Vol.24 – 2018 – No.1 – Journal of the Black Sea / Mediterranean Environment

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS FOR THREE ELASMOBRANCH SPECIES FROM THE SEA OF MARMARA

Length-weight relationships for three elasmobranch species from the Sea of Marmara

Ali İşmen, Cahide Çiğdem Yığın, Mukadder Arslan İhsanoğlu, Burak Daban

Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Marine Science and Technology Faculty, 17100, Çanakkale, TURKEY

Abstract

Length-weight relationships were estimated for three elasmobranch species from the Sea of Marmara. Specimens were collected by beam trawl between September 2011 and July 2014. A total of 192 individuals (130 Raja clavata, 45 Scyliorhinus canicula, 17 Torpedo marmorata) were examined. Results indicated that R. clavata and S. canicula have positive allometric growth and T. marmorata has negative allometric growth. Due to the lack of data on length-weight relationships of elasmobranch species in the Sea of Marmara, these results contribute to our knowledge of this species.

Keywords: Marmara Sea, length-weight relationship, Raja clavata, Scyliorhinus canicula, Torpedo marmorata

References

Akalın, S., İlhan, D., Özaydın, O. (2015) Length-weight relationships for 30 demersal fish species from Çandarlı Bay (North Aegean Sea, Turkey). Croat. J. Fish. 73: 73-76.

Başusta, A., Başusta, N., Sulikowski, J.A., Driggers, W.B., Demirhan, S.A., Çiçek, E. (2012) Length-weight relationships for nine species of batoids from the Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 28(5): 850-851.

Bilecenoğlu, M., Kaya, M., Cihangir, B., Çiçek, E. (2014) An updated checklist of the marine fishes of Turkey. Turk. J. Zool. 38: 901-929.

Bilge, G., Filiz, H., Tarkan, A.N. (2010) Length-weight relationship of velvet belly lantern shark Etmopterus spinax (Linnaeus, 1758) in Sıgacık Bay (Aegean Sea). Istanbul University, J Fish Aquat Sci. 25(1): 1-8.

Bilge, G., Yapici, S., Filiz, H., Cerim, H. (2014). Weight length relations for 103 fish species from the southern Aegean Sea, Turkey. Acta Ichtyol. Pisc. 44(3): 263.

Bök, D.T., Göktürk, D., Kahraman, A., Alıçlı, T., Acun, T., Ateş, C. (2011) Length weight relationships of 34 fish species from the Sea of Marmara, Turkey. J Anim Vet Adv 10: 3037-3042.

Carlander, K.D. (1969) Handbook of Freshwater Fishery Biology, Vol. I. The Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 752 pp.

Demirel, N., Dalkara, M. (2012) Weight-length relationship of 28 fish species in the Sea of Marmara. Turk J Zool 36(6): 785-791.

Demirhan, S.A., Can, M.F. (2007). Length-weight relationships for seven fish species from the southeastern Black Sea. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 23: 282-283.

Eronat, E.G.T., Özaydın, O. (2014) Length-weight relationship of cartilaginous fish species from central Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay and Sığacık Bay). Ege J. Fish. Aqua. Sci. 31(3): 119-125.

Filiz, H., Bilge, G. (2004) Length-weight relationships of 24 fish species from North Aegean Sea, Turkey. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 20: 431-432.

Filiz, H., Mater, S. (2002) A preliminary study on length-weight relationship for seven elasmobranch species from North Aegean Sea, Turkey. E. U. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 19: 401-409.

Froese, R. (2006) Cube law, condition factor and weight-length relationships: history, meta-analysis and recommendations. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 22(4): 241-253.

Garcia, C.B., Duarte, J.O., Sandoval, N., Von-Schiller, D., Melo, G., Navajas, P. (1998) Length-weight relationships of demersal fishes from the Gulf of Salamanca, Colombia. ICLARM Quart. 21: 30-32.

Gaspar, M.B., Santos, M.N., Vasconcelos, P. (2001) Weight-length relationships of 25 bivalve species (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the Algarve coast (southern Portugal). J. Mar. Biol. Ass. 81: 805-807.

Gönülal, O. (2017) Length-weight relationships of 16 fish species from deep water of northern Aegean Sea (500-900m). Turk J Fish Aquat Sci. 17: 995-1002.

Güven, O., Kebapcioglu, T., Deval, M. C. (2012) Length-weight relationships of sharks in Antalya Bay, eastern Mediterranean. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 28: 278-279.

