NEWSLETTER 09/2012 15. August 2012

NEW PARTNERS:

Dr. Clare V. H. Baker, Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K. (Homepage)
Dr. Andrew Gillis, Dalhousie University, Department of Biology, Life Science Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Homepage)
Dipl.-Geol. Thomas Schindler, Büro für Paläontologie, Stratigraphie und Geotopschutz, Spabrücken, Germany
Alastair V. Harry, Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture & School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Dr. Tevfik Ceyhan, Ege University, Faculty of Fisheries, Izmir, Turkey
Dr. Antonella Preti, Fishery Research Biologist (Shark Program), National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, California, USA (Homepage)
Dr. Ana Carolina Figueiredo Lacerda, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
Dr. Guillaume Guinot, Département de Géologie et Paléontologie, Museum d'Histoire Naturelle, Geneva, Switzerland

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NEW IMAGES AT SHARK-REFERENCES:

Many thanks to Chris Avila, Toronto (Homepage) for the images of Chiloscyllium hasseltii

BLEEKER, 1852, e.g.:

Chiloscyllium hasseltii BLEEKER, 1852, © Chris Avila, Toronto Bentic Sharks, Canadian Marine Aquaculture, Toronto

Please send your images to shark-references!

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New information at shark-references.com - Host-Parasites List (Version 01.08.2012 now avaiable as pdf download)

Database Reports:

Host - Parasites List (version: 01.08.2012)

239 pp, 3,97 MB NEW!

more than 2.600 records
more than 1.500 different parasites species
more than 400 different hosts

Sample page:

for the updated versions of the host-parasites list please use the species description (one update/week),

e.g. parasites list of Prionace glauca

Parasites
Cestoda

Anthobothrium caseyi RUHNKE & CAIRA, 2009 [7419]
Anthobothrium laciniatum LINTON, 1890 [7564] [9354] [16245] [16602]
Callitetrarhynchus gracilis (RUDOLPHI, 1819) PINTNER, 1931 [15086] [16112]
Clujia rakovitzai GUIART, 1935 [16112] [16210]
Crossobothrium angustum (LINTON, 1889) [16182]
Dasyrhynchus talismani DOLLFUS, 1935 [5977] [16112]
Dinobothrium keilini SPROSTON, 1948 (host Carcharhinus glaucus = synonym of Prionace glauca [16250])
Floriceps saccatus CUVIER, 1817 [15086] [16112]
Gymnorhynchus isuri ROBINSON, 1959 [16112]
Hepatoxylon megacephalum (RUDOLPHI, 1819) [16112] [16112]
Hepatoxylon sp. [16112]
Hepatoxylon trichiuri (HOLTEN, 1802) [9432] [9354] [16112] [16182] [16602]
Heteronybelinia estigmena (DOLLFUS, 1960) [16112]
Molicola horridus (GOODSIR, 1841) [16112]
Nybelinia anthicosum HEINZ & DAILEY, 1974 [16112]
Nybelinia lingualis (CUVIER, 1817) [16112]
Nybelinia pintneri YAMAGUTI, 1934 [16112]
Nybelinia schmidti PALM, 1999 (host Isurus glaucus = synonym of Prionace glauca [16366]) [16112]
Paraorygmatobothrium prionacis (YAMAGUTI, 1952) RUHNKE, 1993 [7564] [16387]
Pelichnibothrium speciosum MONTICELLI, 1889 (synonyms Prionacestus bipartitus METE & EUZET, 1996[16359]) [16129]
Platybothrium auriculatum YAMAGUTI, 1952 [7384] [7564] [9354] [16129] [16182]
Prosobothrium armigerum COHN, 1902 [7564] [9354]
Tentacularia coryphaenae BOSC, 1797 [16112]
Tentacularia sp. [12774]

Nematoda

Anisakis simplex (RUDOLPHI, 1809) [9354]
Anisakis sp. [16602]
Phlyctainophora squali MUDRY & DAILEY, 1969 [15949]

Copepoda

Anthosoma crassum (ABILDGAARD, 1794) (host Isurus glaucus = synonym of Prionace glauca [14785])[15303]
Dinemoura latifolia (STEENSTRUP & LÜTKEN, 1861) [14327] [14785] [15303]
Echthrogaleus coleoptratus (GUÉRIN-MÉNEVILLE, 1837) [9354] [14327] [15303] [16602] [16603]
Echthrogaleus denticulatus SMITH, 1874 [14327]
Kroyeria carchariaeglauci HESSE, 1879 [12583] [14329] [15303]
Kroyeria lineate VAN BENEDEN, 1853 [9354]
Kroeyerina elongata WILSON, 1932 [7740] [12240] [14329]
Nemesis robusta (VAN BENEDEN, 1851) [15303]
Pandarus cranchii LEACH, 1819 [14327]
Pandarus satyrus DANA, 1852 [11032] [14785]
Pandarus smithii RATHBUN, 1886 [15303]
Phyllothyreus cornutus (MILNE-EDWARDS, 1840) [14785] [9354]

Please send your publications about parasites of elasmobranchs to: juergen.pollerspoeck@shark-references.com

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NEWS FROM PARTNER:

Simon Pierce:

Hi everyone

We've recently published a comprehensive review of scientific information on manta rays and their smaller cousins, mobula rays. This was a big job, but an interesting one! You're welcome to download the full paper (all 45 pages of it) but, for the rest of you, I wanted to summarise some of the lesser-known facts about these amazing fishes.

Manta Rays: The State of Knowledge

Most divers will have seen, or at least heard of manta rays. They're huge, charismatic, and the very possibility of their presence makes for an exciting dive. You'd be forgiven, then, for thinking that scientists are equally familiar with their lives.

In fact, we're rather in the dark. We know that there are 11 species in the family (counting both manta and mobula rays)... except manta rays were only split into two species in 2009, and there's probably a third one in the Atlantic. Only a few people in the world can actually distinguish the nine mobula species - and even they have their doubts.

Unfortunately, these poorly-known rays are now amongst the world's most threatened fishes. With all this in mind, Lydie Couturier - a PhD student from Project MANTA at The University of Queensland - recently brought together a group of her colleagues, including Dr Andrea Marshall and myself from the Marine Megafauna Foundation, to assess the knowns and unknowns of the manta ray world.

Manta and mobula rays share a fairly similar body plan. Two of their more notable features are the cephalic fins on either side of the head, which are used to funnel plankton-rich water into their mouths while feeding. These fins gave them the common name of 'devil rays', although you wouldn't know it from the way they behave. Some animals have tough-as-nails common names - killer whales, hellbenders and woodchucks spring to mind - but devil rays don't live up to their moniker at all, threatening only zooplankton and the occasional small fish.

The fossil record suggests that devil rays have been around in their modern form for at least 20-25 million years. They originally evolved from stingrays, and a 'sting' is still present at the base of the tail in some mobula species. True manta rays first appeared in the fossil record approximately 4.8 million years ago. Recent genetic work by Tom Kashiwagi (Project MANTA) and co-authors estimated that the two contemporary manta ray species split approximately 300 thousand years ago - a blink of the eye in evolutionary terms.

This split occurred during recent glacial cycles, when there were some major changes going on in ocean circulation and global geography. To give you some idea of how much the world was changed, at that stage hyenas, rhinoceros and elephants still roamed the British countryside. It appears that ancestral reef manta rays may have preferred to remain close to the coasts of these ancient seas, while giant manta rays became more oceanic.

If that was the case, the difference still persists. Giant manta rays appear in far-flung places such as southern Brazil and northern New Zealand each year, suggesting that long journeys or significant ocean crossings are no barrier to these enormous rays. Giant manta rays reach up to around 7 m in width - much larger than reef manta rays (hence the name). This size increase is likely to be related to the improved swimming efficiency that larger size confers - it may be worth noting here that Michael Phelps is 6'4 and Missy Franklin is 6'1!

This behavioural difference probably explains why giant manta rays are found in the Eastern Pacific, whereas reef manta rays stop at Hawaii and French Polynesia. This is not to say that reef manta rays, which grow to around 5 m width, are inadequate in the swimming department. Tagging studies in Mozambique have shown that individuals can move 70 km in a single day during normal activities, and they migrate at least 500 km along the eastern Australian coast each year.

So, just how many manta rays are there? Counting them is made easier by the distinct spots and blotches on their stomachs. This allows each manta to be photo-identified, which can then be used to generate estimates of population size. At the moment, the largest documented population of manta rays is in the Maldivian islands, where over 2, 400 individuals have been photo-identified. The new global manta ray database, powered by an algorithm developed specifically for manta-matching by Dr Chris Town and his team at the University of Cambridge, will make this job a lot easier.

Manta (and mobula) rays have the largest brains of all the approximately 32, 000 species of fish known to date. On first glance, this seems rather odd... how smart do you need to be to outwit plankton? Actually, it appears that animals - especially primates - don't become more intelligent to catch prey so much as to outsmart each other. Recent studies have even shown that monkeys placed in larger groups increase their brain size to compensate. Could manta rays be the Einsteins of the fish world? They certainly display some behaviours that could suggest this, such as coordinated and cooperative feeding behaviours.

We're also becoming aware that giant manta rays, in particular, are truly deep-divers. And it's cold down there. To keep these large brains warm, and possibly the rest of their body too (as in mobula rays pictured below), these rays have an amazing counter-current heat exchange system going on with their veins and arteries to become effectively warm-blooded, or at least keep their temperature more stable than most fish.

Sadly, manta rays face a very uncertain future. The global catch of manta and mobula rays has dramatically increased over the last decade due to demand for their gill rakers from China, where they are sold as medicinal products. Catches from the major existing fisheries are not even close to sustainable.

