The liver lipid fatty acid profiles of seven Indian Ocean shark species

We have assessed the fatty acid profiles of the livers from seven shark species (Carcharias taurus (raggedtooth/grey nurse), Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip), Carcharhinus obscurus (dusky), Carcharhinus leucas (Zambezi/bull), Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead), Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner), and Galeocerdo cuvieri (tiger)) found off the east coast of South Africa. While there was generally little variation between the species, Carcharias taurus showed fatty acid profiles that would be most favourable in human nutrition, in that it showed both low saturated (SFA) (37.1%) and high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (26.6%) levels. However, all species showed profiles rich in PUFA, thus utilising the liver oil from sharks caught as part of the bycatch when fishing for teleost species would avoid unnecessary wastage of a potentially valuable resource. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Capture time,size and hooking mortality of bottom longline-caught sharks

The primary gear type used to harvest coastal sharks in the U.S. Atlantic shark fishery is bottom longline. Recent stock assessments have found several species of coastal sharks in U.S. Atlantic Ocean waters have declined from 60% to 80% of virgin levels. To aid in stock rebuilding, alternative gear restriction measures such as reduced soak time, restrictions on the length of gear, and fishing depth restrictions have been considered but not implemented. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of some of these management measures, controlled experiments were performed using hook timers and time depth recorders, assessing the factors affecting mortality during longline capture for the four most abundant species that incurred at-vessel mortality: sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus), blacktip (Carcharhinus limbatus), bull (Carcharhinus leucas), and blacknose (Carcharhinus acronotus). Our results indicate that as hook time and shark size increased mortality rates for the sandbar and blacktip sharks increased. Predicted models indicated mortality rates increased steadily for the three species but appeared to increase the most after 10, 6, and 1 h on the hook for sandbar, blacktip and blacknose shark, respectively. Sandbar sharks larger than approximately 170 cm FL are more susceptible to hooking mortality. Blacknose shark mortality rates increased as hook time increased but bull shark mortality rates were not affected by any factor. The probability of a hook being bitten increased the most between 5 and 12 h after the fishing gear had been set and the mean amount of time hooks were in the water prior to being bitten was 4, 5 and 9 h for sandbar and blacknose sharks, blacktip, and bull sharks, respectively. A significant difference was found between these means for sandbar and bull sharks and between blacknose and bull sharks. Shark species were commonly caught at different temperature and depth ranges. These results could be used by fisheries management to implement restrictions of fishing depth and soak time to aid in the recovery of coastal sharks species.     

Genital mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium marinum detected in two captive sharks by peptide nucleic acid–fluorescence in situ hybridization

Mycobacterium marinum is a prevalent nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM)-infecting teleosts. Conversely, little is known about mycobacteriosis in elasmobranchs, and M. marinum infection has never been reported from the subclass. This study investigated the histopathological characteristics and localization of this mycobacterium through molecular analysis of two captive sharks, a scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini and a Japanese bullhead shark Heterodontus japonicus, exhibited in the same aquarium tank. We detected genital mycobacteriosis caused by M. marinum infection using molecular analyses, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing targeting the 60 kDa heat-shock protein gene (hsp65), and peptide nucleic acid–fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Both sharks showed granulomas in connective tissues of the gonads without central necrosis or surrounding fibrous capsules, which is unlike the typical mycobacterial granulomas seen in teleosts. This study reveals that elasmobranchs can be aquatic hosts of M. marinum. Because M. marinum is a representative waterborne NTM and a potential zoonotic agent, cautious and intensive research is needed to overcome a lack of data on the relationship between NTM and the aquatic environment in association with this subclass of Chondrichthyes.     

