The importance of research and public opinion to conservation management of sharks and rays: a synthesis

Abstract

Abstract. Growing concern for the world's shark and ray populations is driving the need for greater research to inform conservation management. A change in public perception, from one that we need to protect humans from sharks to one where we must protect sharks from humans, has added to calls for better management. The present paper examines the growing need for research for conservation management of sharks and rays by synthesising information presented in this Special Issue from the 2010 Sharks International Conference and by identifying future research needs, including topics such as taxonomy, life history, population status, spatial ecology, environmental effects, ecosystem role and human impacts. However, this biological and ecological research agenda will not be sufficient to fully secure conservation management. There is also a need for research to inform social and economic sustainability. Effective conservation management will be achieved by setting clear priorities for research with the aid of stakeholders, implementing well designed research projects, building the capacity for research, and clearly communicating the results to stakeholders. If this can be achieved, it will assure a future for this iconic group, the ecosystems in which they occur and the human communities that rely on them.

Variable response of coastal sharks to severe tropical storms: environmental cues and changes in space use

“…Extreme weather events within coastal habitats have implications for the services these habitats provide to animals that use them (Davis et al 2004) and directly for the populations of animals that use them (Matich & Heithaus 2012). Understanding the movement patterns of individuals during the course of an extreme weather event can provide important information on behavioural responses to extreme conditions, and potentially help in predicting the effects of climate change in locations where severe tropical storms may become more prevalent (Chin et al 2010, Simpfendorfer et al 2011.…”

“Buying a Pig in a Poke”: The Problem of Elasmobranch Meat Consumption in Southern Brazil

“…It seems, however, that there is considerable resistance to shark conservation, especially among the general public. Informing society about the ecological importance of sharks and rays and about the magnitude of the threat they currently face is paramount if we wish to increase the effectiveness of conservation measures by overcoming this resistance and correcting common misperceptions (Simpfendorfer et al 2011).…”

Multi-year growth progression of a neoplastic lesion on a bull shark (<em>Carcharhinus leucas</em>)

“…Compared with bony fishes, there is scant literature describing diseases or lesions of chondrichthyans. However, the popularity of sharks as exhibit animals in aquariums with the consequent need for adequate care [7], increased awareness of conservation issues [8], and evidence that the epigonal cells of sharks can inhibit growth of mammalian tumour cell lines [9] have recently led to an increased interest in describing tumours from various shark species. However, the two main difficulties with diagnosing tumours are the logistical constraints of obtaining the necessary samples to diagnose the lesion (but see [10]) and the inability to observe morphological changes of a tumour through time.…”