Is Opportunistic Sampling Enough? Shark and Ray Population Genetics and Bioecology in Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey

18 Aug 2016 Iskenderun Bay, Turkey, Asia Fishes | Marine

Elizabeth Grace Tunka Bengil


Other projects

20 Apr 2015

Can Opportunistic Sampling Provide Information for Conservation of Sharks and Rays? Chondrichthyans Population Genetics and Breeding Ecology in Turkish Seas

6 Jun 2023

An Overlooked Habitat: Importance of Estuaries for Elasmobranchs

To understand threatened sharks and rays biology and population genetics with opportunistic sampling methods for their conservation and survival in Turkish waters.

None

The first project indicated that opportunistic sampling was a very useful methodology for collecting information on chondrichthyans and conservation. We learned that in central Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey are at least 4 species breeding and nursery grounds. Also that local community as well as the fisherwomen-fishermen are keen to learn more on shark and ray species and to help make a difference. As a result we have focused our efforts to 3 main areas; Gediz Lagoon in central Aegean Sea, Gökova Bay in southern Aegean Sea and Iskenderun Bay in eastern Mediterranean. Improving already established information network and focusing the effort to 3 stations will increase the information quality and quantity and the impact of the project. In addition to first project and according to the obtained results, information collection on egg laying shark and ray species by determining laying areas by fishing areas of the fishing nets with tangled egg cases will be conducted. This will help to obtain more information on these species reproduction behaviour and will help determine possible protection zones.

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