Benefits of marine protected areas for tropical coastal sharks

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Ecological risk assessment of elasmobranchs caught in the Gulf of Papua prawn fishery

1. One-third of all elasmobranch species currently known to occur in Papua New Guinea are taken as bycatch in the Gulf of Papua trawl fishery. An ecological risk assessment was conducted on the 16 species of sharks and 23 species of rays caught by the fishery.
2. Eight species were classified to be at low risk, 28 species were at medium risk while three species – Rhynchobatus palpebratus (eyebrow wedgefish), Carcharhinus coatesi (Australian blackspot shark) and Maculabatis astra (blackspotted whipray), all endemic to New Guinea and northern Australia – faced the highest level of risk from the fishery at current fishing levels.
3. There is potential for more vessels to enter the fishery in future, which is likely to elevate the risk for a greater proportion of elasmobranch species. Ongoing monitoring of bycatch levels, supported by biological and ecological studies on frequently caught species, is required to assess and manage risk in the future.
4. The development and use of trawl excluder devices or bycatch reduction devices in this fishery have the potential to reduce bycatch levels and reduce risk levels.

     

A comparison of the heart and muscle total lipid and fatty acid profiles of nine large shark species from the east coast of South Africa

We have assessed the fatty acid profiles of the hearts and different muscle tissues from nine large shark species (Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip), Carcharhinus obscurus (dusky), Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner), Carcharhinus leucas (Zambezi/bull), Galeocerdo cuvier (tiger), Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerhead), Sphyrna zygaena (smooth hammerhead), Carcharodon carcharias (great white) and Carcharias taurus (raggedtooth/grey nurse/sand tiger)) found off the east coast of South Africa. While there was generally little variation between the species, all species showed profiles rich in both n6 and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to terrestrial commercial meats that have low n3. Thus, utilizing skeletal muscle tissues from sharks caught as part of the bycatch when fishing for teleosts would avoid unnecessary wastage of a potentially valuable resource, with all the possible health benefits of high quality protein combined with balanced polyunsaturates, although contamination with high levels of metabolic wastes, such as urea, may be a negative consideration.     

Ontogenetic movements of juvenile blacktip reef sharks: evidence of dispersal and connectivity between coastal habitats and coral reefs

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Identification and evaluation of shark bycatch in Georgia’s commercial shrimp trawl fishery with implications for management

Abstract Many US states have recreational and commercial fisheries that occur in nursery areas occupied by subadult sharks and can potentially affect their survival. Georgia is one of few US states without a directed commercial shark fishery, but the state has a large, nearshore penaeid shrimp trawl fishery in which small sharks occur as bycatch. During our 1995–1998 investigation of bycatch in fishery‐dependent sampling events, 34% of 127 trawls contained sharks. This bycatch totalled 217 individuals from six species, with Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Richardson), the most common and finetooth shark, Carcharhinus isodon (Müller & Henle) and spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna (Müller & Henle), the least common. The highest catch rates for sharks occurred during June and July and coincided with the peak months of the pupping season for many species. Trawl tow speed and tow time did not significantly influence catch rates for shark species. Gear configurations [net type, turtle excluder device (TED), bycatch reduction device] affected catch rates for shark species. Results of this study indicate gear restrictions, a delayed season opening, or reduced bar spacing on TEDs may reduce shark bycatch in this fishery.     

The effectiveness of Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumlines as a tool for catching white sharks,Carcharodon carcharias,off coastal New South Wales,Australia

White (Carcharodon carcharias L.), bull (Carcharhinus leucas, Müller & Henle) and tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier, Péron & Lesueur) sharks are the primary species responsible for unprovoked shark bites. Historically, management practices were based on culling “target” shark species (i.e. white, bull and tiger sharks), which resulted in high levels of bycatch and mortality. Shark-Management-Alert-in-Real-Time (SMART) drumlines were trialled in New South Wales, Australia, aiming to optimise the capture of target shark species while minimising bycatch and mortality. Target shark species accounted for 70% of the total catch, with white sharks contributing 298 of the 350 sharks that were caught. Four animals died, and bycatch consisted of 13 species including two threatened species. Generalised linear mixed models (GLMMs) revealed a significant spatial, temporal, environmental and gear influence on white shark catch rates. SMART drumlines are a useful tool for catching target shark species with low bycatch and mortality relative to historical bather protection methods.     