Few species are as vulnerable to over-fishing as manta rays. We know that they have a very slow reproductive rate, producing only one large baby on average every 1-3 years. They also appear to be slow-growing and long-lived, with some wild manta rays being re-sighted over 30-year periods.

There is hope. Giant manta rays were added to the Convention on Migratory Species in 2011, which is sparking coordinated national efforts toward protection of the species and their key habitats within member countries. Next year, the entire group is up for listing on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. A listing on CITES would be an acknowledgment that the gill raker trade is a significant threat to manta and mobula rays, and would help encourage more effective conservation legislation.

Manta rays are an amazing fish. The more we know about them, the more interesting they get. Let's make sure we keep them around!

If you'd like to support our marine research and conservation efforts, you can make a gift or adopt a whale shark (just reply to the email) to help us continue these initiatives. If you'd like to learn more about manta rays, check out (and vote for) Dr Andrea Marshall's recent TED talk. My contribution to this study was supported by Casa Barry Lodge, Ocean Revolution and our wonderful individual donors. If you'd like to read the whole paper, you can download it here.

Until next time!

Best regards,
Simon.

Simon J. Pierce, PhD

Lead Scientist
Marine Megafauna Foundation
Tofo Beach, Mozambique
www.marinemegafauna.org
www.facebook.com/MarineMegafauna

Science Coordinator
ECOCEAN Global Whale Shark Database
London, United Kingdom
www.whaleshark.org

E: simon@marinemegafauna.org

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MEETINGS:

FIRST CIRCULAR

6^thINTERNATIONAL MEETING ON MESOZOIC FISHES: Diversification and Diversity Patterns

Vienna, Austria August 2013

The Department of Palaeontology at the University of Vienna in cooperation with the “Naturhistorische Museum Wien” are pleased to announce and host the 6th INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON MESOZOIC FISHES. The meeting is dedicated to reflect the progress in Mesozoic fish research that has been accomplished in the past 20 years since the first meeting in 1993, to discuss old and new methodologies, and to present novel information about the early evolution and diversification of fishes during the Mesozoic.

The scientific sessions will take place from August 5st – 8th, 2013 at the “Naturhistorische Museum Wien”. We plan to have a one-day field trip to on of the famous Late Triassic fish localities in Austria, at the Poltzberg near Lunz. Although it is not possible to enter the classic underground mining galleries anymore, it might be possible to visit some outcrops nearby on August 9th. We also offer a one-day fieldtrip to Cenozoic marine localities in the Vienna Basin on August 10th if you are interested.

All the correspondence concerning the Fifth Mesozoic Fishes should be addressed to e-mail: juergen.kriwet@univie.ac.at or cathrin.schwarz@univie.ac.at (after July 1^st). The contact persons are Jürgen Kriwet or Cathrin Schwarz.

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New described species:

Fossil:

MALYSHKINA, T. (2012): New Sharks of the Genus Abdounia (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) from the Upper Eocene of the Trans-Ural Region. Paleonotological Journal, 46 (4): 392-399

New species:Abdounia vassilyevae, Abdounia lata

Abstract: Two new species of carcharhinid sharks from the Late Eocene deposits (Tavda Formation) of the southern Trans[1]Urals, Abdounia vassilyevae sp. nov., previously determined as A. aff. beaugei, and A. lata sp. nov., are described. To date, up to five Priabonian species of Abdounia have been recorded. New finds supplement the data on diversity, evolution, and paleobiogeography of Abdounia.

ADNET, S. & CAPPETTA, H. & GUINOT, G. & NOTARBARTOLO DI SCIARA, G. (2012): Evolutionary history of the devilrays (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) from fossil and morphological inference. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 166 (1): 132–159

New genus: Argoubia, Oromobula

New species: Argoubia barbei, Oromobula dakhlaensis, Eoplinthicus underwoodi

Abstract: The exact affinities of the fossil teeth attributed to the devilrays (mobulids) are critical for resolving the debated origin of these giant pelagic rays amongst Myliobatiformes and the timing of their evolution toward planktivory. We performed the first detailed comparative description of teeth belonging to most of the living and fossil mobulids. Based on a survey of living devilrays, three dental morphologies are newly identified as cobblestone tooth plates, comb-like teeth, and peg-like teeth. In addition, all extinct mobulid species are reviewed with comments on their dentition, fossil record, and geographical distribution. As a result, three fossil mobulid taxa are newly described from the Late Eocene of south-west Morocco (Argoubia barbei gen. et sp. nov., Oromobula dakhlaensis gen. et sp. nov., and Eoplinthicus underwoodi sp. nov.). This has permitted the first assessment of the phylogenetic positions of extinct and extant species of mobulids, using cladistic analyses and a combined data set of nondental anatomical characters from the literature and the dental characters defined here. Our new results support the monophyly of mobulids including all living and most extinct species and indicate that mobulids are closely related to rhinopterids. They also indicate that there was a recent split within Mobulidae into the three tooth morphology groups that we describe in this paper. This work provides clues to the evolutionary history of this clade since the Early Eocene, including the gradual lack in tooth interlocking toward the filter-feeding strategy, whereas the preservation of cusped teeth without feeding function in modern filter-feeder mobulids is interpreted as a tool for precopulatory purposes.

GUINOT, G. & CAPPETTA, H. & UNDERWOOD, C.J. & WARD, D.J. (2012): Batoids (Elasmobranchii: Batomorphii) from the British and French Late Cretaceous. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 10 (3): 445–474

New genus: Cretaplatyrhinoidis, Pseudoplatyrhina, Agaleorhynchus

New species: Cretaplatyrhinoidis ornatus, Pseudoplatyrhina crispa, Rhinobatos seruensis, Squatirhina draytoni, Agaleorhynchus britannicus, Ptychotrygonoides sabatieri

Abstract: Bulk sampling of phosphatic horizons from the Late Cretaceous of the Anglo-Paris Basin and Northern Ireland yielded very rich and high diversity selachian faunas. Amongst them, batoid remains (rays and skates) are commonly present and diverse although never a dominant element of these assemblages. The following new taxa are described: Cretaplatyrhinoidis ornatus gen. et sp. nov., Pseudoplatyrhina crispa gen. et sp. nov., ‘Rhinobatos’ seruensis sp. nov., Squatirhina draytoni sp. nov., Agaleorhynchus britannicus gen. et sp. nov. and Ptychotrygonoides sabatieri sp. nov. Batoids are described for the first time from post-Cenomanian Late Cretaceous deposits of England and the dentition of species of the genus Squatirhina is described and discussed. The Platyrhinidae described here represent the oldest known records for the family and the Cenomanian material identified as Dasyatoidea indet. is one of the rare remains of the order Myliobatifomes from pre-Campanian horizons. Evolutionary and palaeoecological observations are also discussed.

HODNETT, J.-P. & ELLIOTT, D.K. & OLSON, T.J. & WITTKE, J.H. (2012): Ctenacanthiform sharks from the Permian Kaibab Formation, northern Arizona.Historical Biology, 24 (4): 1-15

New genus: Kaibabvenator, Nanoskalme, Neosaivodus

New species: Kaibabvenator swiftae, Nanoskalme natans, Neosaivodus flagstaffensis

Abstract: A diverse assemblage of chondrichthyans has recently been recognised from the Permian (Late Leonardian) Kaibab Formation in and around Flagstaff, Arizona. Of this diverse assemblage, the ctenacanthiforms constitute seven tooth taxa of which three are new: Saivodus sp., Neosaivodus flagstaffensis gen. et sp. nov., Glikmanius occidentalis, Glikmanius myachkovensis, Heslerodus divergens, Kaibabvenator swiftae gen. et sp. nov. and Nanoskalme natans gen. et sp. nov. The range in tooth types suggests predator partitioning within these ctenacanths. Saivodus sp., Neosaivodus flagstaffensis gen. et sp. nov., H. divergens, G. occidentalis and G. myachkovensis had puncturing and grasping teeth adapted for securing smaller prey to be swallowed whole. Nanoskalme natans gen. et sp. nov. had teeth for grasping and cutting, perhaps an adaption for feeding or scavenging on larger organisms, whereas K. swiftae gen. et sp. nov. had large grasping and serrated cutting teeth for feeding on larger prey and was perhaps the apex predator of the Kaibab Sea. A cladistic analysis of the Ctenacanthiformes based on teeth suggests that in contrast to previous interpretations the family Ctenacanthidae may in fact be paraphyletic. We propose that the Ctenacanthiformes had a greater familiar diversity than currently recognised. The Kaibab assemblage is presently the most diverse ctenacanth assemblage for the global marine Permian.

Rezent:

RUOCCO, N.L. & LUCIFORA, L.O. & DE ASTARLOA, J.M.D. & MABRAGAÑA, E. & DELPIANI, S.M. (2012): Morphology and DNA Barcoding Reveal a New Species of Eagle Ray from the Southwestern Atlantic: Myliobatis ridens sp. nov. (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae). Zoological Studies, 51 (6): in press

New species:Myliobatis ridens

Abstract: Two species of Myliobatis, the southern eagle ray M. goodei Garman and the bullnose eagle ray M. freminvillii Le Sueur, have long been recognized to occur in coastal Argentinean waters. Several unusual specimens belonging to the family Myliobatidae were recently collected off Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. These specimens clearly belong to the genus Myliobatis, since they have a broad disk with long sharply pointed pectoral fins, a projecting snout, a very long and thin tail, and a smaller dorsal fin set farther back on the tail, well beyond the pelvic fins. However, the specimens were distinct from all sympatric congeners in several characters, and they are described here as a new species. Myliobatis ridens sp. nov. is distinguished from M. goodei in having a relatively shorter snout, a wider interorbital space, a wider mouth, and different shapes of the ventral and dorsal marginal cartilages of the claspers than the latter; and from M. freminvillii by having smaller eyes, a smaller dorsal fin, a plain dorsal coloration, and a different shape of the dorsal marginal cartilage of the claspers. In order to test this morphological differentiation, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data were obtained from the new species and compared to those of its congeners. Analysis of COI sequences showed a congeneric sequence divergence of > 6%, supporting species differentiation. Therefore combining both traditional taxonomy and DNA barcoding, a new eagle ray species, M. ridens sp. nov., from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean was discovered.

