Chin, Andrew, Bierwagen, Stacy, Rummer, Jodie, and Udyawer, Vinay (2024) The Biophysics of Sharks and Rays on the Great Barrier Reef. In: Wolanski, Eric, and Kingsford, Michael J., (eds.) Oceanographic Processes of Coral Reefs. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, pp. 306-319.

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Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem supports approximately 140 species of sharks and rays with a rich diversity of morphology, ecology, life history, behaviour, and physiology. The biophysical connections between sharks and rays and the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem are also diverse. These connections shape shark and ray communities, behaviours, and population structures and dictate how sharks use habitats. Sharks move for biological reasons (e.g., reproduction and prey availability), and physical factors such as water temperature, depth, and even barometric pressure can affect shark and ray movements and distribution, which, in turn, shape shark populations. However, sharks and rays themselves also shape habitats and affect ecosystems through physical effects such as bioturbation or indirect ecological effects on prey behaviour and distribution. Sharks and rays also transfer energy across different ecosystems. Meanwhile, their unique physiological adaptations also reflect these biophysical connections and in the future, will affect how these species cope with a changing world. This chapter explores these various biophysical aspects to provide a primer about how these species shape and are shaped by their environments, and it examines the diverse biology, ecology, and physiology of this unique group of fishes.

Item ID:	83134
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-1-003-32042-5
Copyright Information:	© 2024 selection and editorial matter, Eric Wolanski and Michael Kingsford; individual chapters, the contributors.
Date Deposited:	16 Apr 2025 00:19
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	19 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS > 1901 Adaptation to climate change > 190102 Ecosystem adaptation to climate change @ 50% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180201 Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems @ 50%
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