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A preprint of my manuscript, "DNA barcoding reveals mislabeling of endangered sharks sold as swordfish in New England fish markets" is now available to read on Research Square! The manuscript is currently under review at Conservation Genetics. Access the preprint here: www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-4547946/v1. I conducted this market assessment study for my undergraduate senior thesis while at Bard College at Simon's Rock. I used DNA barcoding on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene to determine unambiguous identification of 38 collected samples, which were either labeled as Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Common Thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus), or swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in markets in New England. Barcoding and phylogenetic analysis revealed four mislabeled samples for a total substitution rate of 10.5%. As I collected samples just before implementation of major import monitoring programs and a Mako fishing ban in the United States, my study established a temporal baseline that can be used to determine if market mislabeling has decreased as a result of these conservation initiatives.  Figure 1: From the preprint, showing collection locations, study timeline, and pictures of study samples.
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