Elasmobranch Mark–Recapture Experiment off the Balearic Islands: Insight into Scyliorhinus canicula Growth, Mobility, and Population Size
Author:
Ferragut-Perello Francesca1ORCID, Sánchez-Zulueta Paula1, Ramírez-Amaro Sergio12ORCID, Farriols Maria Teresa1, Pasini Noemi2ORCID, Guijarro Beatriz1ORCID, Rodríguez-Cabello Cristina3, Ordines Francesc1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Centre Oceanogràfic de Balears (IEO-CSIC), Moll de Ponent s/n, 07015 Palma, Spain 2. Laboratori de Genètica, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Ctra. Valldemossa km 7.5, 07122 Palma, Spain 3. Centro Oceanográfico de Santander (IEO-CSIC), 39004 Santander, Spain
Abstract
Despite the high diversity of elasmobranch fishes in the Balearic Islands, knowledge of their biology and population dynamics is still scarce. A recent mark-and-recapture experiment off the Balearic Islands tagged 3738 individuals of 23 shark and batoid species during MEDITS and CANAL bottom trawl scientific surveys from June 2021 to August 2023. Retrieval was reported for the sharks Scyliorhinus canicula and Mustelus mustelus, revealing relatively small home ranges for these species (0.2–38.5 km and 7.8–15.3 km for S. canicula and M. mustelus, respectively). Recapture efficiency was higher from scientific surveys than from commercial catches, highlighting potential challenges in collaboration with fishermen and recapture reports. Density estimates obtained from the MEDITS bottom trawl survey suggest a much larger population for S. canicula than estimates from the mark–recapture data, indicating MEDITS density estimates for this species may be overestimated due to its scavenger behavior perhaps favoring individuals searching for discards aggregated in the fishing grounds. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring, collaborative efforts, and improved reporting mechanisms to enhance our understanding of elasmobranch populations and provide support for sustainable management of these vulnerable marine species.
Funder
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Next Generation EU funds European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program Ministry of European Funds, University and Culture of the Balearic Islands
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