Elasmobranch fishing and trade in Sarawak,Malaysia, with implications for management

1. Many shark and ray (elasmobranch) species are threatened with extinction, due to overfishing and commercial trade
2. Sarawak is situated in Malaysian Borneo in the Coral Triangle: a global priority region for elasmobranch conservation. Malaysia is the world’s eighth largest elasmobranch fishing nation, and Sarawak is one of Malaysia’s largest fishing states, yet there are limited species-specific data on catch and trade of elasmobranchs to support conservation and fisheries management decisions.
3. This study presents landing site and market survey data, collected in Sarawak from January 2017 to December 2019. Geographical, temporal and operational trends in volumes of catch and trade are explored; the total volume, value and species composition of Sarawak's local elasmobranch markets is estimated; and simple size-based indicators are used to assess the sustainability of elasmobranch utilization for several conservation-priority and frequently traded species, including Critically Endangered and CITES-listed scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae).
4. The results conservatively estimate that >26,500 elasmobranchs (~90,000 kg) are locally traded in Sarawak annually, worth ~US$125,000 per year at the market level.
5. Trade is dominated by small to medium-sized coastal requiem sharks (Carcharhinidae) and stingrays (Dasyatidae), with endangered and CITES-listed species making up 26% and 32% of total landings and trade, respectively.
6. High proportions of immature individuals were recorded, with evidence of overfishing for several species, based on simple size-based indicators.
7. Several options are outlined for improving management of elasmobranch fishing and trade in the future, including spatio-temporal closures and live release protocols, which could help to reduce the mortality of critically endangered species and implement CITES. Such measures could have large conservation impacts with limited socio-economic cost, since these species make up <5% of the total value of the elasmobranch market. However, management plans need to be co-designed with full participation of affected coastal communities in order to be ethical and effective.

     

Testing the exclusion capabilities and durability of the Sharksafe Barrier to determine its viability as an eco‐friendly alternative to current shark culling methodologies

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Policy and transparency gaps for oceanic shark and rays in high seas tuna fisheries

The incidental capture by marine fisheries as bycatch poses a global threat to pelagic sharks and rays. In large, industrialized fisheries that often operate in areas beyond national jurisdiction, at least 22 threatened species of pelagic elasmobranchs are caught as bycatch, representing the majority of megafauna bycatch in tuna fisheries. Here, we investigate (1) the efficacy of the current policies of the five tuna-related Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (tRFMOs) in mitigating elasmobranch bycatch, (2) data needed to better assess the amount and impact of elasmobranch bycatch and (3) the research necessary for the adoption of new policies. We found that tRFMOs have adopted 34 active policies that address pelagic elasmobranch bycatch. However, most policies (~76%, n = 26) are unlikely to avoid or minimize elasmobranch bycatch. Instead, most policies focus on mitigating post-capture mortality via remediation and requiring or encouraging research and data collection. Despite the emphasis on research mandates, we find that the existence of research was not related to policy adoption, suggesting that lack of research has not historically prohibited policymaking. Overall, we suggest that current research and data transparency, though perhaps not necessary for policy adoption, are not sufficient to adequately evaluate the population-level impacts of bycatch on many elasmobranch species in tRFMO-managed fisheries. Given these results, we recommend a precautionary approach that involves reforms in tRFMO voting processes to facilitate the adoption of binding requirements for elasmobranch catch limits, bycatch avoidance, pre- and post-capture handling and release modifications and protection of areas important to threatened pelagic elasmobranchs.     

