New records of elasmobranchs in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: further taxonomic research is essential

Abstract

To evaluate the species diversity and strengthen the taxonomic identification of elasmobranchs in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, a study was conducted in the southeast coastal region between January 2016 and March 2018. Using morphological and genetic identification techniques, this study presents 22 species from the region. Thirteen of these are new records. The new records consist of eight species from the family Dasyatidae, and one each from Mobulidae, Rhinobatidae, Narcinidae, Hemiscylliidae and Triakidae. Furthermore, four occurrences are first verified reports, and five are potential new records requiring further taxonomic investigation.

Fishers' tales—Impact of artisanal fisheries on threatened sharks and rays in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

“…Endorsing local governance, providing adequate and long-term education, training, technical facilities, and incentives are crucial for fishers to adhere to management actions and regulations. The current study found low to medium identification capacity amongst fishers for morphologically similar species, difficult for untrained personnel (Haque, White, et al, 2021). Education and training in species identification linked with existing knowledge (ability to identify specific groups and taxa, see Section 3.3) will contribute toward species/taxa-specific regulation compliance.…”

“…Lack of research—effective fisheries management requires reliable and regionally accurate population assessments and socio‐ecological understanding (Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021; Haque, D'Costa, et al 2021; Haque, Washim, et al 2021; Haque, White et al 2021).…”

“…In the absence of baseline studies, fisher's knowledge provides an unconventional yet highly valuable basis for assessing fishery status, population trends, and for conducting further quantitative assessments. While it is clear from this and other recent studies (Haque et al, 2020;Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021;Haque & Spaet, 2021;Haque, White, et al, 2021) that F I G U R E 4 Model for fisher's meaningful inclusion and collaboration for science/research, local governance, and filed implementation of conservation actions toward species protection Bangladesh needs to prioritize elasmobranch conservation and sustainable fisheries management, the approach needs to be holistic and inclusive. Fishers need to be included in co-designing management actions and participating in governance.…”

“…However, the sustainable management of these fisheries is underpinned by data, enabling effective monitoring and assessment, and a good understanding of the fishery, together with high levels of compliance to regulations (Prince, 2005; Dulvy et al, 2017; Simpfendorfer & Dulvy, 2017; Dulvy et al, 2021; Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021). Despite initiatives such as the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to develop sustainable management plans for elasmobranchs (https://www.fao.org/ipoa-sharks), many developing countries face challenges resulting from limited research and resources (e.g., Bornatowski et al, 2014; de Mitcheson et al, 2018; Haque et al, 2020; Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021; Haque, D'Costa, et al, 2021; Haque, White, et al, 2021).…”

“…This study focuses on Bangladesh, a developing country situated at the northern tip of the BoB, where elasmobranchs have been exploited for decades. Fisheries expansion has increased catch levels to some extent; however, recent declines have been observed (Haque et al, 2020; Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021; Haque, D'Costa, et al, 2021; Haque, Washim, et al, 2021; Haque, White, et al, 2021; Hoq et al, 2011). All BoB coastal and marine fisheries catch elasmobranchs, in either targeted or bycatch fisheries (Haque et al, 2020; Haque, Cavanagh, & Seddon, 2021; Haque, D'Costa, et al, 2021;Haque, Washim, et al, 2021; Haque, White, et al, 2021).…”