Ilkyaz, A. T., Metin, G., Soykan, O., Kinacigil, H. T. (2008) Length-weight relationship of 62 fish species from the Central Aegean Sea, Turkey. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 24(6): 699-702.

Ismen, A. (2003) Age, growth, reproduction and food of common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca L. 1758) in Iskenderun Bay, the eastern Mediterranean. Fish. Res. 60: 169-176.

Ismen, A., Yığın, C.C., Altınağaç, U., Ayaz, A. (2009) Length-weight relationships for ten shark species from Saros Bay (North Aegean Sea). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 25 (Suppl. 1): 109-112.

Kabasakal, H. (2009) On the occurrence of the bluntnose sixgill shark, Hexanchus griseus (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchidae), in the Sea of Marmara. Mar. Biodivers. Rec. 2: e110.

Karakulak, F. S., Erk, H., Bilgin, B. (2006) Length-weight relationships for 47 coastal fish species from the northern Aegean Sea, Turkey. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 22: 274-278.

Lteif, M., Mouawad, R., Jemaa, S., Khalaf, G., Lenfant, P., Verdoit-Jarraya, M. (2016) The length-weight relationships of three sharks and five batoids in the Lebanese marine waters, eastern Mediterranean. Egypt. J. Aquat. Res. 42: 475-477.

Özaydın, O., Uçkun, D., Akalın, S., Leblebici, S., Tosunoğlu, Z. (2007). Length– weight relationships of fishes captured from İzmir Bay, Central Aegean Sea. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 23: 695-696.

Özbek, E.Ö., Çardak, M., Kebapçıoğlu, T. (2015) Spatio-temporal patterns of abundance, biomass and length-weight relationships of Dasyatis species (Pisces: Dasyatidae) in the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey (Levantine Sea) J. Black
Sea/Mediterranean Environment 21(2): 169-190.

Rastgoo, A.R., Fatemi, M.R., Valinassab, T., Mortazavi, M.S. (2016) Lengthweight relationships for 10 elasmobranch speices from the Oman Sea. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 32: 734-736.

Saygu, I. (2011) Determination of By-catch Rays and Their Survival Rates Caught by Demersal Trawl Fishery in Antalya Bay. Akdeniz University, Faculty of Fisheries. Master Thesis. (In Turkish)

Serena, F. (2005) Field Identification Guide to the Sharks and Rays of the Mediterranean and Black Sea. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. FAO, Rome, 97pp.

Vaslet, A., Bouchon-Navaro, Y., Louis, M., Bouchon, C. (2008) Weight–length relationships for 20 fish species collected in the mangroves of Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 24: 99-100.

Yarmaz, A. (2009) Some biological properties of cartilaginous fish living in Edremit Bay and their vicinity. Balıkesir University, Institute of Science, Department of Biology. Master Thesis. (In Turkish)

Yeldan, H., Avşar, D. (2007) Length-weight relationship for five elasmobranch species from the Cilician Basin shelf waters (Northeastern Mediterranean). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 23: 713-714.

Yığın, C.C., İşmen, A. (2009) Length-weight relationships for seven rays from Saros Bay (North Aegean Sea). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 25 (Suppl. 1): 106-108.

NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE CONSERVATION OF CARTILAGINOUS FISHES IN THE TURKISH WATER OF THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea

Bayram Öztürk

Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University, TURKEY
Turkish Marine Research Foundation, P.O. Box 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

National action plan for the conservation of cartilaginous fishes in the Turkish water of the eastern Mediterranean Sea is discussed. Four main threats for the cartilaginous species are listed, as bycatch in trawl, trammel nets and purse seines, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine pollution and habitat loss. Some action plans are proposed for the conservation of the cartilaginous species in the area.

