foundation researchers explored alternative methods to obtain DNA by collecting body surface mucus from wild manta rays using a toothbrush. The advantages of utilizing this method include a reduction in sampling equipment, a significantly reduced impact on the manta ray and acceptance of a non-invasive sampling protocol by tourists in vibrant tourism areas.

This important new study demonstrates that DNA from manta ray mucus collected utilizing this method can reliably be used in PCR-based population genetic studies. This study is the first example involving underwater collection of mucus by scuba divers and was shown to be an effective, low-cost option to traditional sampling techniques. While this study was conducted on manta rays, it was the first to test the feasibility of this sampling method in the wild and the usefulness of mucus to genetic studies in elasmobranchs, creating new opportunities to apply this technique to other species within this group of threatened marine species.

For more information, View or download the full paper.

To find out more about the Marine Megafauna Foundation, visit www.marinemegafauna.org.

Marine Life & Conservation

Double Bubble for Basking Sharks

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The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!

Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants

The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.

The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.

Campaign Aims

  • Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
  • Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
  • Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
  • Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!

Donate, and double your impact. Click Here

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Marine Life & Conservation

Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron

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Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.

Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.

Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.

We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”

Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:

It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”

For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.

For more about Diverse Travel click here.

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