Development and Application of Techniques for the Control of Captive Breeding in Elasmobranchs

Abstract

Appearing 420 million years ago, sharks and rays constitute an ancient and ecologically diverse group of aquatic vertebrates known as elasmobranchs. This diverse group possesses life strategies that make them highly vulnerable to rapid environmental changes, such as those resulting from anthropogenic actions. Despite being key elements in regulating the ecosystems in which they live, they are currently one of the most threatened vertebrate groups on the planet.In parallel with in situ conservation, ex situ conservation programs can be used to improve the situation of some sensitive species. Among these programs, captive breeding plans would increase the sustainability of public aquariums and research centres, as well as allow the development of conservation strategies in the wild. However, to be effective, these plans should include the use of assisted reproductive control techniques. Unfortunately, these techniques have been scarcely developed in the past, so their usefulness has not been adequately proven.