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New Paper

Rezent Papers:

ADNET, S. & CAPPETTA, H. & GUINOT, G. & NOTARBARTOLO DI SCIARA, G. 2012 Evolutionary history of the devilrays (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes) from fossil and morphological inference. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 166 (1): 132–159 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2012.00844.x

AJEMIAN, M.J. & POWERS, S.P. 2012 Habitat-specific feeding by cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) of the northern Gulf of Mexico. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 79-97 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9858-3

AKHILESH, K.V. & BINEESH, K.K. & WHITE, W.T. & PILLAI, N.G.K 2012 Aspects of the biology of the pygmy ribbontail catshark Eridacnis radcliffei Smith (Proscylliidae: Carcharhiniformes) from the southwest coast of India. Journal of Fish Biology, 81 (3): 1138–1144 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03379.x

AKHILESH, K.V. & SHANIS, C.P.R. & WHITE, W.T. & MANJEBRAYAKATH, H. & BINEESH, K.K. & GANGA, U. & ABDUSSAMAD, E.M. & GOPALAKRISHNAN, A. & PILLAI, N.G.K. 2012 Landings of whale sharks Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828 in Indian waters since protection in 2001 through the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Environmental Biology of Fishes, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-0063-9

ANDRADE, H.A. & RIBEIRO SIMONI, M.E. & ALMEIDA DE MELO, M.P. 2012 Discards of sharks by the brazilian leased fleet in 2010. Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 68 (5): 1938-1948

BALAKRISHNAN, S. & DHANEESH, K.V. & SRINIVASAN, M. & SAMPATHKUMAR, P. & BALASUBRAMANIAN, T. 2012 Recurrence of scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini from Indian coastal waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 5: e79 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267212000607

BLANCO-PARRA, M.P. & GALVÁN-MAGAÑA, F. & MÁRQUEZ-FARÍAS, J.F. & NIÑO-TORRES, C.A. 2012 Feeding ecology and trophic level of the banded guitarfish, Zapteryx exasperata, inferred from stable isotopes and stomach contents analysis. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 65-77 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9862-7

BOOMER, J.J. & HARCOURT, R.G. & FRANCIS, M.P. & STOW, A.J. 2012 Genetic divergence, speciation and biogeography of Mustelus (sharks) in the central Indo-Pacific and Australasia. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 64 (3): 697–703 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2012.05.024

BRODZIAK, J. & GEDAMKE, T. & PORCH, C. & WALTER, J. & COURTNEY, D. & O’MALLEY, J. & RICHARDS, B. 2012 A Workshop on Methods to Estimate Total and Natural Mortality Rates Using Mean Length Observations and Life History Parameters. U.S. Dep. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo., NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC-32, 26 p. + Appendix

CAPAPÉ, C. & EL KAMEL-MOUTALIBI, O. & MNASRI, N. & BOUMAÏZA, M. & REYNAUD, C. 2012 A Case of Hermaphroditism in Tortonese's Stingray, Dasyatis Tortonesei (Elasmobranchii: Rajiformes: Dasyatidae) from the Lagoon of Bizerte, Tunisia. Acta Ichthyologica Et Piscatoria, 42 (2): 141-149 http://dx.doi.org/10.3750/AIP2011.42.2.08

CARLSON, J.K. & GULAK, S.J.B. 2012 Habitat use and movements patterns of oceanic whitetip, bigeye thresher and dusky sharks based on archival satellite tags. Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 68 (5): 1922-1932

COLLIN, S.P. 2012 The Neuroecology of Cartilaginous Fishes: Sensory Strategies for Survival. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 80-96 http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000339870

CROOKS, N. & WARING, C.P. 2012 A study into the sexual dimorphisms of the Ampullae of Lorenzini in the lesser-spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758). Environmental Biology of Fishes, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-0048-8

CROOKS, N. & WARING, C.P. 2012 Sexual dimorphisms in the dermal structure of the lesser-spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758). Acta Zoologica, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1463-6395.2012.00560.x

DALEY, R.K. & APPLEYARD, S.A. & KOOPMAN, M. 2012 Genetic catch verification to support recovery plans for deepsea gulper sharks (genus Centrophorus, family Centrophoridae) – an Australian example using the 16S gene. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63 (8): 708-714 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MF11264

DEMSKI, L.S. 2012 The neural control of feeding in elasmobranchs: A review and working model. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 169-183 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9827-x

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY 2012 National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2012. Shark-plan 2. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra.

EYRING, K.L. & HEALY, C.J. & REYDA, F.B. 2012 A New Genus and Species of Cestode (Rhinebothriidea) from Mobula kuhlii (Rajiformes: Mobulidae) from Malaysian Borneo. Journal of Parasitology, 98 (3): 584-591

FERREIRA, L.C. & AFONSO, A.S. & CASTILHO, P.C. & HAZIN, F.H.V. 2012 Habitat use of the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, off Recife, Northeast Brazil: a combined survey with longline and acoustic telemetry. Environmental Biology of Fishes, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-0067-5

GILLIS, J.A. & MODRELL, M.S. & NORTHCUTT, R.G. & CATANIA, K.C. & LUER, C.A. & BAKER, C.V.H. 2012 Electrosensory ampullary organs are derived from lateral line
placodes in cartilaginous fishes. Development, 139: 3142-3146 http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/dev.084046

GIRESI, M. & RENSHAW, M.A. & PORTNOY, D.S. & GOLD, J.R. 2012 Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the finetooth shark, Carcharhinus isodon. Conservation Genetics Resources, 4 (3): 637-643 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12686-012-9611-z

GODIN, A.C. & CARLSON, J.K. & BURGENER, V. 2012 The Effect of Circle Hooks on Shark Catchability and At-Vessel Mortality Rates in Longlines Fisheries. Bulletin of Marine Science, 88 (3): 469-483 http://dx.doi.org/10.5343/bms.2011.1054

GORNI, G.R. & LOIBEL, S. & GOITEIN, R. & AMORIM, A.F. 2012 Stomach contents analysis of Shortfin Mako (Isurus Oxyrinchus) caught off Southern Brazil: A Bayesian Analysis. Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 68 (5): 1933-1937

GREAT BARRIER REEF MARINE PARK AUTHORITY 2012 A Vulnerability Assessment for the Great Barrier Reef, Sharks and rays. Commonwealth of Australia

GUTTRIDGE, T.L. & VAN DIJK, S. & STAMHUIS, E.J. & KRAUSE, J. & GRUBER, S.H. & BROWN, C. 2012 Social learning in juvenile lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris. Animal Cognition, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10071-012-0550-6

HARRY, A.V. & MORGAN, J.A.T. & OVENDEN, J.R. & TOBIN, A.J. & WELCH, D.J. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Comparison of the reproductive ecology of two sympatric blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus and Carcharhinus tilstoni) off north-eastern Australia with species identification inferred from vertebral counts. Journal of Fish Biology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03400.x

HOFMANN, M.H. & NORTHCUTT, R.G. 2012 Forebrain Organization in Elasmobranchs. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 142-151 http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000339874

HUTCHINGS, J.A. & MYERS, R.A. & GARCÍA, V.B. & LUCIFORA, L.O. & KUPARINEN, A. 2012 Life-history correlates of extinction risk and recovery potential. Ecological Applications, 22 84): 1061–1067 http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/11-1313.1

IDROBO, C.J. & BERKES, F. 2012 Pangnirtung Inuit and the Greenland Shark: Co-producing Knowledge of a Little Discussed Species. Human Ecology, 40 (3): 405-414 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10745-012-9490-7

IZZO, C. & RODDA, K.R. 2012 Comparative rates of growth of the Port Jackson shark throughout its southern Australian range. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63 (8): 687-694 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MF11272

JAWAD, L.A. & AL-MAMRY, J.M. & AL-BUSAIDI, H.K. 2012 First reliable record of the Sicklefin Chimaera, Neoharriotta pinnata (Schnakenbeck, 1931), from the northern Arabian Sea (Chondrichthyes: Rhinochimaeridae). Zoology in the Middle East, 56: 139-141

JEFFREE, R.A. & OBERHAENSLI, F. & TEYSSIE, J.-L. 2012 Marine Radionuclide Transfer Factors in Chordates and a Phylogenetic Hypothesis. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvrad.2012.06.002.

