Elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean) and catches by recreational fishers and a shark control program
Jaquemet, S.; Oury, N.; Poirout, T.; Gadenne, J.; Magalon, H.; Gauthier, A. (2023). Elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island (Western Indian Ocean) and catches by recreational fishers and a shark control program. Diversity 15(6): 768. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d15060768
In: Diversity. MDPI: Basel. ISSN 1424-2818; e-ISSN 1424-2818, more
|   |
| Keywords |
Batoidea [WoRMS]; Carcharhinus leucas (Müller & Henle, 1839) [WoRMS]; Chondrichthyes [WoRMS]; Elasmobranchii [WoRMS]; Pisces [WoRMS]; Rhynchobatus australiae Whitley, 1939 [WoRMS]; Sphyrna lewini (Griffith & Smith, 1834) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
chondrichthyans; cartilaginous fish; sharks; batoids; coral reef; Indian Ocean; conservation; overexploitation |
| Authors | | Top |
- Jaquemet, S.
- Oury, N.
- Poirout, T.
|
- Gadenne, J.
- Magalon, H.
- Gauthier, A.
|
|
| Abstract |
Elasmobranchs are declining worldwide due to overfishing. In developing countries and island states in tropical regions, small-scale and recreational fisheries can significantly impact the dynamics of neritic species. We investigated elasmobranch diversity at Reunion Island, a marine biodiversity hotspot in the Western Indian Ocean. Combining information from the literature, catches from the local shark control program, results from a survey of local recreational fishing, and through barcoding of some specimens, we updated the list of elasmobranchs to 65 species. However, uncertainties remain about the actual presence of some species, such as the three sawfish species. Results highlight the disappearance of most coral reef-associated species, as already suspected. Results also suggest that local populations of scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) and bottlenose wedgefish (Rhynchobatus australiae) seem healthy, in contrast with their decline in the region. For some species, such as bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) and scalloped hammerhead sharks, Reunion Island is a site of reproduction, and as such, the species are exploited at both juvenile and adult stages, which likely increases their vulnerability. In the context of global elasmobranch decline, it is urgent to clarify the conservation status and evaluate the degree of isolation of local populations to identify research and conservation priorities. |
|
