This PEER project leveraged and extended an existing National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported investigation into the origins of marine biodiversity in southeast Asia into the estuarine and freshwater biomes of the Mekong Delta. Connectivity of populations across and within the Mekong Delta is shaped by the complex and dynamic physical processes of the Mekong River Basin, with the basin outflow and complex branches potentially serving as a barrier to gene flow of marine populations, similar to what has been observed for the Amazon River. The project examined fine-scale population connectivity of three fish species (marine, estuarine, and freshwater) across the Mekong Delta using advanced genomic methodologies, as the start of a long-term research program to investigate processes that promote lineage diversification across the delta. The project also provided a basis to examine genetic adaptation of populations to the changing conditions caused by damming, development, agriculture, and climate change. One of the species studied is considered Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List (IUCN 2012), and the population information gained in this study will be applicable to its conservation and biodiversity conservation in general in the Mekong Delta. The project also provided training to Vietnamese researchers.

Final Summary of Project Activities

Based on the results of three species representatives for three habitats in the Mekong Delta (fresh water, brackish water and saltwater), Dr. Binh and her colleagues demonstrated that the species exhibited population homogeneity in the delta and showed a connection to the Tonle Sap in Cambodia. Historical migration data indicated that the species Polynemus melanochir can be separated by two rivers (Mekong and Basac River at the Mekong Delta), while Boesemania microlepis shows a free migration route. The P. melenochir population is also small in effective population size, indicating that they are facing a changing environment at the delta.

The PI and her team also conducted an expanded multi-national sample collection and data analysis campaign in the Sekong Basin, including field work in the Serepok and Sesan Rivers. U.S. partner Dr. Kent Carpenter accompanied them on some of the field work. This sample collection and genetic analysis helped produce policy suggestions regarding the master plan for dams in the 3-S Basin area. Thanks to supplemental support provided by USAID through PEER, Dr. Binh, Dr. Carpenter, Dr. Chris Bird of Texas A&M University, and other colleagues worked together to analyze additional data and submit their recommendations to the Natural Heritage Institute, an international NGO partially funded by USAID to evaluate proposed and existing hydropower projects in Laos and Cambodia that could impact local fisheries.

As part of this PEER project, the researchers developed a functional laboratory for advanced genomics at Nha Trang University and established a Biodiversity and Conservation Research Team. With support from a PEER Evidence to Action supplement, they collaborated with a local TV station to create a video about their work. Multiple graduate and doctorate students contributed to this research, including two who defended their theses during the project. Dr. Binh and her colleagues subsequently received funding in PEER Cycles 3 and 6 to expand the scope of their research.

Publications

Dang Thuy Binh, Le Phan Khanh Hung, Truong Thi Oanh, Luong Thi Tuong Vi. 2015. Preliminary taxonomic review of wrasses species (Labridae) from Vietnam with an integration of morphological and molecular data. Journal of Fisheries Science and Technology, Nha Trang University, Special issue: 16 – 22, ISSN 1859 – 2252.

Oanh Truong Thi, Quyen Vu Dang Ha, and Binh Dang Thuy. 2015. Phylogenetic Relationships of Emperors (Lethrinidae) and Snappers (Lutjanidae) in Vietnam based on Mitochondrial DNA Sequences. Proceedings of the International Conference on Biological, Environment and Food Engineering (BEFE-2015) May 15-16, 2015, Singapore.

Vu Dang Ha Quyen, Thai Thi Lan Phuong, Truong Thi Oanh, Tran Linh Thuoc, and Dang Thuy Binh. 2015. Phylogenetic Relationships of Freshwater Fish in Vietnamese Mekong. Proceedings of the International Conference on Biological, Environment and Food Engineering (BEFE-2015) May 15-16, 2015, Singapore.

Dang Thuy Binh and Doan Vu Thinh. 2015. WebGIS for Reef Fishes Biodiversity at Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bays in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Proceedings of the International Conference on Biological, Environment and Food Engineering (BEFE-2015) May 15-16, 2015, Singapore.

Truong Thi Oanh, Doan Vu Thinh, and Dang Thuy Binh. 2015. Distribution and phylogenetic relationships of snappers (Lutjanidae) based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Journal of Fisheries Science and Technology, Nha Trang University, Special issue: 160 – 166, ISSN 1859 – 2252.

Thai Thi Lan Phuong and Dang Thuy Binh. 2015. Goby species diversity in Vietnam based on morphological and genetic characteristics. Journal of Fisheries Science and Technology, Nha Trang University, Special issue: 141 – 148, ISSN 1859 – 2252.

Vũ Đặng Hạ Quyên, Đặng Thúy Bình, Trương Thị Oanh, Thái Thị Lan Phương. 2014. DNA barcoding of freshwater fish in the Mekong Delta. Journal of Science, Can Tho University, Special issue: Aquaculture and Fisheries (1): 123 – 131, ISSN 1859 – 2333.

Dang Thuy Binh, Vu Dang Ha Quyen, Le Thi Thu Ha, Tran Quang Sang, and Nguyen Dac Kien. 2014. Parasitic Metacercariae infected in fish species based on morphological and genetic characters [in Vietnamese]. Journal of Science, Can Tho University, Special Issue: Aquaculture and Fisheries, Vol. 1.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, Dang Thuy Binh, and Phan Dung. 2014. Researching on venom glands' composition and modeling three-dimensional structure of toxin protein in Conus tessulatus [in Vietnamese]. Journal of Science, Can Tho University, Special Issue: Aquaculture and Fisheries, Vol. 1.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, Dang Thuy Binh, and Chau Thi My Linh. 2014. A study on genetic structure of giant clam (Tridacna spp.) (Tridacninae) population in south central and southern Vietnam's coast [in Vietnamese]. Tap Chi Sinh Hoc [Biology Magazine] 2014, 36(1se): 189-194.

A study on population genetic structure of Sardinella gibbosa Bleeker, 1849 (Clupeiformes: Clupeidae) in the coastal area of Vietnam. 2014. Dang Thuy Binh, Nguyen Thi Bao Chau, and Bui Kim Ly. Tap Chi Sinh Hoc [Biology Magazine] 2014, 36(1se): 180-188