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DNA Traces Reveal Critically Endangered Fish in Hong Kong
27 Jul
Summary
- Bahaba fish, once abundant, is now critically endangered.
- Genetic technology detected rare fish DNA in Hong Kong waters.
- Overfishing for swim bladders led to the species' decline.
The Chinese bahaba, a large species of croaker fish known as the "Panda of the Sea," faced severe decline due to overfishing for its swim bladder, prized for medicinal value. Historically found in the South China Sea, its wild population plummeted, making it critically endangered. Recent surveys in Hong Kong SAR waters, however, have detected traces of the bahaba.
Researchers employed advanced genetic identification technology to find environmental DNA (eDNA) in mucus and waste samples collected from seawater. This non-invasive method confirmed the presence of bahaba eDNA at four survey sites, notably near the fishing village of Tai O, between January and September 2025.
This breakthrough offers a new approach to monitoring scarce marine populations. Scientists believe this eDNA technology can significantly aid conservation efforts and biodiversity monitoring across the Greater Bay Area, providing valuable data for future planning and supporting fish release programs.
