Short CommunicationDNA barcoding reveals targeted fisheries for endangered sharks in Indonesia

Sharks are apex predators and keystone species that have a profound influence on the ecology and food-web dynamics of coral reefs and epipelagic marine ecosystems. However, sharks are being heavily overfished compromising the health of the world's reefs and pelagic environments. Although Indonesia is the world's largest and most diverse coral reef ecosystem, information on the exploitation of sharks in this region is scarce. Results of DNA barcoding of shark fin revealed two alarming findings: (1) a rarity of reef sharks that should dominate Indonesia's coastal ecosystems, and (2) a fishery that targets endangered sharks. The diversity and number of threatened species recovered in this study highlights the urgent need for improved regulation and control of Indonesia's shark fishery.