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Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators
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Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Conservation Biology and Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 February 2024) | Viewed by 16099

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cristina Porcu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via T. Fiorelli, 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: reproduction; histology; anatomy; elasmobranchs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andrea Bellodi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Via T. Fiorelli, 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: age; growth; conservation; elasmobranchs

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras) occupy the top of aquatic food webs, playing an important functional role in the control of coastal and oceanic ecosystem structure and operation. They are also commonly recognized as extremely evocative species in most of the world’s cultures. Due to their k-selected life history, they are particularly sensitive to habitat degradation, pollution, and changes in biological communities’ compositions (e.g., alien species or biodiversity loss). Moreover, they are considered as bycatch for the majority of worldwide industrial and artisanal fisheries, with low rates of post-release survival, an issue that essentially led to a dramatic decline in many stocks. Nonetheless, data on their stock status still remain poor or nonexistent.

In this Special Issue, we invite contributors to submit research articles on life history traits (e.g., reproduction, age, and growth), trophic ecology, genetic information, and updated data on their distribution in order to collect information helpful to developing conservation plans for these top marine predators.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Cristina Porcu
Dr. Andrea Bellodi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • cartilaginous fish
  • reproduction
  • age and growth
  • trophic ecology
  • genetic information
  • conservation
  • distribution
  • management

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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23 pages, 3761 KiB  
Article
Rays in the Shadows: Batoid Diversity, Occurrence, and Conservation Status in Fiji
by Kerstin Glaus, Luke Gordon, Tom Vierus, Natasha D. Marosi and Helen Sykes
Biology 2024, 13(2), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020073 - 26 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2798
Abstract
Over recent decades, elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) have been increasingly recognized among the world’s most threatened marine wildlife, leading to heightened scientific attention. However, batoids (rays and skates) are relatively understudied, especially in Large Ocean States of the Pacific. This synthesis compiles [...] Read more.
Over recent decades, elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) have been increasingly recognized among the world’s most threatened marine wildlife, leading to heightened scientific attention. However, batoids (rays and skates) are relatively understudied, especially in Large Ocean States of the Pacific. This synthesis compiles insights on batoid diversity and occurrence in Fiji’s waters by integrating a literature review, participatory science programs such as the Great Fiji Shark Count (GFSC) Initiative, Projects Abroad Fiji (PA), Manta Project Fiji (MPF), and iNaturalist, along with environmental DNA. Nineteen batoid species from seven families were identified: 19 species from the literature, 12 from participatory science programs, and six from eDNA analysis. Notably, this study provides the first photographic evidence for the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni, Lloyd, 1908) in Fiji. GFSC data indicated the highest species diversity in the Western Division, with spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus ocellatus, Kuhl, 1823) and maskrays (Neotrygon sp.) being observed most. In-person interviews conducted by PA provided information on the occurrence of wedgefishes and potentially sawfishes. MPF records and iNaturalist uploads were dominated by reef manta rays (M. alfredi, Krefft, 1868), while the pink whipray (Pateobatis fai, Jordan and Seale, 1906) yielded the most DNA sequences. Overall, 68.4% of the species face an elevated extinction risk based on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List criteria. Although caution is warranted with older literature-based records for the giant guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus, Anonymous [Bennett], 1830), giant stingaree (Plesiobatis daviesi, Wallace, 1967), and the lack of sawfish verification, this synthesis highlights the effectiveness of a combined methodological approach in establishing a reference point for the diversity and occurrence of this understudied taxon in Fiji. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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7 pages, 1220 KiB  
Communication
Annual Recurrence of the Critically Endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) in Djibouti Waters
by Ginevra Boldrocchi, David Robinson, Simone Caprodossi, Emilio Mancuso, Moussa Omar and Jennifer V. Schmidt
Biology 2023, 12(10), 1302; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12101302 - 2 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1955
Abstract
The bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) is among the most endangered of marine vertebrates, and evidence of severe declines and localized extinctions has been reported. Yet its life history and ecology suffer from a lack of scientific attention due to the scarcity [...] Read more.
The bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) is among the most endangered of marine vertebrates, and evidence of severe declines and localized extinctions has been reported. Yet its life history and ecology suffer from a lack of scientific attention due to the scarcity and unpredictable movements of the species. By collecting opportunistic records from 2015 to 2023 during diving activities, this study describes for the first time the occurrence of a predictable aggregation of R. ancylostomus in the Gulf of Tadjoura (Djibouti). These data provide a key record of this species in the area, whose presence is strongly associated with sandy seabeds and corals at approximately 35 m depth. Based on the opportunistic sightings of R. ancylostomus during diving activity, Ras Eiro and Ras Korali appear to be the currently known core habitats for this species and may serve as breeding or feeding grounds. Overall, our data show that the Gulf of Tadjoura is a globally important conservation hotspot, and therefore its protection should be prioritized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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12 pages, 1490 KiB  
Article
Ontogenetic Shifts in Body Morphology of Demersal Sharks’ Species (Order: Squaliformes) Inhabiting the Western-Central Mediterranean Sea, with Implications for Their Bio-Ecological Role
by Andrea Bellodi, Antonello Mulas, Louise Daniel, Alessandro Cau, Cristina Porcu, Pierluigi Carbonara and Maria Cristina Follesa
Biology 2023, 12(8), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12081150 - 19 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1685
Abstract
Several elasmobranch species undergo shifts in body proportions during their ontogenetic growth. Such morphological changes could reflect variation in diet, locomotion, or, more broadly, in the species’ interactions with their environment. However, to date, only a few studies have been conducted on this [...] Read more.
Several elasmobranch species undergo shifts in body proportions during their ontogenetic growth. Such morphological changes could reflect variation in diet, locomotion, or, more broadly, in the species’ interactions with their environment. However, to date, only a few studies have been conducted on this topic, and most of them focused on particular body regions. In the present study, the ontogenetic growth of five different demersal shark species was investigated by using both traditional linear morphometry of the entire body and shape analysis of the caudal fin. A total of 449 sharks were analysed: 95 little gulper sharks, 80 longnose spurdogs, 103 kitefin sharks, 124 velvet belly lanternsharks, and 47 angular roughsharks. From each specimen, 36 linear morphometric measurements were taken. While a first canonical analysis of principal coordinates ruled out the possibility of different growth patterns between males and females, the same analysis statistically discriminated between small and large individuals in every species based on their morphology. A Similarity Percentage analysis revealed that the most important measurements in distinguishing these two groups were those related to body lengths, indicating that large individuals are more elongated than small individuals. The shape analysis of caudal fins revealed allometric growth during ontogenetic development, with adult individuals having a wider fin (discriminant analysis, p < 0.05). These findings could be related to changes in predatory skills, supporting the hypothesis of a shift in the ecological role that these sharks play in their environment, thus providing new essential information for their conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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31 pages, 3594 KiB  
Article
Updated Checklist of Chondrichthyan Species in Croatia (Central Mediterranean Sea)
by Pia F. Balàka, Pero Ugarković, Julia Türtscher, Jürgen Kriwet, Simone Niedermüller, Patrik Krstinić and Patrick L. Jambura
Biology 2023, 12(7), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12070952 - 3 Jul 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3475
Abstract
Almost half of all chondrichthyan species in the Mediterranean Sea are threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN Red List. Due to a substantial lack of access to data on chondrichthyan catches in the Mediterranean Sea, especially of threatened species, the implementation of [...] Read more.
