Genetic evidence of illegal trade in protected whales links Japan with the US and South Korea.
We report on genetic identification of 'whale meat' purchased in sushi restaurants in Los Angeles, CA (USA) in October 2009 and in Seoul, South Korea in June and September 2009. Phylogenetic analyses of mtDNA cytochrome b sequences confirmed that the products included three species of whale currently killed in the controversial scientific whaling programme of Japan, but which are protected from international trade: the fin, sei and Antarctic minke. The DNA profile of the fin whale sold in Seoul established a match to products purchased previously in Japan in September 2007, confirming unauthorized trade between these two countries. Following species identification, these products were handed over to the appropriate national or local authorities for further investigation. The illegal trade of products from protected species of whales, presumably taken under a national permit for scientific research, is a timely reminder of the need for independent, transparent and robust monitoring of any future whaling.
Baker
C Scott
CS
Marine Mammal Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, OR 97365, USA. scott.baker@oregonstate.edu
Steel
Debbie
D
Choi
Yeyong
Y
Lee
Hang
H
Kim
Kyung Seok
KS
Choi
Sung Kyoung
SK
Ma
Yong-Un
YU
Hambleton
Charles
C
Psihoyos
Louie
L
Brownell
R L
RL
Funahashi
Naoko
N
D000818:Animals; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D038622:Internationality; D007564:Japan; D010802:Phylogeny; D056910:Republic of Korea; D014481:United States; D014907:Whales / Q000235:genetics*
D004247:DNA
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