Abstract: Sharks are an amazingly diverse group of cartilaginous fish. Currently there are over 500 different species of sharks known with new species being discovered at a rate that surpasses any time since the invention of the scientific naming system developed by Linnaeus. Put briefly, my project investigates deep-water sharks of a remote region of the southwestern Indian Ocean (SWIO) and compiles life history information required for assessment and proper management in this currently unregulated fishing area. Life history data was collected during two surveys of the Madagascar ridge and include sex, length, maturity, reproduction, distribution, depth, and diet data. Additionally, an estimated 12 species of sharks encountered during these surveys are new to science and will be formally described to further taxonomic progress. Taxonomic clarity and basic life history information are the fundamental requirements needed to build effective management strategies for the world’s continually expanding deep-sea fisheries. If we are to continue our reliance on the ocean as a source of fish protein, we must acquire information to aid in the development of management legislation based on predictions of how groups will respond to harvest.
Related
Published by pauljclerkin
Paul J. Clerkin is a researcher with a master’s degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories currently working on his PhD at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Clerkin specializes in rare and deep-sea chondrichthyans and focuses on new species descriptions, taxonomy, life histories, genetics, and tagging of poorly understood shark species. His outside-the-box approach combines working with local fishers and high-tech innovative research techniques such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), specialized deep-sea cameras, and satellite archival tags.
His research has granted him a variety of opportunities including leading workshops for the United Nations, serving as a shark expert for a Food and Agriculture Organization’s research cruise, and producing several shark documentaries. He has conducted research projects aboard ships in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Clerkin has discovered over a dozen new species of sharks and has gotten in the water to tag some of the rarest sharks on the planet including the ultra-rare Megamouth Shark.
Paul Clerkin is currently describing new species that he has discovered, preparing a workshop for the Republic of Mauritius regarding their National Plan of Action for sharks, and organizing an international research program for sharks.
His research interests include: shark taxonomy, robotics, artificial intelligence, eDNA, biologgers, and marine conservation policy.
Find him @
deepblueresearchfoundation.org
https://pauljclerkin.com/
Twitter: @PaulJClerkin
Instagram: paul_j_clerkin
Facebook: @PaulJClerkin
View more posts
Paul J. Clerkin 