Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I Gene of Mitochondrial DNA from Chelonia mydas in Qatar

Abstract: DNA of Qatari C. mydas samples were successfully sequenced using the Folmer forward and reverse primers. The identification with BOLD of approximately 688 base pairs sequence revealed maximum homology (99.84%) with C. mydas , which is a species of turtle has been declared "extinct in wild" by IUCN. The next closest species 93.79% , was N. depressa which has a restricted geographical distribution and was reported to be endemic to the Australian continental shelf. The finding of characteristic species-specific COI sequences offers the prospect of identifying marine turtle species by using DNA barcode methodology as an auxiliary tool for taxonomy. This can also be used during field work when identifying lost nests, animals stranded on beaches or those killed as part of catching in fishery nets. A further use is in forensic litigation when turtle eggs or meat are the only available material and for the development of Qatar gene bank information

New microsatellite markers for assessment of genetic diversity in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

New primer pairs of genomic DNA microsatellite markers were tested to assess the genetic diversity of eleven date palm genotypes. The results indicated that out of thirty, only seven primers (23.3%) failed to amplify the expected PCR fragments, while thirteen primers (43.3%) amplified monomorphic banding patterns and the remaining ten primers (33.4%) generated polymorphic banding patterns. A total of 77 alleles have been observed with a mean of 7.7 alleles per locus. The average of gene diversity was 0.80 ranging from 0.6 (in marker DP168) to 0.9 (in two markers DP157 and DP175). These new co-dominant markers will be a starting point for researchers making use of the markers for genetic mapping and diversity analysis of date palm

Whale Sharks, <em>Rhincodon typus</em>, Aggregate around Offshore Platforms in Qatari Waters of the Arabian Gulf to Feed on Fish Spawn

<div><p>Whale sharks, <i>Rhincodon typus,</i> are known to aggregate to feed in a small number of locations in tropical and subtropical waters. Here we document a newly discovered major aggregation site for whale sharks within the Al Shaheen oil field, 90 km off the coast of Qatar in the Arabian Gulf. Whale sharks were observed between April and September, with peak numbers observed between May and August. Density estimates of up to 100 sharks within an area of 1 km² were recorded. Sharks ranged between four and eight metres’ estimated total length (mean 6.92±1.53 m). Most animals observed were actively feeding on surface zooplankton, consisting primarily of mackerel tuna, <i>Euthynnus affinis,</i> eggs.</p> </div

An image taken by Maersk Oil platform worker Soren Stig on 15^th August 2007, showing an aggregation of whale sharks feeding at the surface in the Al Shaheen Oil Field.

<p>An image taken by Maersk Oil platform worker Soren Stig on 15^th August 2007, showing an aggregation of whale sharks feeding at the surface in the Al Shaheen Oil Field.</p

Bio-volume, in-water surface temperature, salinity and numbers of organisms in plankton samples taken at fixed sampling stations and at sites where feeding whale sharks were encountered.

<p>Bio-volume, in-water surface temperature, salinity and numbers of organisms in plankton samples taken at fixed sampling stations and at sites where feeding whale sharks were encountered.</p

Results of taxonomic inspection of plankton samples showing for each sample the taxa of plankton which accounted for the largest, second largest and third largest portion of the plankton in terms of numbers of individuals, and for each taxa and for fish eggs, the percentage of the zooplankton by numbers for which they accounted.

<p>Results of taxonomic inspection of plankton samples showing for each sample the taxa of plankton which accounted for the largest, second largest and third largest portion of the plankton in terms of numbers of individuals, and for each taxa and for fish eggs, the percentage of the zooplankton by numbers for which they accounted.</p

Map showing the respective locations of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Al Shaheen oil and gas field within the Arabian Gulf, and (inset) of the Arabian Gulf itself in relation the Arabian Peninsula.

<p>Map showing the respective locations of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Al Shaheen oil and gas field within the Arabian Gulf, and (inset) of the Arabian Gulf itself in relation the Arabian Peninsula.</p

Estimated number of whale sharks seen during platform and boat observations and moon phase for May through September 2011.

<p>Estimated number of whale sharks seen during platform and boat observations and moon phase for May through September 2011.</p