Simpfendorfer, Colin A., and Wetherbee, Bradley (2015) Shark and ray life history. Marine and Freshwater Research, 66 (4). I-II.

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Abstract

[Extract] As many of the world's shark and ray populations continue to decline (Dulvy et al. 2014) there is a growing need for improved conservation and management. One of the key requirements enabling design of effective conservation and management actions is life history parameters (Simpfendorfer et al. 2011)as these provide basic information on the dynamics of populations (Cortés 2007). Life history parameters (e.g. age, growth and reproduction) are directly tied to the reproductive output of a species, and thus unequivocally linked to the capacity of a population to withstand exploitation and to recover from decline. Despite this importance, research on the life history of sharks and rays has declined in recent years as 'cooler' and non-lethal topics have become more commonplace. However, on-going research on life history is fundamental for positive action to address declines of shark populations and policies aimed at recovery of populations. To highlight research that has been and is being conducted on the life history of sharks and rays, we have compiled a 'Shark and ray life history' virtual issue of Marine and Freshwater Research (Table 1), which is freely available from the Journal's website for a limited time.

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