Description
The largely unexplored Chilean fjords are diverse and complex ecosystems that contain high marine biodiversity. Initial data from the Comau Fjord in Northern Patagonia indicate that several species of elasmobranchs (sharks and skates) inhabit the fjord, yet, there remains a paucity on such inventory studies throughout the Chilean fjords. This study conducts an elasmobranch species inventory in the Comau Fjord over a period of six months, combing morphological and molecular data to confirm the species identification. Biological data were additionally collected (i.e. sex, maturity and length) to gain insights into the biological aspects of the elasmobranch community in the fjord and their relative abundance. In total, > 300 sharks and skates were recorded, belonging to six families and nine species. The results show that more species of elasmobranchs inhabit the fjord than previously assumed and that this is equivalent to nearly 20% of the elasmobranch richness found in Southern Chile. The Comau Fjord was further suggested to be a crucial habitat for several elasmobranchs, including the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) and the bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus). This is the first time that a species inventory of elasmobranchs is conducted in a Chilean fjord system. The study provides information about the elasmobranch community and their functioning role within the fjord ecosystem, which is essential for decision makers and conservation managers to improve and conserve the elasmobranch biodiversity.| Period | 21 Oct 2024 |
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| Event title | The European Elasmobranch Association Conference 2024 |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Thessaloniki, GreeceShow on map |