KETCHUM, J.T. & GALVÁN-MAGAÑA, F. & KLIMLEY, A.P. 2012 Segregation and foraging ecology of whale sharks, Rhincodon typus, in the southwestern Gulf of California. Environmental Biology of Fishes, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-0071-9

KIM, S.L. & CASPER, D.R. & GALVÁN-MAGAÑA, F. & OCHOA-DÍAZ, R. & HERNÁNDEZ-AGUILAR, S.B. & KOCH, P.L. 2012 Carbon and nitrogen discrimination factors for elasmobranch soft tissues based on a long-term controlled feeding study. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 37-52 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9919-7

KIM, S.L. & KOCH, P.L. 2012 Methods to collect, preserve, and prepare elasmobranch tissues for stable isotope analysis. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 53-63 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9860-9

KIM, S.L. & MARTÍNEZ DEL RIO, C. & CASPER, D. & KOCH, P.L. 2012 Isotopic incorporation rates for shark tissues from a long-term captive feeding study. Journal of Experimental Biology, 215 (14): 2495-2500 http://dx.doi.org/10.1242/jeb.070656

KIMOTO, A. & YOKAWA, K. 2012 Standardized cpue of shortfin mako caught by japanese longliners in the Atlantic in the period between 1994 and 2009. Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 68 (5): 1908-1914

KOMOROWSKI, L.K. & LECAUDE, S.G. & WESTRING, C.G. & DANIELSON, P.B. & DORES, R.M. 2012 Evolution of gnathostome prodynorphin and proenkephalin: Characterization of a shark proenkephalin and prodynorphin cDNAs. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 177 (3): 353–364 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.12.016

KYNE, P.M. & CARLSON, J.K. & EBERT, D.A. & FORDHAM, S.V. & BIZZARRO, J.J. & GRAHAM, R.T. & KULKA, D.W. & TEWES, E.E. & HARRISON, L.R. & AND DULVY, N.K. 2012 The Conservation Status of North American, Central American, and Caribbean Chondrichthyans. IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group, Vancouver, Canada.

LANG, A.W. & MOTTA, P.J. & HABEGGER, M.L. & HUETER, R. 2012 Shark Skin Boundary Layer Control. In: Natural Locomotion in Fluids and on Surfaces, The IMA Volumes in Mathematics and its Applications, 155 (2): 139-150 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3997-4_9

LYNGHAMMAR, A. & CHRISTIANSEN, J.S. & MECKLENBURG, C.W. & KARAMUSHKO, O.V. & MØLLER, P.R. & GALLUCCI, V.F. 2012 Species richness and distribution of chondrichthyan fishes in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas. Biodiversity, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14888386.2012.706198

MARTINEZ DALLOS, I. & NEIRA ALVAREZ, M. & ACERO, A.P. 2012 Biological aspects of the sharks Rhizoprionodon lalandii and Rhizoprionodon porosus (Carcharhinidae-Carcharhiniformes) captured by artisan fishing in Isla Fuerte, Colombian Caribbean. Boletin de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, 41 (1): 179-191

MELTZER, L. & BLINICK, N.S. & FLEISHMAN, A.B. 2012 Management Implications of the Biodiversity and Socio-Economic Impacts of Shrimp Trawler By-Catch in Bahía de Kino, Sonora, México. PLoS ONE, 7 (6): e35609 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0035609

MOLINA, J.M. & COOKE, S.J. 2012 Trends in shark bycatch research: current status and research needs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 22 (3): 719-737 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11160-012-9269-3

MONTGOMERY, J.C. & BODZNICK, D. & YOPAK, K.E. 2012 The Cerebellum and Cerebellum-Like Structures of Cartilaginous Fishes. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 152-165

MOORE, A.B.M. 2012 Records of poorly known batoid fishes from the north-western Indian Ocean (Chondrichthyes: Rhynchobatidae, Rhinobatidae, Dasyatidae, Mobulidae). African Journal of Marine Science, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2012.675129

MORENO-SÁNCHEZ, X.G. & ESCOBAR-SÁNCHEZ, O. & ABITIA-CÁRDENAS, L.A. & CRUZ-ESCALONA, V.H. 2012 Diet composition of the sicklefin smooth-hound shark Mustelus lunulatus caught off El Pardito Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Marine Biodiversity Records, 5: e67 http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267212000504

NAPLES, L.M. & MYLNICZENKO, N.D. & ZACHARIAH, T.T. & WILBORN, R.E. & YOUNG, F.A. 2012 Evaluation of critical care blood analytes assessed with a point-of-care portable blood analyzer in wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs and the influence of phlebotomy site on results. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 241 (1): 117-125 http://dx.doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.1.117

NEWMAN, S.P. & HANDY, R.D. & GRUBER, S.H. 2012 Ontogenetic diet shifts and prey selection in nursery bound lemon sharks, Negaprion brevirostris, indicate a flexible foraging tactic. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 115-126 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9828-9

NICOLAIDOU, A. & ALONGI, G. & AYDOGAN, O. & CATRA, M. & CAVAS, L. & CEVIK, C. & DOSI, A. & CIRCOSTA, V. & GIAKOUMI, S. & GIMÉNEZ-CASALDUERO, F. & FILIZ, H. & IZQUIERDO-MUÑOZ, A. & KALOGIROU, S. & KONSTANTINIDIS, E. & KOUSTENI, V. & KOUT, J. & LEGAKI, A. & MEGALOFONOU, P. & OVALIS, P. & PAOLILLO, G. & PASCHOS, I. & PERDIKARIS, C. & POURSANIDIS, D. & RAMOS-ESPLÁ, A.A. & REIZOPOULOU, S. & SPERONE, E. & TASKIN, E. & TRIPEPI, S. & VÁZQUEZ-LUIS, M. 2012 New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (June 2012). Mediterranean Marine Science, 13 (1): 162-174

NIIKURA, R. & NAKATANI, K. 2012 Retrograde Labeling and Fine Structure of Olfactory Receptor Neurons in Cat Sharks. Zoological Science, 29 (8): 477-480 http://dx.doi.org/10.2108/zsj.29.477

NORTON, S.L. & WILEY, T.R. & CARLSON, J.K. & FRICK, A.L. & POULAKIS, G.R. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Designating Critical Habitat for Juvenile Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish in the United States. Marine and Coastal Fisheries: Dynamics, Management, and Ecosystem Science, 4 (1): 473-480 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19425120.2012.676606

PEW ENVIRONMENT GROUP 2012 Navigating Global Shark Conservation: Current Measures and Gaps. http://www.pewenvironment.org

POULAKIS,G.R. & STEVENS, P.W. & TIMMERS, A.A. & STAFFORD C.J. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Movements of juvenile endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, in an estuarine river system: use of non-main-stem river habitats and lagged responses to freshwater inflow-related changes. Environmental Biology of Fishes, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-0070-x

PRETI, A. & SOYKAN, C.U. & DEWAR, H. & WELLS, R.J.D. & SPEAR, N. & KOHIN, S. 2012 Comparative feeding ecology of shortfin mako, blue and thresher sharks in the California Current. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 127-146 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-012-9980-x

QUINTANA-URZAINQUI, I. & SUEIRO, C. & CARRERA, I. & FERREIRO-GALVE, S. & SANTOS-DURÁN, G. & POSE-MÉNDEZ, S. & MAZAN, S. & CANDAL, E. & RODRÍGUEZ-MOLDES, I. 2012 Contributions of Developmental Studies in the Dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula to the Brain Anatomy of Elasmobranchs: Insights on the Basal Ganglia. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 127-141 http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000339871

REYNISSON, E. & MARTEINSSON, V.T. & JÓNSDÓTTIR, R. & MAGNÚSSON, S.H. & HREGGVIDSSON, G.O. 2012 Bacterial succession during curing process of a skate (Dipturus batis) and isolation of novel strains. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113 (2): 329-338 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05349.x

RICE, J. 2012 Alternate catch estimates for silky and oceanic whitetip sharks in Western and Central Pacific Ocean. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, EIGHTH REGULAR SESSION, 7‐15 August 2012, Busan, Republic of Korea, WCPFC‐SC8‐2012/ SA‐IP‐12

ROCCO, L. 2012 Molecular and chromosomal markers for evolutionary considerations in Torpediniformes (Chondrichthyes, Batoidea). ISRN Genetics, in press

RODRIGUES, N.V. & CORREIA, J.P.S. & GRAÇA, J.T.C. & RODRIGUES, F. & PINHO, R. & HIROFUMI, M. 2012 First record of a whale shark Rhincodon typus in continental Europe. Journal of Fish Biology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03392.x

RUOCCO, N.L. & LUCIFORA, L.O. & DE ASTARLOA, J.M.D. & MABRAGAÑA, E. & DELPIANI, S.M. 2012 Morphology and DNA Barcoding Reveal a New Species of Eagle Ray from the Southwestern Atlantic: Myliobatis ridens sp. nov. (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Myliobatidae). Zoological Studies, 51 (6): in press

RUOCCO, N.L. & LUCIFORA, L.O. & DIAZ DE ASTARLOA, J.M. & MENNI, R.C. & MABRAGAÑA, E. & GIBERTO, D.A. 2012 From coexistence to competitive exclusion: can overfishing change the outcome of competition in skates (Chondrichthyes, Rajidae)? Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 40 (1): 102-112 http://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol40-issue1-fulltext-10

ŠANTIĆ, M. & RAĐA, B. & PALLAORO, A. 2012 Diet and feeding strategy of thornback ray Raja clavata. Journal of Fish Biology, 81 (3): 1070–1084 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03382.x

SAYIN, D. & CAKIR, D.T. & GENÇER, N. & ARSLAN, O. 2012 Effects of some metals on paraoxonase activity from shark Scyliorhinus canicula. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 27 (4): 595-598 http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/14756366.2011.604320

SEMBA, Y. YOKAWA, K. & MATSUNAGA, H. 2012 Distribution and trend of abundance for porbeagle (Lamna nasus) in the Southern Hemisphere. Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE, EIGHTH REGULAR SESSION, 7‐15 August 2012, Busan, Republic of Korea, WCPFC-SC8-2012/EB- IP-03

