Shark and Ray Life History

Sharks and rays comprise an increasingly threatened group of aquatic predators. As the world’s shark and ray populations decline, improved conservation and management of these species is critical. Recognising that life history parameters form the basis for much of this research, we have compiled a ‘Shark and Ray Life History’ virtual issue of Marine and Freshwater Research.

The articles included in this virtual issue represent a broad spectrum of life history studies in terms of both species diversity (for both sharks and rays) and habitat diversity (from estuaries to the deep sea). Several of these studies represent the first records of life history parameters for a species, directly addressing the data that are lacking for many shark and ray species. Many of the studies are on commercially exploited species and provide information that will directly contribute to their improved management. Other studies are on less commonly caught species and contribute to the broader understanding of shark and ray ecology and the development of ecosystem-based management.