Identification of Acipenseriformes species in trade

摘要: Summary Sturgeons and paddlefishes (Acipenseridae) are highly endangered freshwater fishes. Their eggs (sold as caviar) one of the most valuable wildlife products in international trade. Concerns overharvesting conservation status many 27 extant species Acipenseriformes led to all being included on CITES Appendices 1998. Since then trade parts from sturgeon paddlefish has been regulated. However, despite controls trade, unsustainable harvesting continues threaten populations. Illegal fishing be a threat management these fish. To enforce regulation legal prevention illegal development uniform identification system for derivates identified an urgent requirement. Ideally this should suitable (i) at species-level caviar other Acipenseriformes; (ii) population identification; (iii) source (wild vs aquaculture); (iv) determining age because strict timeframes govern its This paper reviews techniques currently available their potential used A review shown that there is not single method can meet requirements (see i–iv), it does appear feasible develop such near future therefore appropriate methods need developed each. Considering advantages disadvantages reviewed document, following conclusions drawn: species, approaches recommended target mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (RFLP, nested PCR or direct sequencing). they show limitations detection hybrids (although natural rare, number artificially produced aquaculture increasing) differentiation closely related complexes: Acipenser gueldenstaedti–Acipenser baerii–Acipenser persicus–Acipenser naccarii; medirostris–Acipenser mikadoi; Scaphirhynchus albus–Scaphirhynchus plathorhynchus–Scaphirhynchus suttkusi; different populations same genetic data incomplete populations, stocking release programmes, which have become more common, often result mixture phenotypes genotypes, thereby impeding creation application system; based excluded present no differences between wild hatchery-raised continuing restocking with captive fish vice versa. rearing (i.e. environmental) conditions different, focusing water quality food seem (for example fatty acid composition). So far, very few studies conducted therefore, merit further exploration; product cannot detected by DNA-based protein profiling undoubtedly impractical due hard-to-perform, labour-and cost-intensive methods, susceptible degradation. Arising limits discussed above, next steps proposed following: designation qualified reference laboratories national levels (re-) exporting importing countries. These approved through standardized testing procedure, instance ring test blind samples. Registered published disseminated accreditations subject certain guarantees regarding quality, economic independence scientific rigour. Operational procedures determined among laboratories; establishment collections accessible containing DNA analyses results information location availability tissue important step towards indispensable general website access database about samples, comparable NCBI, provides background data: sample location; information; citation; data; archival storage; treated distributed analysis. also forum exchange knowledge experiences systems, information, relevant research, etc.; outcome tests made reference. The universal labelling could incorporate indication verification consignment. In view lack great regard importance guidance research strongly recommended. Progress assessed exchanged regular basis.