SMART, J.J. & HARRY, A.V. & TOBIN, A.J. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Overcoming the constraints of low sample sizes to produce age and growth data for rare or threatened sharks. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2274

SPEED, C.W. & MEEKAN, M.G. & FIELD, I.C. & MCMAHON, C.R. & BRADSHAW, C.J.A. 2012 Heat-seeking sharks: support for behavioural thermoregulation in reef sharks. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 463: 231-244

THEODOSIOU, N.A. & PARTON, A. 2012 Establishing primary cultures of embryonic intestinal cells from the elasmobranch, Leucoraja erinacea. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Animal, 48 (7): 413-417 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11626-012-9534-8

WALTRICK, D. & AWRUCH, C.A. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Embryonic diapause in the elasmobranchs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11160-012-9267-5

WILGA, C.A.D. & STOEHR, A.A. & DUQUETTE, D.C. & ALLEN, R.M. 2012 Functional ecology of feeding in elasmobranchs. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 95 (1): 155-167 http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-011-9781-7

WUERINGER, B. 2012 Electroreception in Elasmobranchs: Sawfish as a Case Study. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 97-107 http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000339873

YAMAUCHI, T. & OTA, Y. 2012 Heavy Infection of the Round Ribbontail Ray Taeniura meyeni with Stibarobdella macrothela (Annelida: Hirudinida: Piscicolidae). Comparative Parasitology, 79 (2): 350-351 http://dx.doi.org/10.1654/4559.1

YOKAWA, K. & ANDO, T. 2012 Review of information of other sharks caught by japanese longliners in the Atlantic. Collect. Vol. Sci. Pap. ICCAT, 68 (5): 1915-1921

YOKOTA, L. & GOITEIN, R. & GIANETI, M.D. & LESSA, R.T.P. 2012 Reproductive biology of the smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura. Journal of Fish Biology, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03413.x

YOPAK, K.E. & LISNEY, T.J. 2012 Allometric Scaling of the Optic Tectum in Cartilaginous Fishes. Brain, Behavior and Evolution, 80 (2): 108-126 http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000339875

Rezent Abstracts:

ANDERSON, B. & GELSLEICHTER, J. & FRAZIER, B. & BELCHER, C. 2012 Evaluation of Gonadal Steroid Chemiluminescence Immunoassays (CLIA) for Non‐lethal Characterization of Reproductive Status for Elasmobranchs. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 15

ANDERSON, J. & JOHNSON, R. & BESTER, M. & SWANSON, S. & GENNARI, E. 2012 Impact of small scale chumming activities on the movement patterns of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Mossel Bay, South Africa. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 16

ANDERSON, J. & JOHNSON, R. & BESTER, M. & SWANSON, S. & GENNARI, E. 2012 Investigating ecological connectivity between distinct elasmobranch populations using oral bacteria: A proof of concept study. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 16

ARAÚJO, M.L.G & MELO, S.M.V. 2012 Impact of ornamental fishery on reproduction of Potamotrygon sp C (CHONDRYCHTIES ‐POTAMOTRYGONIDAE), at Rio Negro Basin, Brazil. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 25

BANGLEY, C. 2012 Potential competitive and predatory interactions between spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the coastal waters of North Carolina. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 38-39

BELLEGGIA, M. & FIGUEROA, D. & SÁNCHEZ, F. & BREMEC, C. 2012 The diet of Mustelus schmitti; a comparison across decades. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 52

BERNARD, A. & FELDHEIM, K. & HEITHAUS, M. & WINTNER, S. & WETHERBEE, B. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Population genetic structure and evolutionary history of the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) on a global scale. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 57

BERNARD, A. & HORN, R. & CHAPMAN, D. & FELDHEIM, K. & BROOKS, E. & GORE, M. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 The genetic population structure of the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi). Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 58

BIGMAN, J. & BIZZARRO, J. & EBERT, D. 2012 North Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) trophic ecology: using integrated gut content and stable isotope analysis to infer short and long term feeding trends. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 62-63

BIGMAN, J. & EBERT, D. & DEWAR, H. & BIZZARRO, J. & KOHIN, S. & VETTER, R. 2012 Spot a basking shark: how Californians citizen scientists can aid in the recovery of an enigmatic shark. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 63

BLASIUS, M. & MULL, C. & LYONS, K. & O'SULLIVAN, J. & LOWE, C. 2012 Bioaccumulation and maternal transfer of organic contaminants and mercury in young of the year white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias). Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 67

BOLAÑO MARTÍNEZ, N. & DÍAZ JAIMES, P. & URIBE ALCOCER, M. & GALVAN-MAGAÑA, F. 2012 Philogeography and population genetics of the hammerhead shark Sphyrna zygaena in the Oriental Pacific Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 69

BOND, M. & BABCOCK, E. & PIKITCH, E. & CHAPMAN, D. 2012 Differences in elasmobranch assemblages between marine reserves and fished reefs on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 70

BONFIL, R. & O'BRIEN, S. 2012 First Adult Female White Shark is Tracked Using Real‐Time Satellite Tags in Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 71

BROOKS, E. & BROOKS, A. & WILLIAMS, S. & CHAPMAN, D. & HOWEY, L. & JORDAN, L. & ABERCROMBIE, D. & GRUBBS, D. 2012 The diversity, distribution and demographic population structure of deep water elasmobranchs in the northeast Exuma Sound, the Bahamas. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 84

BURGESS, G. & COELHO, R. & SCHOFIELD, P. 2012 Advances in the taxonomic resolution of the Etmopterus lucifer‐complex in the Indo‐Pacific region. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 91-92

BURKHOLDER, D. & HEITHAUS, M. & FOURQUREAN, J. & WIRSING, A. 2012 Top‐down control in a relatively intact seagrass ecosystem. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 92-93

CALICH, H. & CAMPANA, S. 2012 Mating scars reveal mate size in blue sharks (Prionace glauca). Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 100

CAMPANA, S. & FISK, A. & KLIMLEY, P. 2012 Greenland sharks and their long distance migrations to nowhere. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 104

CARLSON, A. & SULIKOWSKI, J. 2012 Horizontal and Vertical Movement Patterns of Archival Satellite Tagged Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) in the Northwestern Atlantic. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 109-110

CARLSON, J. & SMITH, K. & NORTON, S. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Extinction risk and viability of sawfish populations. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 110

CARTAMIL, D. & KOHIN, S. & SOSA-NISHIZAKI, O. & SANTANA, O. & OLVERA, M. & GRAHAM, J. 2012 Satellite tagging of juvenile thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) in the Southern California Bight. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 112-113

CASELLE, J. & PAPASTAMATIOU, Y. & FRIEDLANDER, A. & WENG, K. & LOWE, C. 2012 Movement patterns of apex predators at a pristine coral atoll. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 304

CHARVET, P. & VIANA, A. 2012 Embryonic Stages of Development of Neotropical Freshwater Stingrays (Potamotrygonidae). Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 126

CHIN, A. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. & Heupel, M.R. & TOBIN, A. 2012 Where do reef sharks go when they're not on reefs? Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 304

CHIQUILLO, K. & CROW, K. & BRAVO, N. & EBERT, D. 2012 The secret of the Mermaid's Purse: A novel reproductive strategy in two skates of the genus Raja. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 131-132

CICIA, A. & FREDERICH, M. & MANDELMAN, J. & SULIKOWSKI, J. 2012 Utilizing a combination of physiological and cellular stress markers to assess the impacts of trawl capture in two skate species, the thorny (Amblyraja radiata) and little (Leucoraja erinacea) skate. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 134

CLARKE, T. & ESPINOZA MENDIOLA, M. & VILLALOBOS, F. & WEHRTMANN, I. 2012 Reproductive ecology of four elasmobranch species in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Central America. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 136

COCHRAN, J. & THORROLD, S. & SKOMAL, G. & BERUMEN, M. 2012 Acoustic monitoring of a Red Sea whale shark aggregation. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 304-305

COELHO, R. & ERZINI, K. 2012 Demographic analysis of the velvet belly lantern shark, Etmopterus spinax, caught and discarded by trawl fisheries in southern Portugal (NE Atlantic). Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 140

COELHO, R. & FERNANDEZ-CARVALHO, J. & SANTOS, M. 2012 Hooking mortality of elasmobranchs caught in a swordfish pelagic longline fishery in the Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 141

CORKE, J. & WIMMER, T. 2012 Fishers' Knowledge for Elasmobranch Conservation. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 147

COSANDEY‐GODIN, A. & WIMMER, T. & JOHN H., W. & WORM, B. 2012 No Effect from Rare‐Earth Metal Deterrent on Shark Bycatch in a Commercial Pelagic Longline Trial. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 149

COSANDEY‐GODIN, A. & WORM, B. 2012 Analysing Elasmobranch Bycatch Patterns in Arctic Canadian Waters. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 148-149

COTTON, C. & GRUBBS, D. 2012 Biology of Deep‐water Chondrichthyans: Introduction. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 150-151

COTTON, C. & GRUBBS, D. & MUSICK, J. 2012 Reproduction and embryonic development in two species of North Atlantic squaliform sharks, Centrophorus cf. niaukang and Etmopterus princeps: evidence of matrotrophy? Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 151

DALEY, R. 2012 Home range and movement of Centrophorus zeehaani on the continental slope off South Australia determined by acoustic telemetry. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 160-161

DAVIDSON, L. & DULVY, N. & FORDHAM, S. 2012 How much of the world's shark fishing is sustainable? Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 161

DAVIS, B. & WORM, B. 2012 The International Plan of Action for Sharks: How does Canada¿s national plan measure up? Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 162

