Elasmobranchs or 'elasmos' represent a group of ~1,200 species of sharks and rays
THE MISSION
The Elasmo Project is a non-profit initiative based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its mission is to advance research, education, and conservation of elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) around the world.
THE VISION
The Elasmo Project aims to gain a better understanding of shark and ray species (diversity, abundance, and distribution) as well as the threats they are facing. The project was started in 2010 as part of a PhD study lead by Rima Jabado. Results from her research indicated that sharks and rays in the UAE were being targeted not only for local consumption but also for the trade in shark products (especially fins and meat). Her study clearly showed that many species were being heavily exploited and that fisheries were unsustainable. While there are some regulations and management measures across the region to protect certain species, data on most sharks and rays remain sparse and there is still limited understanding of the conservation status of these animals. It is likely that without accurate and scientifically based information to support conservation measures, governments in the region will not prioritise elasmobranch protection.
The situation is similar in many understudied regions of the world. We need basic but fundamental information on the status of various shark and ray stocks. This is why the Elasmo Project is either coordinating or collaborating with various organizations globally to gather information on sharks and rays across Africa and Asia. Through these collaborations and working on the ground with key stakeholders, we are informing policy at national, regional and international levels, supporting legislative updates, and putting shark and ray conservation on the political agenda.
The situation is similar in many understudied regions of the world. We need basic but fundamental information on the status of various shark and ray stocks. This is why the Elasmo Project is either coordinating or collaborating with various organizations globally to gather information on sharks and rays across Africa and Asia. Through these collaborations and working on the ground with key stakeholders, we are informing policy at national, regional and international levels, supporting legislative updates, and putting shark and ray conservation on the political agenda.
HISTORY
The Elasmo Project began in 2010 as part of a PhD project aimed at gaining a better understanding of shark and ray species, abundance, and distribution in the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters region (specifically in the Arabian/Persian Gulf waters of the United Arab Emirates). The fish fauna in the Indian Ocean and especially the northwestern area including the Arabian Sea, Sea of Oman and Arabian / Persian Gulf was still understudied at that time. The project was then called the Gulf Elasmo Project and was focused on advancing research, education, and conservation of sharks and rays in that region. The project has since grown exponentially and expanded to include 15 projects in nine countries, namely, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Angola, Senegal, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Ghana. All these projects have components focused on understanding fisheries from the viewpoint of fishers; collating and analysis fishery dependent data; gathering independent data; understanding the dynamics of the trade in derivative-products; and working with governments and fisheries stakeholders to inform policy at national, regional, and international levels. All projects are led by local students or early career scientists to ensure capacity sharing and knowledge transfer.
ELASMOBRANCHS
Elasmobranchs are characterised by 5 to 7 pairs of gill openings on the side of their heads, dermal denticles for scales (placoid), and a spiracle (small respiratory opening behind each eye). Since the year 2000, more than 200 new species of elasmobranchs have been described, with an average of approximately 25 new species per year since 2007. Many of these newly discovered species are either deepsea inhabitants from regions that have previously been understudied or species that are now being recognised because of access to remote areas and advances in genetic studies. These discoveries highlight the importance and need of accurate taxonomical identification if we are to manage these species.
The life-history patterns of elasmos are very different from most teleost fish. Most species are long-lived with biological characteristics that consist of slow growth, late maturity, and the production of few young. It is believed that the current exploitation levels of many elasmo species is unsustainable and that their depletion will have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Elasmobranchs are extremely vulnerable to fishing pressure and once populations are overexploited, they are extremely slow to recover.
The life-history patterns of elasmos are very different from most teleost fish. Most species are long-lived with biological characteristics that consist of slow growth, late maturity, and the production of few young. It is believed that the current exploitation levels of many elasmo species is unsustainable and that their depletion will have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Elasmobranchs are extremely vulnerable to fishing pressure and once populations are overexploited, they are extremely slow to recover.
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