Studying the DNA of organisms can reveal more than just their genetic code. We are working with scientists in the US and Australia to determine species identification, patterns of movement and connectivity, biodiversity, population relatedness, and spatial ecology of sharks, rays, and finfish. We collect genetic information by cutting a small piece of fin from the animal and preserving it in ethanol or DMSO. This procedure is non-invasive, and the small piece of tissue holds vast amounts of information about the individual.