Article
Oceanography
Evan Nazareth, Elrika D'Souza, Rohan Arthur, Rima W. Jabado
Summary: For elusive, data-poor marine fauna, Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) can be a valuable resource. This study used a socio-ecological approach to assess the distribution, habitat use pattern, and threats facing giant guitarfishes in the Andaman Islands, India, and found that the knowledge provided by fishers and other coastal users is crucial for understanding the species.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Kaylee S. Herzog, Janine N. Caira, Pradip Kumar Kar, Kirsten Jensen
Summary: Four new species of tapeworms belonging to the previously monotypic genus Mixobothrium have been discovered in three species of sawfish in Australia and one endangered guitarfish in India. The identity and affinities of one of the species, previously included in molecular phylogenies, have been clarified. Sequence data confirmed the uniqueness of this group among rhinebothriidean tapeworms, leading to the establishment of a new family, Mixobothriidae. Further research on guitarfish is predicted to reveal more diversity in this family.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chantel Elston, Paul D. Cowley, Rainer G. von Brandis, James Lea
Summary: Abiotic factors, such as tides and temperature, have a significant impact on the habitat use of animals in shallow marine environments. This study used passive acoustic telemetry to track the movements of stingrays and found that habitat use varied over daily, diel, and tidal cycles, with temperature also influencing their movements.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Cindy Perkovich, David Ward
Summary: Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) in deciduous forests of the eastern United States partition resources and use specific host-tree species and life stages to minimize competition. In this study, measurements of tree size, emergence holes, oviposition scar bundles, and chorusing center abundances were conducted to understand host-tree use. The results revealed that periodical cicadas preferentially used Quercus species, with more emergence holes, chorusing centers, oviposition scar bundles, and nymphs found on Quercus compared to other tree species. These findings suggest that periodical cicada species strategically utilize specific host species and life stages to reduce competition and efficiently use resources.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Kristian J. Bell, Tim S. Doherty, Don A. Driscoll
Summary: Foundation species interact strongly with other species, influencing communities by providing food, refuge, and beneficial microclimates. Temperature attenuation by a foundation species can drive niche use by ectothermic animals, impacting the ecosystem balance. Individual variability in microhabitat use among species can also play a role in shaping community dynamics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beatriz Correa, Larissa G. Paiva, Elitieri Santos-Neto, Lara G. Vidal, Claudio E. Azevedo-Silva, Marcelo Vianna, Jose L. Lailson-Brito
Summary: This study investigated the concentration of organochlorine compounds in the liver of a vulnerable skate species in Brazil. It found higher contaminant concentrations in adults compared to juveniles and observed distinct contamination profiles. These contaminants may affect reproduction and survival of this species.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jasmin Graham, Andrea M. Kroetz, Gregg R. Poulakis, Rachel M. Scharer, John K. Carlson, Susan Lowerre-Barbieri, Danielle Morley, Eric A. Reyier, R. Dean Grubbs
Summary: The smalltooth sawfish is an endangered species endemic to the Atlantic Ocean, with viable populations found only in certain areas of the USA. A study tracking 43 large juvenile and adult sawfish using acoustic telemetry and data sharing networks revealed that 58% of the tagged individuals undertook seasonal migrations, while the rest were residents at their tagging locations. Areas like Boca Grande, Cape Canaveral, and the lower Florida Keys were identified as potential Critical Habitats for these life stages.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhijie Li, Ziyi Ma, Guoyan Zhou
Summary: Habitat quality is crucial for the ecological stability and coordinated environmental and economic development of a region. A case study in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, analyzed the impact of land use changes on habitat quality. The study found that high-quality habitats are mainly found in water bodies and mountains, while poor habitat quality is concentrated in urban construction lands. Over time, habitat quality showed a decline, with a migration path from northeast to southwest. Habitat degradation was more common in mountainous and forest areas where landscape fragmentation was high.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xuesong Kong, Zhengzi Zhou, Limin Jiao
Summary: The study reveals that habitat loss in global biodiversity hotspots is mainly driven by agricultural land occupation and urban expansion. Some hotspots in developing countries face more severe issues with agricultural land occupation, while hotspots in developed nations are more threatened by urban expansion.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vishesh L. Diengdoh, Stefania Ondei, Rahil J. Amin, Mark Hunt, Barry W. Brook
Summary: Functional connectivity between protected areas in Australia, important for butterfly species, is predicted to decrease in future scenarios of land use, land cover, and climate change. Changes are expected to occur along the edges of species' current distribution. Results can be used for comparisons with other studies and to identify priority areas for conservation.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Review
Oceanography
Amaelle Bisch, Sophie A. M. Elliott, Alexandre Carpentier, Anthony Acou
Summary: Little is known about the biology and ecology of many elasmobranchs, hindering species-specific management measures. This study used fisheries-dependent data to improve knowledge on the distribution and habitat use of the threatened shagreen ray. The study found that shagreen rays mainly inhabit a concentrated area between the southern Celtic Seas and the northern Bay of Biscay. The species' isolated habitat occupancy increases its vulnerability.
