Standardized data to support conservation prioritization for sharks and batoids (Elasmobranchii)
Rikke Oegelund Nielsen1,2, Rita da Silva1,2,3, Jacqueline Juergens1,4
1Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
Data in Brief
|October 21, 2020
Summary
This study synthesizes global data on 1,226 shark, ray, and skate species, covering biology, conservation status, and management. The comprehensive dataset aids in prioritizing elasmobranch conservation efforts worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Conservation Science
- Biodiversity Informatics
Background:
- Elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates) face numerous threats globally.
- A comprehensive, standardized dataset is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies.
- Existing data are often fragmented across various sources, hindering holistic assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collate and synthesize global data for 1,226 Elasmobranch species.
- To standardize information across diverse sources, including online databases, legal documents, and scientific literature.
- To create a comparable dataset for informing elasmobranch conservation and management.
Main Methods:
- Data compilation from online databases, legal documents, and websites for 1,226 species.
- Standardization of all data according to the Catalogue of Life taxonomic nomenclature.
- Grouping data into five categories: biological information, conservation status, management, use, and international conventions.
Main Results:
- Detailed biological information including migration, habitat, life-history traits, and genomic data.
- Conservation status assessment using IUCN Red List and Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) data.
- Inclusion of management opportunities, use data (trade, aquaculture, fisheries), and international treaty status (CITES, CMS, UNCLOS, etc.).
Conclusions:
- The synthesized dataset provides a comparable foundation for elasmobranch research.
- It will assist in in-situ and ex-situ population management for sharks and batoids.
- The data is valuable for policymakers, conservationists, and scientists in prioritizing elasmobranch conservation actions.
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