Keywords: Turkey, National Action Plan, cartilaginous fishes, eastern Mediterranean Sea, threats, conservation

SEASONAL ARRIVAL AND FEEDING OF INJURED COASTAL SHARKS AT FISH FARMS IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Seasonal arrival and feeding of injured coastal sharks at fish farms in the eastern Mediterranean

Adi Barash, Renanel Pickholtz, Hagai Nativ, Shahar Malamud, Aviad Scheinin, Dan Tchernov

Leon Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, ISRAEL
School of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, ISRAEL
Morris Kahn Marine Research Station, Sdot-Yam, ISRAEL

Abstract

Every summer coastal sharks (mostly sandbar sharks, Carcharhinus plumbeus) come to feed at open-sea fish farms near the Israeli coast, ever since their opening. Three of these sharks appear to suffer injuries of various degrees. At least one of the injured individuals, which suffers from a broken lower jaw, has been sighted at the fish farms every year since 2011. Providing a constant source of food to supplement feeding of wildlife has been shown to have both negative and positive impacts on wild populations and individuals. It may be possible that injured sharks, who have reduced abilities to find food in the wild, rely on such human related food sources to survive. Implications on the long-term effect of provisional feeding on sharks are discussed.

Keywords: Carcharhinus plumbeus, provisional feeding, elasmobranch, aquaculture, Eastern Mediterranean

References

Dulvy, N., Allen, D., Ralph, G., Walls, R. (2016) The Conservation Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras in the Mediterranean Sea (Brochure). IUCN, Malaga, Spain.

Dulvy, N.K., Fowler, S.L., Musick, J.A., Cavanagh, R.D., Kyne, P.M., Harrison, L.R., Carlson, J.K., Davidson, L.N., Fordham, S.V., Francis, M.P. (2014) Extinction risk and conservation of the world’s sharks and rays. Elife 3. doi: 10.7554/eLife.00590

Ferretti, F., Myers, R.A., Serena, F., Lotze, H.K. (2008) Loss of large predatory sharks from the Mediterranean Sea. Conservation Biology 22: 952-964.

Mandelman, J.W., Cooper, P.W., Werner, T.B., Lagueux, K.M. (2008) Shark bycatch and depredation in the US Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 18: 427.

McAuley, R.B., Simpfendorfer, C.A., Hall, N.G. (2007) A method for evaluating the impacts of fishing mortality and stochastic influences on the demography of two long-lived shark stocks. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64: 1710-1722.

Molina, J.M., Cooke, S.J. (2012) Trends in shark bycatch research: current status and research needs. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 22: 719-737.

Murray, M.H., Becker, D.J., Hall, R.J., Hernandez, S.M. (2016) Wildlife health and supplemental feeding: a review and management recommendations. Biological Conservation 204: 163-174.

Orams, M.B. (2002) Feeding wildlife as a tourism attraction: a review of issues and impacts. Tourism Management 23: 281-293.

Papastamatiou, Y.P., Itano, D.G., Dale, J.J., Meyer, C.G., Holland, K.N. (2011) Site fidelity and movements of sharks associated with ocean-farming cages in Hawaii. Marine and Freshwater Research 61: 1366-1375.

Pemberton, D., Brothers, N., Copson, G. (1991) Predators on marine fish farms in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 25: 33-35.

Ward-Paige, C.A., Worm, B. (2017) Global evaluation of shark sanctuaries. Global Environmental Change 47: 174-189.

Worm B., Davis B., Kettemer, L., Ward-Paige, C.A., Chapman, D., Heithaus, M.R., Kessel, S.T., Gruber, S.H. (2013) Global catches, exploitation rates, and rebuilding options for sharks. Marine Policy 40: 194-204.

THE FIRST RECORD OF BIGEYED SIXGILL SHARK, HEXANCHUS NAKAMURAI TENG, 1962 IN ALBANIAN WATERS

The first record of bigeyed sixgill shark, Hexanchus nakamurai Teng, 1962 in Albanian waters

Rigers Bakiu, Marko Cakalli, Ioannis Giovos

Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Koder-Kamez, ALBANIA
iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Ochi Av. 11, 55438, Agios Paulos, Thessaloniki, GREECE

Abstract

Bigeyed sixgill shark (Hexanchus nakamurai) is a deepwater cow shark species, native but rare in the Mediterranean Sea. The species commonly is misidentified as its congeneric Hexanchus griseus, a much more abundant species in the basin, creating confusion on the actual distribution and abundance of H. nakamurai in the Mediterranean Sea. In this work, we present the first confirmed record of the bigeyed sixgill shark in the Albanian Sea. The individual was captured off the coast of Himara by a professional fisherman and identified in situ by two researchers.

Keywords: Bigeyed sixgill shark, Albanian coast, Ionian Sea, Mediterranean Sea

References

Amori, G., Angelici, F.M., Frugis, S., Gandolfi, G., Groppali, R., Lanza, B., Relini, G., Vicini, G. (1993) Vertebrata. In: Checklist delle specie della fauna Italiana (eds., Minelli, A., Ruffo, S., La Posta, S.), 110. Calderini, Bologna, Italy,
pp.83.