PROGRESS IN OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Li Yang, Tao Chen, Lu Zhang, Pengfei Fan
Summary: Stable habitat is crucial for the long-term persistence of species, providing sufficient food and acting as a refuge. We identified the stable habitat for the critically endangered western black crested gibbon in Mt. Wuliang, and found that their habitat is recovering. The stable habitat, mainly located at mid-elevation, plays a crucial role in protecting the gibbon population.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kelcee L. Smith, Kevin Feldheim, John K. Carlson, Tonya R. Wiley, Sabrina S. Taylor
Summary: Research on the mating and dispersal behavior of smalltooth sawfish found that some female individuals exhibit biennial parturition in specific regions, while others give birth in different areas. In addition, it was observed that some female smalltooth sawfish can have a maximum of 12 pups per litter, which helps confirm the reproductive characteristics of the species.
ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana D. Sampaio, Pedro F. Pereira, Alice Nunes, Adelaide Clemente, Vania Salgueiro, Carmo Silva, Antonio Mira, Cristina Branquinho, Pedro A. Salgueiro
Summary: The study assessed restoration success in a quarry undergoing restoration practices for 40 years, finding that bird abundance in the restored area was significantly lower and the bird community composition differed from neighboring natural and semi-natural areas. Vegetation characteristics, such as native vegetation cover and fruit richness, played a key role in driving bird community composition and influencing seed dispersal services.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Etienne Lalechere, Laurent Berges
Summary: Using an innovative modeling framework that combines species distribution and connectivity models with climate and land use changes, this study predicted the effects of climate changes on the amount of reachable habitat for forest birds and analyzed the roles of direct and indirect effects.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2022)
Article
Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism
Lauren Meyer, Christine Barry, Gonzalo Araujo, Adam Barnett, Juerg M. Brunnschweiler, Andrew Chin, Austin Gallagher, Teleah Healy, Alison Kock, David Newsome, Alessandro Ponzo, Charlie Huveneers
Summary: This study examines the use of various stimuli in wildlife tourism and proposes a reclassification of terminology to better understand tourism practices across different taxa. Clarifying and accurately describing wildlife interactions in scientific literature can help resource managers and industry groups assess these diverse activities systematically.
JOURNAL OF ECOTOURISM
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brooke M. D'Alberto, William T. White, Andrew Chin, Dharmadi, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Summary: Research found that in the Indonesian tangle net fishery, multiple species of rays and sharks were caught, with the bottlenose wedgefish being the main target species. The fishery demonstrated high selectivity for larger individuals, leading to variations in catch composition depending on species catchability.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
A. P. B. Martins, J. K. Matley, M. R. Heupel, A. T. Fisk, A. Chin, C. A. Simpfendorfer
Summary: This study investigated the trophic interactions of two juvenile stingray species within a coastal communal nursery using stable isotope analysis. The results showed differences in feeding grounds and prey selection between the two species, which led to evidence of niche partitioning. Mangrove-derived carbon was found to have little importance in their diets.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Leontine Baje, Andrew Chin, William T. White, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Summary: Assessing the feeding patterns of sharks in the Gulf of Papua prawn fishery in Papua New Guinea, it was found that different shark species have different diets, with Rhizoprionodon taylori being a generalist feeder, Rhizoprionodon acutus being a selective feeder primarily preying on teleosts, and Carcharhinus coatesi consuming a high proportion of crustaceans that increases with size. Analysis of their dietary compositions showed significant differences between R. acutus and R. taylori, as well as R. acutus and C. coatesi, indicating potential resource partitioning. Further research is needed to adequately characterize diets, improve prey identification, and investigate spatial and temporal resource use patterns. Understanding these ecological processes is important for ecosystem-based fisheries management.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrew Chin, Fergus John Molloy, Darren Cameron, Jon C. Day, Jessica Cramp, Karin Leeann Gerhardt, Michelle R. Heupel, Mark Read, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Summary: Marine protected areas (MPAs) are important for addressing the global decline of sharks and rays. However, inconsistent terminology and lack of standardized approaches make it difficult to assess their efficacy. To solve this problem, a conceptual framework is proposed to standardize key terms and integrate movement data in the assessment process. The framework includes 8 key questions that help practitioners consider the assessment scope, MPA type and purpose, threats, biology and ecology of species, and management contexts. Ultimately, MPA contributions to shark and ray conservation depend on various human and natural factors and interactions that should be carefully considered.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Naomi Clark-Shen, Andrew Chin, Sirachai Arunrugstichai, Jessica Labaja, Meira Mizrahi, Benaya Simeon, Neil Hutchinson
Summary: Elasmobranchs in Southeast Asia are highly threatened, with a significant decline in most species, especially rays. However, research and conservation efforts are complicated due to socioeconomic contexts, geopolitical issues, and limitations in fishing practices.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
C. Samantha Sherman, Glenn Sant, Colin A. Simpfendorfer, Eric D. Digel, Patrick Zubick, Grant Johnson, Michael Usher, Nicholas K. Dulvy
Summary: Fisheries management is crucial for sustainable capture of target species and avoiding declines of incidentally captured species. However, there is currently no single management evaluation that can be applied to different fishery types at the scale of individual countries or Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs). This study presents a management-risk (M-Risk) framework for assessing the risk of overfishing in sharks, rays, and chimaeras due to ineffective management. The framework can be used to identify species at the greatest risk and helps fisheries managers develop effective management policies.