Elasmobranch pericardial function. 1. Pericardial pressures are not always negative

Acute studies have led to the generalization that negative pericardial pressure is necessary for optimal cardiac function in elasmobranchs. We chronically instrumented horn sharks with pericardial catheters to test the hypothesis that ejection of pericardial fluid through the pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC) during routine handling could have accounted in part for previous measurements of exclusively negative pressures (–0.3 to –9.1 cm H₂O) in elasmobranchs. Maximum and minimum pericardial pressures measured immediately following routine handling (acute pressures) were more negative than those measured in resting horn sharks at intervals from 1 to 27 days following handling (chronic pressures). Chronic pericardial pulse pressure was less than acute. Entirely positive pericardial pressures were observed on occasion. Handling of chronically catheterized horn sharks resulted in ejection of 21 per cent (range=10–26, n=5) of the initial pericardial fluid volume through the PPC and reduced pericardial pressure. Operating pericardial fluid volume of horn sharks averaged 2.0 ml.kg^–1 (range=1.6–2.6, n=9). The PPC opened after 4.3±0.2 ml.kg^–1 (x±S.E.) of elasmobranch saline had been slowly infused into the pericardium, corresponding to an average pressure of 1.3±0.2 cm H₂O (n=10). The presence of the PPC plus a comparatively large pericardial fluid volume allows horn sharks to regulate pericardial pressure. Our analysis of pericardial pulse pressure, which can be an index of cardiac activity, suggests in contrast to previous studies that the elasmobranch heart can have relatively high stroke volumes at pericardial pressures near ambient. Thus, for venous return in resting or even moderately active elasmobranchs, it is more important that pericardial pressure be pulsatile than at a mean level which is negative.     

Elasmobranch captures in the Fijian pelagic longline fishery

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Comparative assessment of eDNA metabarcoding and longline deployments for elasmobranch surveying across a large tropical marine park network

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A shot in the dark for conservation: Evidence of illegal commerce in endemic and threatened species of elasmobranch at a public fish market in southern Brazil

1. The illegal sale of endangered elasmobranchs has been recorded in a number of different Brazilian states, where sharks and rays are being marketed primarily as ‘cação’ or ‘viola’. Brazil is ranked among the top 10 nations worldwide that harvest most sharks, causing an immeasurable impact on the local elasmobranch populations.
2. The present study applied the DNA barcoding technique, based on the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene, for the molecular identification of the elasmobranch species sold as processed products under the generic names of ‘cação’, ‘mangona’, ‘azul’, ‘cambeva’, ‘fiuso’ and ‘lombo preto’, in the fish market of the city of Florianópolis, capital of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
3. Nine elasmobranch species were identified in the 56 samples analysed, including six sharks and three rays, representing six families, the Carcharhinidae, Sphyrnidae, Squatinidae, Arhynchobatidae, Myliobatidae and Gymnuridae. Prionace glauca, identified in more than half (56%) of the samples analysed, is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
4. Six species identified in the present study, Sphyrna zygaena, Sphyrna lewini, Squatina guggenheim, Carcharhinus signatus, Gymnura altavela and Rioraja agassizii, are under some level of risk of extinction, while two others (Rhizoprionodon lalandii and Myliobatis goodei) are listed as Data Deficient.
5. Our results indicate that the commercial exploitation of endemic sharks and rays at risk of extinction is commonplace in southern Brazil. This reinforces the need for more systematic monitoring of the trade in fishery products and more effective application of the environmental legislation and conservation programmes.

     

Reef shark declines in remote atolls highlight the need for multi‐faceted conservation action

• 1. The decline of large‐bodied predatory species in the oceans is a concern both from a sustainability perspective and because such species can have important ecological roles. Sharks are particularly vulnerable to fishing as their life histories are characterized by late age at maturity, large body size, and low fecundity.
• 2. Substantial shark population declines have been documented for a number of coastal and pelagic systems, with high population abundance limited to a few remote locations. The relative abundance and composition of reef shark populations are assessed from 1975 to 2006 at a remote, largely uninhabited, group of atolls in the central Indian Ocean; the Chagos Archipelago.
• 3. Number of sharks observed per scientific dive declined from a mean of 4.2 in the 1970s to 0.4 in 2006, representing a decline of over 90%. Silvertip sharks displayed an increase in abundance from 1996, whereas blacktip and whitetip reef sharks were rarely encountered in 2006.
• 4. Poaching in the archipelago, is the most likely cause of these declines, highlighted by a number of illegal vessels containing large numbers of sharks arrested since 1996. The data highlight that shark populations, even in remote, otherwise pristine, marine areas, are vulnerable to distant fishing fleets, and a range of strategies will need to be used in concert for their conservation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