DELL'APA, A. & CUDNEY-BURCH, J. & RULIFSON, R. 2012 Male:Female Ratio Changes In Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias) Fishery‐Dependent Surveys In Cape Cod; MA: Fishery Management Aspects: Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 173

DELPIANI, G. & SPATH, C. & FIGUEROA, D. 2012 Quantitative analysis of the denture of Amblyraja doellojuradoi. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 173-174

DREW, J.A. 2012 The use of anthropology holdings to reconstruct historical apex predator communities. Abstract 97th ESA Annual Meeting, Portland, 2012

DRYMON, M. & POWERS, S. & KROETZ, A. & KEVIN, F. & GAUTREAUX, J. & MOORE, F. 2012 Are tiger sharks a seasonal conduit of terrestrial energy into marine foodwebs? Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 184-185

ESPINOZA, M. & CLARKE, T. & VILLALOBOS-ROJAS, F. & WEHRTMANN, I. 2012 Dietary overlap and resource partitioning of four elasmobranch species off the Pacific of Costa Rica: implications for management. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 199-200

FARRUGIA, T. & SEITZ, A. 2012 Movement patterns of skates in the Gulf of Alaska and implications for the management of a skate fishery. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 203-204

FERNANDEZ DE CARVALHO, J. & COELHO, R. & NEVES DOS SANTOS, M. & ERZINI, K. 2012 Life history of the bigeye thresher shark, Alopias superciliosus, in the Tropical Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 207

FERREIRA, L. & AFONSO, A. & CASTILHO, P. & HAZIN, F. 2012 Habitat use of the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum, off Recife, Northeast Brazil: a combined survey with longline and acoustic telemetry. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 208

FERRY, L. 2012 Elasmobranchs in Biological Research. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 208

FIGUEROA, D. & BARBINI, S. & SCENNA, L. & DELPIANI, G. & SPATH, C. & BELLEGGIA, M. 2012 Antarctic history of the family Rajidae. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 212

FORD, R. & GELSLEICHTER, J. & FRAZIER, B. & BELCHER, C. & PIERCY, A. & GRUBBS, R.D. 2012 Reproductive Periodicity of the Blacknose Shark (Carcharhinus acronotus) within its Atlantic Range. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 220

FRAZIER, B. 2012 Age and Growth of the Bonnethead, Sphyrna tiburo, in the Coastal Atlantic Waters off the Southeastern United States. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 225-226

FRISCH, A.J. & RIZZARI, J. 2012 Estimating the abundance of apex predators: a comparison of methods. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 305

FURUMITSU, K. & KUME, G. & YAMAGUCHI, A. 2012 The importance of the innermost area of Ariake Bay, Japan as the nursery ground for elasmobranchs. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 228

GALLAGHER, A. 2012 Evolved for Extinction? The rise and fall of the hammerhead sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 231

GALVÁN‐TIRADO, C. & DÍAZ-JAIMES, P. & GARCÍA DE LEÓN, F.J. & GALVÁN-MAGAÑA, F. & URIBE-ALCOCER, M. 2012 Genetic differentiation of silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis) populations in the Pacific Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 232-233

GELSLEICHTER, J. & GRUBBS, D. & HEITHAUS, M. & LEARY, A. & PIERCY, A. 2012 Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on deepwater shark populations from the northeast Gulf of Mexico. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 241

GONZALEZ‐JURADO, D. 2012 Anatomical, Histological, and Molecular Characterization of the Venom of Squalus acanthias and Heterodontus francisci. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 255

GRAHAM, R. & RHODES, K. & NEMETH, R. & BURGESS, G. & CASTELLANOS, D. 2012 The importance of fish spawning aggregations to reef-associated sharks. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 305

GRASSMANN, M. & NATANSON, L. & SLAGER, C. & HERBERT, K. 2012 Observations of Growth and Demography in Captive‐Born Pacific Angel Sharks (Squatina californica), at Aquarium of the Bay. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 265

GRAY, T. & BERNARD, A. & CLARKE, S. & CHAPMAN, D. & MCAULEY, R. & SHIVJI, M.S. 2012 Global phylogeography of the dusky shark (Carcharinus obscurus) based on nuclear microsatellite DNA analysis: delineation of genetic stocks and the geographic sourcing of shark fins from commercial markets. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 265-266

GRUBBS, D. & GELSLEICHTER, J. & HEITHAUS, M. & KIRK, G. & CHARLES, C. 2012 Demersal elasmobranch assemblages associated with Desoto Canyon and the continental slope of the eastern Gulf of Mexico relative to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 276

GUTTRIDGE, T. & BROWN, C. 2012 Learning and memory of port jackson sharks, Heterodontus portusjacksoni. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 279

HAMADY, L.L. & NATANSON, L. & SKOMAL, G. & THORROLD, S. 2012 Testing white shark, basking shark, and dusky shark age estimation techniques using bomb radiocarbon validation. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 284

HARRIS, L. & BEDORE, C. & KAJIURA, S. 2012 Bioelectric fields of elasmobranch prey. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 286-287

HARRISON, L. & DULVY, N. 2012 Towards a Species Conservation Strategy for Sawfish. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 287

HAZIN, F. & AFONSO, A. & CERQUEIRA FERREIRA, L. 2012 Shark Monitoring Program off Recife, Brazil. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 296-297

HEITHAUS, M. & CINDY, B. & BURKHOLDER, D. & FOURQUREAN, J. 2012 Do tiger sharks influence seagrass ecosystems through multiple indirect pathways? Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 301-302

HEUPEL, M.R. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. & DULVY, N. 2012 Coral reefs: apex predator paradise or mesopredator nirvana? Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 306

HINOJOSA, S. 2012 Genetic Differneces between Giant Manta ray (Manta birostris) and the Yucatan Giant Manta ray. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 311

HOEN, D. & DRAZEN, J. & POPP, B. & CONDON, N. 2012 Does elasmobranch trophic position increase with depth? Interpreting bulk isotope data with compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 317

HOLMES, B. 2012 Long‐term movement patterns of satellite tagged tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in south eastern Australia. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 320

HOWEY‐JORDAN, L. & BROOKS, E. & BROOKS, A. & ABERCROMBIE, D. & WILLIAMS, S. & JORDAN, L. & CHAPMAN, D. 2012 Time well spent: Substantial use of the Bahamas shark sanctuary by mature female oceanic whitetip sharks revealed by pop‐off satellite archival tags. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 328

HUTCHINSON, M. & ANDERSON, J. & O'SULLIVAN, J. & HOLLAND, K. 2012 A multiple instrument approach to elucidate the movement and dive behavior of scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) in Hawaii. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 332-333

JACOBY, D. & BROOKS, E. & CROFT, D. & SIMS, D. 2012 Developing a deeper understanding of shark movements and spatial dynamics through novel application of network analyses. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 340

JAMES, K. & FERRETTI, F. & MOORE, J. & LEWISON, R. & CURTIS, K.A. & DILLINGHAM, P. 2012 Global Chondrichthyan Catch and Bycatch: Status and Sustainability. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 342

JAÑEZ, J. & ZALAZAR, R. & FALZONE, M. & ABRAHAM, C. 2012 Preliminary observations on the reproductive cycle of Myliobatis goodei in captivity. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 342-343

JIRIK, K. 2012 Reconciling professional values: a foundation to improve collaboration and communication in elasmobranch scholarship. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 346

KACEV, D. & HYDE, J. & LEWISON, R. & BOHONAK, A. 2012 Using Genetics in a Mark‐Recapture Framework to Estimate Population Size of Data Poor Elasmobranchs. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 354

KAJIURA, S. & TELLMAN, S. 2012 Quantification of massive seasonal shark aggregations. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 355

KESSEL, S. & GRUBER, S. & FRANKS, B. & GEDAMKE, T. & CHAPMAN, D. 2012 "Acoustic fishing" ‐ filling the gaps in acoustic coverage. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 367-368

KIM, S. & CASPER, D. & MARTÍNEZ DEL RIO, C. & HOEN, D. & POPP, B. & KOCH, P. 2012 Discrimination factors and incorporation rates for carbon and nitrogen isotopes from a long term feeding study with sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 370

KING, J. & MCPHIE, R. 2012 Age, growth and maturity estimates of spotted ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) in British Columbia. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 371

KNIP, D. & Heupel, M.R. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Evaluating marine protected areas for the conservation of tropical coastal sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 379-380

KOLMANN, M. & HUBER, D. & DEAN, M. & GRUBBS, D. 2012 Feeding performance in a durophagous stingray. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 385

KROETZ, A. & DRYMON, J.M. & POWERS, S.P. 2012 Did the Closure of Katrina Cut Impact the Movements of a Coastal Shark? Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 391-392

KUHNZ, L. & BIZZARRO, J. & DAVID, E. 2012 In‐situ Observation of Deep‐living Skates in the Eastern North Pacific. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 395

KUME, G. & FURUMITSU, K. & YAMAGUCHI, A. 2012 Life history of fanray Platyrhina tangi in Ariake Bay, Japan. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 395

LANA, F. & HAZIN, F. & OLIVEIRA, P. & REGO, M. & ROQUE, P. 2012 Reproductive biology, relative abundance and distribution of silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis (MULLER & HENLE, 1939), in the southwestern and equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 402-403

LARSON, S. & GRIFFING, D. & HOLLANDER, J. & CHRISTIANSEN, J. 2012 Summary of sixgill shark tagging and abundance estimates from 2003‐2009 in the urban inland waters of Elliott Bay, Seattle. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 408

