Guy Harvey Research Institute students Andrea Bernard and Rebekah Horn recently collaborated on a newly published billfish research paper with NOAA and the University of Miami medical school. The study reported in the paper, which was published in the highly respected scientific journal Fishery Bulletin, demonstrates that surface mucous from billfish contains enough DNA for subsequent genetic studies, allowing a rapid and non-invasive method for obtaining billfish DNA.

The current method for collecting DNA from live billfish usually involves restraining the fish and excising tissue, a procedure that is both difficult to carry out and dangerous to the fish as it often causes stress on the fish that can affect the chances of survival.

The results of the new study show that DNA found in the fish’s surface mucous is just as suitable for DNA analysis as muscle tissue DNA, therefore negating the need to use more invasive techniques for DNA collection (which is used for identifying and analyzing different stocks of billfish for fisheries management as well as to track the trade of body parts of protected fish).

Great work Andrea and Rebekah and thanks to Dr. Mahmood Shivji for his continued leadership at the GHRI.

Cheers!

Great live entertainment, the best seafood in the Panhandle, lively spirits and plenty of Florida sunshine – sounds like my kind of weekend!

Mark your calendars – the Panama City Beach Seafood, Wine & Music Festival is October 9-10-11. I am very honored and excited to partner with the festival to produce the Official 2009 PCB Seafood, Wine & Music Festival posters and t-shirts. These items, along with a few others, will soon be available online and, of course, will also be available during the festival.

I am equally excited to report that the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation will be at the festival this year. Please stop by and learn more about how the GHOF is spreading the message of marine conservation.

Cheers!

Dr. Mahmood Shivji and the talented scientists at the Guy Harvey Research Institute are still receiving accolades for their role in the prosecution of Florida resident Mark Harrison, the self-described largest shark fin buyer in the country, for illegally trading in shark fins. The GHRI assisted the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Justice Department in the case by providing DNA analysis on some of the seized fins, which identified them as being fins from protected species.

The GHRI is based at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. NSU recently recognized the GHRI for their work in this case with a feature article in NSU’s SharkBytes e-newsletter, which is sent to NSU staff, faculty and alumni.

Great job, Dr. Shivji and GHRI staff!

Cheers!

Earlier in the week, I posted an item about representatives from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation attending last week’s Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission public workshop on shark conservation, which was held at the IGFA Hall of Fame. Susan Cocking, Outdoors writer for the Miami Herald, was also in attendance and she wrote a great article in the Herald detailing the concerns – and recommendations - of the many individuals and organizations that spoke out in favor of greater measures for shark conservation. GHOF President Steve Stock spoke at the meeting and is mentioned in Susan’s article:

“Tighter management measures for sharks sought”
06.27.09.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is being urged to have tighter management rules to ensure a healthy shark population.

BY SUSAN COCKING

Several dozen recreational divers and anglers, shark scientists and
conservationists urged the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Tuesday to adopt stronger shark rules than recommended by an interstate management panel.

Click here for the full article….

Cheers!