A safe haven for potential reproductive aggregations of the critically endangered Brazilian guitarfish (Pseudobatos horkelii). Issue 6 (31st August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Antônio B.; Fiuza, Thiago M. J.; Araujo, Gabriel S.; Canterle, Angela M.; Canto, Luiza M. C.; Freitas, Renato H. A.; Gadig, Otto B. F.; Floeter, Sergio R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 99:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2030
• Page End: 2034
• Publication Date: 2021-08-31
• Subjects: Endemic elasmobranch -- Marine Protected Areas -- Overfishing -- Rays and Sharks -- Reproductive aggregations -- Southwestern Atlantic; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14880
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract: Brazilian endemic batoid elasmobranch populations have declined dramatically in the past 40 years due to anthropic activities ( e.g ., overfishing). The Brazilian guitarfish, Pseudobatos horkelii, included in the IUCN red list of endangered species [Critically Endangered (CR)], has been captured as by‐catch by trawling fishing boats to the edge of extinction. Despite governmental conservation initiatives, the species is still caught and commercialized along the Brazilian coast. In this study, the authors report three rare aggregation events for the Brazilian coast of P. horkelii, inside the only nearshore no‐entry Brazilian marine protected area. Strategies for its protection are also discussed.