Almost half of all chondrichthyan species in the Mediterranean Sea are threatened with extinction, according to the IUCN Red List. Due to a substantial lack of access to data on chondrichthyan catches in the Mediterranean Sea, especially of threatened species, the implementation of conservation measures is extremely insufficient. This also concerns the Adriatic Sea. Here we present a detailed and up-to-date assessment of the species occurring in Croatian waters, as the last checklist of chondrichthyans in Croatian waters was conducted in 2009. Occurrence records from historical data, literature and citizen science information have been compiled in order to present a comprehensive list of species occurrences. We found 54 chondrichthyan species between 1822 and 2022, consisting of a single chimaera, 23 rays and skates, and 30 shark species. Here, four additional species are listed but are considered doubtful. Five species are reported here for the first time for Croatian waters that were not listed in the survey from 2009. Nearly one-third of the species reported here are critically endangered in the entire Mediterranean Sea, based on the IUCN Red List. Additionally, we revisited the Croatian records of the sandtiger shark Carcharias taurus Rafinesque, 1810 and discussed its potential confusion with the smalltooth sandtiger shark Odontaspis ferox (Risso, 1810). Our results thus provide novel insights into the historical and current distribution patterns of chondrichthyan fishes in the Croatian Sea and provide a basis for further research as well as conservation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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21 pages, 2538 KiB  
Article
Gradients of Variation in the At-Vessel Mortality Rate between Twelve Species of Sharks and Skates Sampled through a Fishery-Independent Trawl Survey in the Asinara Gulf (NW Mediterranean Sea)
by Umberto Scacco, Tomaso Fortibuoni, Matteo Baini, Gianluca Franceschini, Dario Giani, Margherita Concato, Cristina Panti, Alessia Izzi and Michela Angiolillo
Biology 2023, 12(3), 363; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12030363 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
Elasmobranchs are priority species for conservation due to their rapid decline determined by the unbalanced struggle between a fragile bio-ecology and strong anthropogenic impacts, such as bycatch from professional fishing. In this context, measuring species resistance to catch of poorly selective gear is [...] Read more.
Elasmobranchs are priority species for conservation due to their rapid decline determined by the unbalanced struggle between a fragile bio-ecology and strong anthropogenic impacts, such as bycatch from professional fishing. In this context, measuring species resistance to catch of poorly selective gear is of paramount importance. During June–October 2022, five experimental fishing campaigns were carried out in the Asinara Gulf (northern Sardinia) through 35 geographically and bathymetrically representative hauls of an area between 30 and 600 m in depth. Skates prevailed over sharks in the number of species, with seven and five species, respectively. We first evaluated the status of each individual with respect to stress due to the trawl’s catch using a three-graded scale. We also recorded individual biometrics (total and disk length, weight and sex, and maturity for males) on board by implementing the best practices in manipulating individuals for physiological recovery and release at sea. After capture, skates resulted in generally better conditions than sharks, although deepwater species of both groups exhibited a worse state than coastal species. The estimated vitality rates also depended on the size of the individuals. This work provides standardized data on the intermingled effect of size, species type, and inhabited depth on the resistance response of some elasmobranch species against capture by trawl fishery activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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6 pages, 253 KiB  
Reply
Reply to Soldo, A.; Lipej, L. Comment on “Balàka et al. Updated Checklist of Chondrichthyan Species in Croatia (Central Mediterranean Sea). Biology 2023, 12, 952”
by Pia F. Balàka, Pero Ugarković, Julia Türtscher, Jürgen Kriwet, Simone Niedermüller, Patrik Krstinić and Patrick L. Jambura
Biology 2024, 13(3), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13030136 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Balàka et al [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
4 pages, 216 KiB  
Comment
Comment on Balàka et al. Updated Checklist of Chondrichthyan Species in Croatia (Central Mediterranean Sea). Biology 2023, 12, 952
by Alen Soldo and Lovrenc Lipej
Biology 2024, 13(3), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13030135 - 21 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
The authors write that the last checklist for Croatia was carried out in 2009 and that 52 chondrichthyan species were reported in Croatian waters [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rays and Sharks: Biology, Ecology, Conservation and Distribution of Predators)
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