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The shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, is an oceanic pelagic shark species found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. It is frequently caught by pelagic longline fisheries, but despite its commercial importance and ecological significance, little is still known about its biology and ecology at the molecular level. Therefore, we combined two massive parallel sequencing approaches, double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD) and RNA sequencing (RNAseq), for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery in the shortfin mako. The ddRAD yielded a total of 82,676 putative SNPs. For RNAseq, a total of 129,663 putative SNPs were found. After the stricter filtering procedure, 405 SNPs from ddRAD and 1165 SNPs from RNAseq were retained and suitable for further analysis. Annotation analysis of SNPs from ddRAD revealed a total of 55 gene associated SNP markers, of which 32 SNPs (58.2%) are associated with diseases and defense responses, 9 SNPs (16.4%) are associated with developmental process, and 3 SNPs (5.4%) are present in genes involved in the reproductive function. For RNAseq, 739 SNPs were annotated and associated to relevant functions amongst which 10 SNPs (0.53%) were related with reproduction, 6 SNPs (0.32%) with growth, and 9 (0.48%) with locomotion. Overall, the genotyping of the SNPs was followed by the validation of 255 SNPs from ddRAD and 646 for RNAseq in 31 individuals from the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Our results provide valuable sequence resources for future population genomics analysis, comparative genomics, phylogenomics, and molecular evolution of the globally endangered shortfin mako shark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ocean Decade (OD) is the name of a United Nations (UN) initiative devoted to ocean science for sustainable development. It started in 2021 and will provide an opportunity to create a new foundation, across the science-policy interface, to strengthen the sustainable management of oceans and coasts and, at same time, bring benefits for future generations. The OD will establish a common strategy to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the other European Union (EU) and international agreements, such as the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Marine Biodiversity Strategy and the UN World Assessment I and II aimed at preserving ocean health. Furthermore, the OD has several expected outcomes that concern different aspects of marine environment, including its enormous values for humans. Several entities will combine efforts to achieve these goals and science is at the forefront of the sustainable blue economy. Marine research is solving complex challenges through interdisciplinary approaches, revolutionizing our life and our interaction with the ocean. This review discusses recent advancements in science related to the OD outcomes. The role of new technology for ocean exploration and monitoring, the importance of omics science and biotechnology to deal with ocean pollution, and other innovative solutions are discussed. All of these are inspired by the idea of using marine resources in a sustainable way and without impacting in a negative way on marine ecosystems. The role of science communication is therefore considered a crucial issue to spread the OD messages and to reach the general public and stakeholders. Only by the integration of science, governance, industry and public, the OD will have any chance to succeed.