Global conservation status and research needs for tarpons (Megalopidae), ladyfishes (Elopidae) and bonefishes (Albulidae)

Abstract

We assessed the taxonomic diversity, geographic distributions, life history, ecology and fisheries of tarpons, ladyfishes and bonefishes (members of the subdivision Elopomorpha), which share many life history and habitat use characteristics that make them vulnerable to environmental and anthropogenic stresses in coastal environments. This assessment of Red List status for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature reveals three species considered near threatened or vulnerable, three species of least concern, and 11 data‐deficient species. Although the taxonomy of tarpons appears stable, it is less so for ladyfishes and bonefishes. In aggregate, these species are distributed circumtropically and foray into temperate zones. Although they spawn in marine habitats, larvae of many species disperse into estuarine habitats, which are declining in area or degrading in quality. Several species support high‐value recreational fisheries, or culturally important small‐scale commercial and artisanal fisheries. Nonetheless, no formal stock assessment exists for any species, so improved data collection, information sharing and assessment techniques should facilitate socio‐economic development of individual fisheries. Catch‐and‐release recreational fisheries that promote conservation of tarpon and bonefishes in some regions are promising models to improve the conservation status of these fishes elsewhere, as well as the economic development of these fishing communities. Most tarpons, ladyfishes and bonefishes likely face significant challenges from anthropogenically mediated habitat loss and alteration, and several are vulnerable to both habitat degradation and overfishing. Broader protection and enhancements to fisheries habitat in all regions will benefit these as well as many other coastal fishery species.

How do en route events around the Gulf of Mexico influence migratory landbird populations?

“…Examples of these are the role of by-catch for coastal species (Adams et al 2014), longline fisheries by-catch for pelagic species (Restrepo et al 2003), wetland habitats and their loss in fish that use estuaries and other coastal areas as nurseries, and pollution (Jue et al 2014), hydrological modification and dams (Nelson et al 2013), hypoxia/dead zone (Breitburg 2002), invasive species (Cote and Maljkovic 2010), and maritime transport and ecotourism activities (Hueter and Tyminski 2012). …”

Red List of Marine Bony Fishes of the Eastern Central Atlantic

“…These include tunas and billfishes (Collette et al 2011), surgeonfishes (Comeros-Raynal et al 2012), groupers (Sadovy et al 2013) bonefishes (Adams et al 2014), blennioids (Polidoro et al 2014), porgies (Comeros-Raynal et al in review), puffers (Stump et al in prep), wrasses and eels, among others.The remaining ~1,000 species were assessed during three workshops held in West Africa over the course of three years (January 2012-December 2014) with generous funding from the MAVA Foundation.…”

Occurrence Of Atlantic Tarpon, Megalops atlanticus, Leptocephali In The Mississippi Sound Estuary

“…Although there are restrictions on the harvest of Atlantic Tarpon in some parts of the United States, fishing pressure for human consumption still exists in parts of its range, including Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, Africa, and Caribbean islands (Garcia andSolano 1995, Stein et al 2016). Evidence suggests that populations of Atlantic Tarpon have declined in many parts of its range and are now listed as "Vulnerable" with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (Adams et al 2014).…”