Limited information is available on mercury (Hg) levels in various shark species consumed in Korea. The methyl-Hg (Me-Hg) and total Hg concentrations in all shark species ranged from 0.08 to 4.5 (mean: 1.2) mg/kg wet weight and from 0.1 to 7.0 (mean: 1.4) mg/kg wet weight, respectively. Inter-species differences in Hg accumulation were found among the species; however, Hg accumulation was homogenous between dorsal and pectoral fins within species. The highest Hg levels were found in aggressive carnivore shark species. Trophic position was important in determining Hg accumulation for aggressive carnivore sharks. Approximately 80% of shark species exceeded the safety limits for Me-Hg established by domestic and international authorities. The mean estimated daily intake of Me-Hg (1.3 μg/kg body weight/day) for Korean populations consuming various sharks was higher than the guidelines proposed by international regulatory authorities, suggesting that excessive shark fin consumption may pose potential health risks for Koreans.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.038 | DOI Listing |
G3 (Bethesda)
January 2025
University College Dublin, School of Biology and Environmental Science, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Chemical signaling can play a crucial role in predator-prey dynamics. Here, we present evidence that ink from the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) targets olfactory receptor proteins in shark, potentially acting as a predator deterrence. We apply in silico 3D docking analysis to investigate the binding affinity of various odorant molecules to shark olfactory receptors of two shark species: cloudy catshark (Scyliorhinus torazame) and white shark (Carcharodon carcharias).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMar Pollut Bull
January 2025
California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive ST 305, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA. Electronic address:
Marine debris such as plastic, metal, and rubber, is a significant source of anthropogenic waste pollution in oceanic waters. Debris continues to be found along Southern California's coastlines and poses serious risks to biodiversity and ecosystem health through entrapment, ingestion, and entanglement. One particular species that drops eggs in the South Bay, particularly in the Palos Verdes peninsula, is the California horn shark (Heterodontus francisci).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
December 2024
Oceanário de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
There is global awareness that many species of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) have life history characteristics that make them susceptible to overexploitation. The study of these animals is critical, as it contributes to increasing knowledge of these specimens and aids in their conservation. In particular, growth rate, age, fecundity, and size at maturity are key parameters for defining management and conservation strategies in elasmobranchs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
December 2024
Wildtrust, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
The spotted ragged-tooth shark, , is widely distributed in subtropical continental coastal seas. In South Africa, it is commonly found along the entire south and east coasts, including the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (IWP) in the far north, which is the largest Marine Protected Area on the South African coast. Pregnant females occur there for much of the year, with the largest aggregations in summer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao
December 2024
State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, Heilongjiang, China.
Nanobodies (Nbs), the unique single-domain antibodies discovered in the species of Camelidae and sharks, are also known as the variable domain of the heavy chain of heavy-chain antibody (VHH). They offer strong antigen targeting and binding capabilities and overcome the drawbacks such as large size, low stability, high immunogenicity, and slow clearance of conventional antibodies. Nbs can be boosted by bioconjugation with toxins, enzymes, radioactive nucleotides, fluorophores, and other functional groups, demonstrating potential applications in the diagnosis and treatment of human and animal diseases.
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