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Molly E. Scott, Sterling B. Tebbett, Kirsty L. Whitman, Cassandra A. Thompson, Frank B. Mancini, Michelle R. Heupel, Morgan S. Pratchett
Summary: This study used baited remote underwater video systems to investigate the variation in the taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages along a depth gradient. The study found that the abundance and diversity of fish decreased with depth, and there were pronounced differences in the fish assemblages across the depth gradient.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Merle Schlawinsky, Marina F. M. Santana, Cherie A. Motti, Ana Barbosa Martins, Peter Thomas-Hall, Michaela E. Miller, Carine Lefevre, Frederieke J. Kroon
Summary: Plastics, including microplastics, are the largest component of marine debris globally. However, there are still methodological challenges in accurately separating, processing, and analyzing microplastics in environmental samples. This study developed a custom-made stainless steel vacuum filtration apparatus that effectively separated microplastic fragments and fibers, leading to more reliable estimates of microplastic contamination in marine ecosystems.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY-METHODS
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
J. D. Mitchell, J. M. Drymon, J. Vardon, P. G. Coulson, C. A. Simpfendorfer, S. B. Scyphers, S. M. Kajiura, K. Hoel, S. Williams, K. L. Ryan, A. Barnett, M. R. Heupel, A. Chin, M. Navarro, T. Langlois, M. J. Ajemian, E. Gilman, E. Prasky, G. Jackson
Summary: Shark depredation is a complex issue with social and ecological implications for fisheries worldwide. Recent research in Australia and the United States has focused on understanding the occurrence of depredation, identifying responsible shark species, and testing deterrent and management strategies. This review synthesizes these advances, discussing the application of social science approaches and new technologies in species identification.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
J. K. Matley, N. Klinard, S. M. Larocque, M. F. McLean, J. W. Brownscombe, G. D. Raby, V. M. Nguyen, A. P. Barbosa Martins
Summary: Tracking the movements of aquatic animals is crucial for understanding movement ecology and its interactions with human activities. Different underwater tracking tools have limitations, and complementary methods are often used to address these limitations. This review evaluates the combination of acoustic telemetry and complementary methods, and finds that using additional methods helps expand the breadth of research questions in movement ecology.
REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Colin A. Simpfendorfer, Michael R. Heithaus, Michelle R. Heupel, M. Aaron MacNeil, Mark Meekan, Euan Harvey, C. Samantha Sherman, Leanne M. Currey-Randall, Jordan S. Goetze, Jeremy J. Kiszka, Matthew J. Rees, Conrad W. Speed, Vinay Udyawer, Mark E. Bond, Kathryn I. Flowers, Gina M. Clementi, Jasmine Valentin-Albanese, M. Shiham Adam, Khadeeja Ali, Jacob Asher, Eva Aylagas, Oceane Beaufort, Cecilie Benjamin, Anthony T. F. Bernard, Michael L. Berumen, Stacy Bierwagen, Chico Birrell, Erika Bonnema, Rosalind M. K. Bown, Edward J. Brooks, J. Jed Brown, Dayne Buddo, Patrick J. Burke, Camila Caceres, Marta Cambra, Diego Cardenosa, Jeffrey C. Carrier, Sara Casareto, Jennifer E. Caselle, Venkatesh Charloo, Joshua E. Cinner, Thomas Claverie, Eric E. G. Clua, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Neil Cook, Jessica E. Cramp, Brooke M. D'Alberto, Martin de Graaf, Mareike C. Dornhege, Mario Espinoza, Andy Estep, Lanya Fanovich, Naomi F. Farabaugh, Daniel Fernando, Carlos E. L. Ferreira, Candace Y. A. Fields, Anna L. Flam, Camilla Floros, Virginia Fourqurean, Laura Gajdzik, Laura Garcia Barcia, Ricardo Garla, Kirk Gastrich, Lachlan George, Tommaso Giarrizzo, Rory Graham, Tristan L. Guttridge, Valerie Hagan, Royale S. Hardenstine, Stephen M. Heck, Aaron C. Henderson, Patricia Heithaus, Heidi Hertler, Mauricio Hoyos Padilla, Robert E. Hueter, Rima W. Jabado, Jean-Christophe Joyeux, Vanessa Jaiteh, Mohini Johnson, Stacy D. Jupiter, Muslimin Kaimuddin, Devanshi Kasana, Megan Kelley, Steven T. Kessel, Benedict Kiilu, Taratau Kirata, Baraka Kuguru, Fabian Kyne, Tim Langlois, Frida Lara, Jaedon Lawe, Elodie J. I. Ledee, Steve Lindfield, Andrea Luna-Acosta, Jade Q. Maggs, B. Mabel Manjaji-Matsumoto, Andrea Marshall, Lucy Martin, Daniel Mateos-Molina, Philip Matich, Erin McCombs, Ashlie McIvor, Dianne McLean, Llewelyn Meggs, Stephen Moore, Sushmita Mukherji, Ryan Murray, Stephen J. Newman, Josep Nogues, Clay Obota, Domingo Ochavillo, Owen O'Shea, Kennedy E. Osuka, Yannis P. Papastamatiou, Nishan Perera, Bradley Peterson, Caio R. Pimentel, Fabian Pina-Amargos, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Alessandro Ponzo, Andhika Prasetyo, L. M. Sjamsul Quamar, Jessica R. Quinlan, Jose Amorim Reis-Filho, Hector Ruiz, Alexei Ruiz-Abierno, Enric Sala, Pelayo Salinas-de-Leon, Melita A. Samoilys, William R. Sample, Michelle Schaerer-Umpierre, Audrey M. Schlaff, Kurt Schmid, Sara N. Schoen, Nikola Simpson, Adam N. H. Smith, Julia L. Y. Spaet, Lauren Sparks, Twan Stoffers, Akshay Tanna, Ruben Torres, Michael J. Travers, Maurits van Zinnicq Bergmann, Laurent Vigliola, Juney Ward, Joseph D. Warren, Alexandra M. Watts, Colin K. Wen, Elizabeth R. Whitman, Aaron J. Wirsing, Aljoscha Wothke, Esteban Zarza-Gonzalez, Demian D. Chapman
Summary: A global survey of coral reefs highlights the alarming decline in resident shark species due to overfishing, leading to a decrease in diversity among reef elasmobranch assemblages. The study reveals a significant decline of 60 to 73% in population for five common resident reef shark species, with shark absence detected in 34 to 47% of surveyed reefs. As shark populations decline, rays become the dominant species in these assemblages. However, shark-dominated assemblages are still found in wealthy nations with strong governance and highly protected areas, while impoverished regions with weak governance and inadequate shark management have depleted assemblages mainly composed of rays.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Katelyn Hari, Vanessa Jaiteh, Andrew Chin
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive review of the sharks and rays in the Republic of Palau, documenting their species diversity, risk assessments, and biological productivity. It also emphasized the need for further local taxonomic work and research.
PACIFIC CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Adam Barnett, Richard Fitzpatrick, Michael Bradley, Ingo Miller, Marcus Sheaves, Andrew Chin, Bethany Smith, Amy Diedrich, Jonah Lee Yick, Nicolas Lubitz, Kevin Crook, Carlo Mattone, Mike B. Bennett, Leah Wojtach, Katya Abrantes
Summary: Shark bites are a global concern, and understanding shark behavior and human activities is important for studying shark-human interactions. This article describes and evaluates the research conducted in response to a series of shark bite incidents in Cid Harbour, Queensland, Australia. Various methods were used to identify shark species, estimate abundance, and assess habitat use, as well as to understand human behavior and awareness. The study found that specific human activities, such as dumping food scraps and cleaning fish, may attract sharks to the area where people enter the water. The study concludes that eliminating these activities could reduce the risk of shark bites.