     

Effects of fishing on tropical reef associated shark populations on the Great Barrier Reef

Three data sets were examined to define the level of interaction of reef associated sharks with the commercial Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery within the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Data were examined from fishery logbooks, an observer program within the fishery and a fishery-independent survey conducted as part of the Effects of Line Fishing (ELF) Experiment. The majority of the identified catch was comprised of grey reef (62–72%), whitetip reef (16–29%) and blacktip reef (6–13%) sharks. Logbook data revealed spatially and temporally variable landings of shark from the GBR. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) through time was stable for the period from 1989 to 2006 with no evidence of increase or decline. Data from observer and ELF data sets indicated no differences in CPUE among regions. The ELF data set demonstrated that CPUE was higher in Marine National Park zones (no fishing) when compared to General Use zones (open to fishing). The ongoing and consistent catches of reef sharks in the fishery and effectiveness of no-fishing zones suggest that management zones within the GBR Marine Park are effective at protecting a portion of the reef shark population from exploitation.     

Implications of recreational fishing for elasmobranch conservation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

• 1. 309 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park recreational fishers were surveyed to examine recreational catch and harvest of elasmobranchs and to explore recreational fishers' handling behaviour and attitudes.
• 2. Elasmobranchs represented 6% of fishers' total catch of all fish (including released individuals), and 0.8% of fishers' total harvest (i.e. retained individuals) across all survey days. The majority of elasmobranchs caught by fishers were released, primarily because they were perceived as being inedible.
• 3. Recreational fishers' self‐reported handling and release behaviour for elasmobranchs is largely consistent with ‘best practice’ guidelines except that fishers had low use of circle hooks and barbless hooks, and a significant proportion (33%) reported using stainless steel hooks.
• 4. Most fishers had positive attitudes towards elasmobranchs, placing high importance on releasing sharks and rays in good condition (86%), high value on their existence (84%), and low value on catching them (63%).
• 5. Results indicate that post‐release mortality is probably the largest source of recreational fishing mortality of elasmobranchs in the Great Barrier Reef. Future research should be targeted at obtaining better estimates of species‐specific post‐release mortality levels, understanding how post‐release survival can be increased by changing fishing techniques or fisher behaviour, and developing more effective methods of engaging fishers in elasmobranch conservation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

     

Elasmobranch pericardial function. 3. The pericardioperitoneal canal in the horn sharkHeterodontus francisci

The pericardial and peritoneal spaces of elasmobranch fishes are connected by the pericardioperitoneal canal (PPC), which allows pericardial fluid to escape when pressures exceed 0.1–0.3 kPA. Using the horn shark (Heterodontus francisci), we tested the hypothesis that the PPC functions to increase cardiac stroke volume by lowering pericardial pressure during activity. We also assessed the role of the PPC during coughing, feeding, or burst swimming and examined the effects of PPC occlusion. Increases in heart size were not prevented following augmented venous return in sharks with undisturbed or occluded PCP, evidence that argues that pericardial fluid loss through the PPC is a cause of increased cardiac stroke volume and not the result. Coughs, feeding, and burst swimming led to discharge of pericardial fluid. Chronic PPC occlusion resulted in an increased pericardial pressure, fluid volume, and frequency of coughing, and a decreased survival time compared to shams. Thus, in the horn shark the PPC likely compensates for constraints that may be imposed by the pericardium, provides a route for pericardial drainage, and regulates cardiac stroke volume during periods of activity.