ATHENS, Ga. — University of Georgia researchers have developed a method to estimate the age of sharks by analyzing chemical alterations in their DNA.
The scientific technique relies on predictive models known as epigenetic clocks, marking the first time the approach has been successfully applied to sharks.
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In the study, researchers tested the clock model using DNA samples from more than 50 zebra sharks housed across southeastern aquariums.
The predictive model successfully estimated the zebra sharks’ ages within two years of their chronological age.
Traditional shark age-estimation methods often require killing the animal to count growth rings on its spine, while visual estimates are not always reliable.
The DNA-based model provides a noninvasive and accurate alternative that measures cellular wear and tear without harming the animal.
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Benjamin Parrott, corresponding author of the study, serves as an associate professor at UGA’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and the Odum School of Ecology.
Parrott said age tracking plays an important role in protecting marine species.
“Age structure is one of the most important things conservation biologists can measure,” Parrott said. “If we could figure out how old wild sharks are, we could finally understand the age structure of their populations. That’s incredibly important for conservation of marine populations.”
Researchers noted that the tool could help provide new insights into the biological evolution of shark populations, as well as the life cycles of other marine animals that currently lack accurate aging data.
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