Elasmobranchs in Tunisia: Status, Ecology, and Biology

Abstract

The authors have compiled published information on taxonomy, distribution, status, statistics, fisheries, bycatch, biologic, and ecologic parameters mainly on food and feeding habits and reproductive biology of elasmobranchs along the Tunisian coasts. This bibliographic analysis shows that cartilaginous species, including sharks and rays are by far the most endangered group of marine fish, with 63 species, about 53% of all are critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable. Overfishing, fishing practices, and habitat degradation are leading to dramatic declines of these species. Biologic parameters concern a few species primarily in the Gulf of Gabes. Therefore, recommendations to fill gaps in order to protect and manage elasmobranchs stocks are proposed in this chapter.