LEARY, A. 2012 Evaluating the effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on coastal and pelagic species in the Gulf of Mexico via polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolite detection in bile with fixed wavelength fluorescence. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 412-413

LOTTI, M. & WETHERBEE, B. & GRACE, M. & DRIGGERS, W. 2012 At‐vessel mortality and related factors among three carcharhinid sharks caught by fisheries‐independent bottom longline surveys in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 430

LOWE, C. & ALEXANDER, X. & FORNEY, C. & MANII, E. & MOLINE, M. & CLARK, C. 2012 The future of elasmobranch behavior research: The development and utility of smart shark tracking robots. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 434

LUER, C. & WALSH, C. & RITCHIE, K. & YORDY, J. & MIEDEMA, J. & BODINE, A.B. & CANNONS, A. & LUNA, V. 2012 Antimicrobial Properties of Epidermal Mucus from Two Species of Ray (Cownose Ray, Rhinoptera bonasus, and Atlantic Stingray, Dasyatis sabina). Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 435

LYONS, K. & CARLISLE, A. & BLASIUS, M. & MULL, C. & WINKLER, C. & O'SULLIVAN, J. & LOWE, C. 2012 Levels of Organic Contaminants and Mercury in Four Species of YOY Lamnid Sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 438-439

MANDELMAN, J. & CICIA, A. & COUTRE, K. & DRIGGERS, W. & INGRAM, W. & SULIKOWSKI, J. 2012 The survival of rajids discarded in western Northwest Atlantic commercial otter‐trawling operations. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 448-449

MARQUEZ‐FARIAS, J.F. & SMITH, W. & RODRÍGUEZ LÓPEZ, J. & LARA-MENDOZA, R. 2012 Growth and migration of scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini from the nursery in the southern Gulf of California, México. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 455

MATICH, P. & HEITHAUS, M. 2012 Resource pulses drive seasonal variability in bull shark trophic ecology. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 460

MCCALLISTER, M. & DIGIROLAMO, T. & GELSLEICHTER, J. 2012 Understanding the effect of prey abundance on habitat selection for the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) in a northeast Florida estuary. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 463-464

MCCUTCHEON, S. & KAJIURA, S. 2012 Lanthanide metals as potential shark deterrents. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 465-466

MCFARLANE, G.A. & CISNEROS, A. & KING, J. & SUMAILA, R. 2012 Economic Impacts of Shark Conservation in British Columbia. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 466-467

MCPHERSON, D. & BLAIYOK, K. & MASSE, B. & HELFMAN, G. 2012 Large jacks attack and kill Blacktip Reef Sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 471

MCPHIE, R. 2012 Diel vertical migration of bluntnose sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus) in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 471

MCVEIGH, D. 2012 Genetic Analysis of Populations of the Cownose Ray, Rhinoptera bonasus, in the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 471-472

MEEKAN, M. & FORTIN, M.J. & TRAVERS, M. & GILMOUR, J. & RUPPERT, J. 2012 Taken out of context: the effects of shark removal in the dynamic environment of a coral reef. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 306

MOURIER, J. & PLANES, S. 2012 Inferring social behaviour and mating patterns in a reef shark from social network and molecular analyses. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 306-307

MUCIENTES, G. & QUEIROZ, N. & HUMPHRIES, N. & SABORIDO, F. & SIMS, D. 2012 Movements, behaviour and habitat preferences of pop‐up satellite tracked shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) in the North Atlantic. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 497-498

MULL, C.G. & YOPAK, K.E. & DULVY, N.K. 2012 Reproductive Strategy, Brain Size and Structure in Chrondrichthyans. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 498-499

MUSICK, J. & COTTON, C. 2012 Bathymetric limits of chondrichthyans in the deep sea. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 502

NEWBY, J. & SHEDLOCK, A. 2012 An examination of population genetic and social structure in the spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) found seasonally off coastal Sarasota, Fl. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 508-509

NOSAL, A. & LEWALLEN, E. & BURTON, R. 2012 Low incidence of multiple paternity in leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) sampled from a predominantly female aggregation in southern California, USA. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 515

ODDONE, M.C. & BIANCHINI, A. 2012 Inferences on in situ egg‐laying behavior in genus Sympterygia from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean and implications on embryonic development. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 518-519

OLIVER, S. & HUSSEY, N. & TURNER, J. & BECKETT, A. 2012 Oceanic sharks visit a coral reef for cleaning. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 307

ORMOND, R. & & CLARKE, C. & LEA, J. 2012 Comparative abundance of reef sharks in the Western Indian Ocean. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 307

O'SHEA, O. 2012 Bioturbation by stingrays at Ningaloo Reef, Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 531

PASSEROTTI, M. & ANDREWS, A. & CARLSON, J. & WINTNER, S. & NATANSON & LISA 2012 Age validation in sand tiger shark, Carcharias taurus, using bomb radiocarbon analysis. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 542

PHILLIPS, N. & CHAPLIN, J. & MORGAN, D. & PEVERELL, S. 2012 Stock structure in the Indo‐West Pacific Pristis sawfishes: the importance of habitat use in the evolution of sex‐biased dispersal. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 555-556

PICKARD, A. & WETHERBEE, B. & NEMETH, R. & KADISON, E. & BLONDEAU, J. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Characterization of shark movements on a mesophotic Caribbean coral reef and temporal association with fish spawning aggregations. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 557-558

PLANK, S. & WINSTON, S. 2012 Photo identification using modern feature recognition and classification. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 562-563

POMPERT, J. & PIERCE, G. & BRICKLE, P. & ARKHIPKIN, A. 2012 A comparison of the life history strategies of the Falkland skate (Bathyraja macloviana) and the joined‐fin skate (Bathyraja cousseauae) using age estimations from caudal thorns. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 564

POMPERT, J. & PIERCE, G. & BRICKLE, P. & ARKHIPKIN, A. 2012 Reproductive strategies of two species of skate (Bathyraja macloviana and Bathyraja cousseauae) inhabiting the Falkland Islands shelf; a comparison. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 565

PRATT, H. & HEIST, E. & PRATT, T. & CARRIER, J. 2012 Sexual conflict in the nurse shark, Ginglymostoma cirratum: five compensatory behaviors. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 571

QUEIROZ, N. & HUMPHRIES, N. & MUCIENTES, G. & SOUSA, L. & SIMS, D. 2012 Behaviour, critical habitat and fisheries interactions of pelagic sharks in the North Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 580-581

RIGBY, C. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. 2012 Habitat associations of deepwater chondrichthyan life history traits. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 595

ROYER, M. & NOSAL, A. & LANKFORD, T. & CARTAMIL, D. & WEGNER, N. & GRAHAM, J. 2012 Foraging Ecology of the Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata) in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve using Non‐Destructive Dietary Analysis. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 614-615

RUPPERT, J. & VIGLIOLA, L.FORTIN, M.J. & MEEKAN, M. 2012 Apex predators and human populations as structuring agents on coral reefs. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 307-308

SEMBA, Y. & SHONO, H. & YOKAWA, K. 2012 Distributional pattern of shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus, by ontogenetic stage and sex in the western and central North Pacific. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 646

SERÉT, B. 2012 Deep‐sea sharks from La Reunion (SW Indian Ocean). Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 648

SHIFFMAN, D. & GALLAGHER, A. & WESTER, J. & HAMMERSCHLAG, N. 2012 Catch and release recreational shark fishing in Florida: economic, social, and policy implications. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 653

SHIVJI, M. & HORN, R. 2012 A meta‐analysis of matrilineal population genetic structure in fishery exploited sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 656-657

SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. & Heupel, M.R. & & TOBIN, A. 2012 The role of non-resident sharks in shaping coral reef communities. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 308

SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. & RIGBY, C. 2012 How low is too low? Depletion reference points for deepwater chondrichthyans. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 661

SMITH, K. & KAJIURA, S. 2012 Elasmobranch Bycatch Mitigation. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 669-670

SPAET, J. & SKOMAL, G. & BERUMEN, M. 2012 The current status of sharks in the Red Sea. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 308-309

SPEED, C. & MEEKAN, M. & FIELD, I. & MCMAHON, C. & HARCOURT, R. & STEVENS, J. & PILLANS, R. & MCAULEY, R. & BRADSHAW, C. 2012 Marine parks for reef sharks: shark movements at Ningaloo Reef. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 309

STEHMANN, M.F.W. 2012 Dipturus nidarosiensis (Storm, 1881), a NE Atlantic deepwater composite skate species. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 686

STRAUBE, N. & CORRIGAN, S. & LI, C. & ROCHEL, E. & ROSANA, K. & NAYLOR, G. 2012 Putting some jaws on the Tree of Life: Taxon‐rich estimates of elasmobranch phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 696

STRAUBE, N. & NAYLOR, G. & EBERT, D. & CORRIGAN, S. & LI, C. & ROCHEL, E. & LESLIE, R. 2012 A molecular approach to estimate the etmopterid species‐diversity off South Africa. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 695-696

STUMP, K. & CROOKS, C. & GRUBER, S. 2012 Hunted hunters: an experimental test of the effects of predation risk on juvenile shark habitat use. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 698

SULIKOWSKI, J. & CARLSON, A. & KNOTEK, R. & PETERSON, C. & BUBLEY, W. & DRIGGERS, W. & HOFFMAYER, E. & TSANG, P. 2012 Spiny Dogfish: How new hypotheses', new data, and a little luck, may lead to a better understanding of this species in the U.S. western north Atlantic Ocean. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 700

TANAKA, S. & NOHARA, K. & BURNS, F. & NEAT, F. 2012 Morphological and genetic comparison of the genus Deania between European and Japanese waters. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 705

