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Dryad

Data from: Population characteristics of a large whale shark aggregation inferred from seawater environmental DNA

Cite this dataset

Sigsgaard, Eva Egelyng et al. (2017). Data from: Population characteristics of a large whale shark aggregation inferred from seawater environmental DNA [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.kn206

Abstract

Population genetics is essential for understanding and managing marine ecosystems, but sampling remains challenging. We demonstrate that high-throughput sequencing of seawater environmental DNA can provide useful estimates of genetic diversity in a whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation. We recover similar mitochondrial haplotype frequencies in seawater compared to tissue samples, reliably placing the studied aggregation in a global genetic context and expanding the applications of environmental DNA to encompass population genetics of aquatic organisms.

Usage notes

Location

Qatar
Persian Gulf
Arabian Gulf