Analysis of molecular genetic variation in whales can help to determine the origins of whale meat found in Japanese and Korean markets. This is done by combining phylogenetic sequencing of mitochondrial DNA to identify endangered and protected whale species with a statistical comparison of intraspecific haplotype frequencies for distinguishing regional subpopulations hunted for scientific reasons.
By collecting whale meat samples from Japanese and Korean markets and comparing the haplotype frequencies with those reported to be caught for scientific purposes it is possible to determine the origins of the whale meat.
This allows researchers to find any illegal hunting or smuggling and any undocumented catches by Japanese and Korean fishermen.
This technology also allows for the individual whales to be identified. By collecting whale meat samples from markets and using DNA fingerprinting, the results can be compared to the catalogue of whale DNA to indentify if the whale species caught is protected and exempt from whaling. One such species is the blue whale.
By Lauren Harrison
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