TESTERMAN, C. & BRUNNSCHWEILER, J.M. & GULAK, S. & WERRY, J. & JABADO, R. & JONES, C. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Global Population Genetic Structure and Parentage Analysis of the Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas). Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 713

TESTERMAN, C. & FITZPATRICK, S. & PRODÖHL, P. & SIMPFENDORFER, C.A. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Global Phylogeography and Mating System Analysis of the Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran). Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 712

TESTERMAN, C. & WINTNER, S. & MCAULEY, R. & CARTAMIL, D. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Global Population Genetic Analysis of the Smooth Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna zygaena). Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 712-713

THOMAS, W.K. & KING, B. & GENOME, S. 2012 The Skate Genome Project. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 713-714

TOMITA, T. & SATO, K. & SUDA, K. & KAWAUCHI, J. & NAKAYA, K. 2012 Feeding of the megamouth shark (Pisces: Lamniformes: Megachasmidae) predicted by its hyoid arch: A biomechanical approach. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 725-726

USHAN, M. & WOOD, E. & SALEEM, M. & SATTAR, S.A. 2012 'Sharkwatch' Maldives. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 309

VAUDO, J. & WETHERBEE, B. & HOWEY, P. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Vertical movements of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) tagged in the US Virgin Islands. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 745

VERÍSSIMO, A. & COTTON, C. & BUCH, R. & BURGESS, G. & GULLART, J. 2012 A revision of the gulper sharks (genus Centrophorus) in North Atlantic waters. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 749

VIGNAUD, T. & MOURIER, J. & CLUA, E. & PLANES, S. 2012 Evidence of fragmented reef shark populations in the insular Pacific. Abstract In: Book of Abstracts. 12th International Coral Reef Symposium, 9-13 July 2012, Cairns, Queensland, Australia: 309-310

VILA POUCA, C. & QUEIROZ, N. & MUCIENTES, G. & HUMPHRIES, N. & SIMS, D. 2012 High‐resolution diving behaviour revealed by satellite tagging of blue sharks. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 751-752

WALSH, C. & LUER, C. & YORDY, J. & MIEDEMA, J. & LEIGH, B. & ADAMS, P. 2012 Epigonal Conditioned Medium from Bonnethead Shark Induces Apoptosis in T‐cell Leukemia Cells, and Preferentially Targets Breast Cancer Cells Compared with Normal Breast Cells. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 762

WEIGMANN, S. & STEHMANN, M. & THIEL, R. 2012 Okamejei n. sp., a new deep‐water skate (Elasmobranchii, Rajidae) from the northwestern Indian Ocean off the Sokotra Islands, with comments on congeners in the area. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 771-772

WENG, K. & COMFORT, C. 2012 Habitat of a globally distributed deep water shark, Hexanchus griseus, in Hawaii. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 776

WETHERBEE, B. & HARVEY, G. & BURNIE, N. & AMING, C. & BYRNE, M. & SHIVJI, M. 2012 Contrary to ordinary ‐ long‐term movements of tiger sharks reveal both variable and consistent movements. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 779

WHITE, E. & NAGY, J. & GRUBER, S. 2012 A stage‐structured stochastic model of lemon shark population dynamics. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 779

WHITE, W. & LAST, P. 2012 A review of taxonomy of chondrichthyan fishes: a modern perspective. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 781-782

WIMMER, T. & CORKE, J. & COOPER, E. & MCFARLANE, G.A.. 2012 Developing priorities for the conservation and management of sharks in Canada. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 789

WUERINGER, B. & SQUIRE, L. & COLLIN, S.P.. 2012 Intraspecific interactions between sawfish. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 795

WYFFELS, J. & MCLAUGHLIN, D. & MORRISSEY, J. 2012 Scyliorhinus retifer egg jelly liquefaction. Abstract - Poster World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 796

YOPAK, K.E. & MCMEANS, B. & KOVACS, K. & LYDERSEN, C. & FISK, A. 2012 Can we infer function from elasmobranch brain morphology? A study of Somniosidae. Abstract. World Congress of Herpetology, Vancouver, Canada, August 8 - 14, 2012, Book of Abstracts: 799

Fossil:

BECKER, M.A. & CHAMBERLAIN, J.A. 2012 Squalicorax Chips a Tooth: A Consequence of Feeding-Related Behavior from the Lowermost Navesink Formation (Late Cretaceous: Campanian-Maastrichtian) of Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA. Geosciences, 2 (2): 109-129

CUNY, G. 2012 Freshwater hybodont sharks in Early Cretaceous ecosystems : A review. In: Bernissart dinosaurs and Early Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems, GODEFROIT, P. (ed.), Indiania University Press, Bloomington: 519-529

FISCHER, J. & VOIGT, S. & FRANZ, M. & SCHNEIDER, J.W. & JOACHIMSKI, M.M. & TICHOMIROWA, M. & GÖTZE, J. & FURRER, H. 2012 Palaeoenvironments of the late Triassic Rhaetian Sea: Implications from oxygen and
strontium isotopes of hybodont shark teeth. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 353-355: 60-72 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2012.07.002

GUINOT, G. & ADNET, S. & CAPPETTA, H. 2012 An Analytical Approach for Estimating Fossil Record and Diversification Events in Sharks, Skates and Rays. PLoS ONE, 7 (9): e44632 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0044632

GUINOT, G. & CAPPETTA, H. & UNDERWOOD, C.J. & WARD, D.J. 2012 Batoids (Elasmobranchii: Batomorphii) from the British and French Late Cretaceous. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, 10 (3): 445–474 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2011.588255

KIEL, S. & PECKMANN, J. & SIMON, K. 2012 Catshark egg capsules from a Late Eocene deep-water methane-seep deposit in western Washington State, USA. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, in press http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2011.0077

LANE, J.A. & MAISEY, J.G. 2012 The Visceral Skeleton and Jaw Suspension In the Durophagous Hybodontid Shark Tribodus limae from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. Journal of Paleontology, 86 (5): 886-905

MALYSHKINA, T. 2012 New Sharks of the Genus Abdounia (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) from the Upper Eocene of the Trans-Ural Region. Paleonotological Journal, 46 (4): 392-399 http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S0031030112040053

NAGRODSKI, M. & SHIMADA, K. & SCHUMACHER, B.A. 2012 Marine vertebrates from the Hartland Shale (Upper Cretaceous: Upper Cenomanian) in southeastern Colorado, USA. Cretaceous Research, 37: 76–88 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2012.03.007

SCHINDLER, T. 2012 Die Fossilien der Pfalz: Altbekanntes und neue Funde. Fossilien, 2012 (1): 19-26, 19 Abb.

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MISCELLANEOUS:

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19484530

Lemon sharks 'learn' skills by watching each other

By Matt BardoReporter, BBC Nature

Lemon sharks have the ability to learn from each other's behaviour, scientists have found.

The team compared the performance of inexperienced juvenile sharks working with both trained and untrained partners.

The results showed that sharks working with trained partners could complete tasks more quickly and successfully.

The study is thought to be the first to demonstrate social learning in any cartilaginous fish.

"I think it's a really cool finding," said lead author Dr Tristan Guttridge, director of the Bimini Biological Field Station in the Bahamas, whose paper was published in the Journal of Animal Cognition.

Shark Attack

The results are a significant breakthrough, according to Dr Guttridge.

"It's a pretty exciting finding that these little lemon sharks are able to pick up social cues from each other," he said.

The evidence came from a task-based experiment with juvenile sharks conducted in an underwater pen.

The pen contained an "indicator zone" which functioned as the start area. In the other corner was a "target zone" in which there was a black and white marker that could be covered or exposed by the scientists.

When the sharks swam into the indicator zone, the target was exposed.

By swimming into the target zone and bumping the black and white target they earned a piece of barracuda, which was lowered into the pool.

One group of sharks, the "trained demonstrators" was trained in this task until they could complete it roughly six times every minute. Another group, the "sham demonstrators", was left untrained.

Members of each group were then paired up with "naive", untrained sharks and the pairs were introduced to the pool, observed and filmed.

Lemon sharks demonstrated their social learning skills during the experiment in the Bahamas

"You can see the shark that's been with the demonstrator, how interested he is in the particular zones, moving between them," said Dr Guttridge of the video footage.

"It's really quite obvious that they're picking up social cues from the other individual and the excited behaviour of the demonstrator is getting the other guy interested as well."

The study then isolated those sharks that had observed the demonstrators to see how they performed on their own.

The juveniles that had been paired with "demonstrator sharks" completed a greater number of trials more quickly than those with untrained partners.

Feeding frenzy

Dr Guttridge originally thought of the experiment while watching the behaviour of lemon sharks near his research station.

"If you see one performing these kind of tight circles and these excited foraging behaviours, often very quickly another one will start doing the same thing."

The findings for lemon sharks suggest that other species of cartilaginous fish may share this ability

"[They are] attracted to the kind of behaviour of the other individual and so the lemon shark was the perfect model species for this."

Social learning has already been widely demonstrated among other species and animal groups including corvids, chimps and bats.

"In all these other animals it has been shown to be of real importance to different behavioural processes," said Dr Guttridge, suggesting the same could be true for sharks.

"Sharks do migrate long distances and maybe there's a social context to this as well," he told BBC Nature, comparing his subjects with whales and dolphins that learn their migration routes through culture.

The biologist now hopes to better understand the processes that lemon sharks use to learn from each other.

"There are many different social learning processes and in this paper we haven't demonstrated one over another," he said.

"We would need to do a much more controlled experiment to eke out the actual social learning processes that are going on."

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NEWSLETTER 09/2012 15. August 2012

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