Where ShellBank Engages

ShellBank is Global

Where ShellBank Works

While its pilot phase centered on the hawksbill turtle and a specific region, ShellBank’s geographical scope is global. Now engaging with local partners across the globe, ShellBank aims to be a valuable resource for local actors in marine turtle conservation

By supporting and offering resources to governments, researchers, students, and local communities, ShellBank addresses the urgent needs of marine turtle species worldwide.

Cracking the Code

2019

Presenting the first results on mtDNA extraction and sequencing of tortoiseshell products for ShellBank - by successfully sequencing ~800 base pairs from hawksbill turtle products, the study was able to trace the sample back to a likely population (stock) origin.
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Surrender Your Shell

2022

SYS encouraged Australians to surrender historically purchased tortoiseshell to assist with the development of the Trade Database by identifying hawksbill populations directly targeted by the illegal tortoiseshell trade. SYS was also established to trial WWF’s ShellBank in practice – to test the ShellBank toolkit to track marine turtle trade by applying the DNA extraction method and further scrutinising its effectiveness on a greater variety of historical and newly donated tortoiseshell items. This was the first opportunity to improve the process of sample collection, sample handling, chain of custody and laboratory procedures.
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Shellbank in the Philippines

2022
Built upon existing initiatives in collecting tissue samples from nesting, bycatch, stranded and confiscated/seized marine turtles, this reinforced data collection from high-priority areas where sampling was previously low.
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Piloting ShellBank in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

2019

Presenting the first results on mtDNA extraction and sequencing of tortoiseshell products for ShellBank - by successfully sequencing ~800 base pairs from hawksbill turtle products, the study was able to trace the sample back to a likely population (stock) origin.
Access Report

Putting ShellBank into Practice in Australia

Surrender Your Shell (SYS) urged Australians to donate historic tortoiseshell to help build the Trade Database and identify hawksbill populations targeted by illegal trade. SYS tested WWF’s ShellBank toolkit, applying DNA extraction to track turtle trade using both historic and new samples. This trial refined sample collection, handling, chain of custody, and lab procedures, marking a key step in improving ShellBank's effectiveness.
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ShellBank in the Philippines

2022
Built upon existing initiatives in collecting tissue samples from nesting, bycatch, stranded and confiscated/seized marine turtles, this reinforced data collection from high-priority areas where sampling was previously low.
Access Report