Chondrichthyan Diversity, Conservation Status, and Management Challenges in Costa Rica
REVIEW published: 13 March 2018 doi: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00085 Chondrichthyan Diversity, Conservation Status, and Management Challenges in Costa Rica Mario Espinoza 1,2*, Eric Díaz 3, Arturo Angulo 1,4,5, Sebastián Hernández 6,7 and Tayler M. Clarke 1,8 1 Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, 2 Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, 3 Escuela de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Estatal a Distancia, San José, Costa Rica, 4 Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica, 5 Laboratório de Ictiologia, Departamento de Zoologia e Botânica, UNESP, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, 6 Biomolecular Laboratory, Center for International Programs, Universidad VERITAS, San José, Costa Rica, 7 Sala de Colecciones Biologicas, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Catolica del Norte, Antofagasta, Chile, 8 Changing Ocean Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Understanding key aspects of the biology and ecology of chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, rays, and chimeras), as well as the range of threats affecting their populations is crucial Edited by: Steven W. Purcell, given the rapid rate at which some species are declining. In the Eastern Tropical Pacific Southern Cross University, Australia (ETP), the lack of knowledge, unreliable (or non-existent) landing statistics, and limited Reviewed by: enforcement of existing fisheries regulations has hindered management and conservation Mourier Johann, USR3278 Centre de Recherche efforts for chondrichthyan species. This review evaluated our current understanding of Insulaire et Observatoire de Costa Rican chondrichthyans and their conservation status.
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