Andaloro, F., Falautano, M., Perzia P., Maricchiolo, C., Castriota, L. (2012) Identification and distribution of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean Sea: the Italian challenges. Aliens: The Invasive Species Bulletin 32: 13-19.

Barnett, A., Braccini, J.M., Awruch, C.A., Ebert, D.A. (2012) An overview on the role of Hexanchiformes in marine ecosystems: biology, ecology and conservation status of a primitive order of modern sharks. Journal of Fish Biology
80: 966-990.

Compagno, L.J.V., Dando, M., Fowler, S.L. (2005) Sharks of the World. Harper Collins, 368pp.

Compagno, L.J.V., Niem, V.H. (1998) Hexanchidae. Cowsharks, sixgill, and sevengill sharks. In: FAO Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific, (eds., Carpenter, K.E., Niem,
V.H.), FAO, Rome, pp. 1208-1210.

Damalas, D., Megalofonou P. (2012) Occurrences of large sharks in the open waters of the southeastern Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Natural History 46(43- 44): 2701-2723.

Ebert, D.A. (1990) The Taxonomy, Biogeography and Biology of Cow and Frilled Sharks (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchiformes). Ph.D. thesis. Rhodes University.

Ebert, D.A., Serena, F., Mancusi, C. (2009) Hexanchus nakamurai. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2009: e.T161352A5404404. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.20092.RLTS.T161352A5404404.en. Downloaded on 26 October 2017.

Ebert, D.A., Stehmann, M.F.W. (2013) Sharks, Batoids, and Chimaeras of the North Atlantic. FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes No. 7. FAO, Rome.

Ebert, D.A. White, W.T., Ho, H.C. (2013) Redescription of Hexanchus nakamurai Teng 1962, (Chondrichthyes: Hexanchiformes: Hexanchidae), with designation of a neotype. Zootaxa 3752(1): 020-034.

Mancusi, C., Baino, R., Barone, M., Vacchi, M., Gil de Sola, L., Morey, G., Bradai, M.N., Kallianotis, A., Soldo, A., Hemida, F., Saad, A.A., Dimech, M., Peristeraki, P., Bariche,M., Clò, S., De Sabata, E., Castellano, L., Garibaldi, F.,
Lanteri, L., Tinti, F., Pais, A., Sperone, E., Micarelli, P. Poisson, F., Carlucci, R., Bottaro, M., Cebrian, D., Fortuna, C., Seret, B., Ferretti, F., Alaa El-Far, Saygu, I., Shakman, E.A. Bartolí, A., Guallart, J., Damalas, D., Megalofonou, P.,
Notarbartolo di Sciara, G., Follesa, M.C., Cannas, R., Colombo, S., Kabasakal, H., Zava, B., Cavlan, G., Jung, A., Serena, F. (2014) MEDLEM Database, a Data Collection on Large Elasmobranchs in the Mediterranean Basin. Shark
International, Durban, South Africa.

Megalofonou, P., Yannopoulos, C., Damalas, D., De Metrio, G., Deflorio, M., de la Serna, J.M., Macias, D. (2005) Incidental catch and estimated discards of pelagic sharks from the swordfish and tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean
Sea. Fisheries Bulletin 103(4): 620-634.

Papaconstantinou, C. (2014) Fauna Graeciae. An updated checklist of the fishes in the Hellenic seas. Monographs on Marine Sciences, 7.

Sanda, R., De Maddalena, A. (2003) Collection of the sharks of the National Museum in Prague – Part 1. Complete taxiderms and liquid preservations. Journal of the National Museum, Natural History Series 172(1-4): 61-70.

Serena, F., Mancusi, C., Barone, M. (2014) MEDiterranean Large Elasmobranchs Monitoring. Protocollo di acquisizione dati. SharkLife program, Roma. 130 pp. http://www.sibm.it/file%20.doc/MEDLEM%20LAST%20VERSION%202014_
con%20EC%20erredi.pdf

Soldo, A. (2016) Hexanchus nakamurai. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T161352A48952477

Tortonese, E. (1985) Gli squali Mediterranei del genera Hexanchus (Chondrichthyes). Atti della Società Italiana Scienze naturali e Museo civico di Storia naturale di Milano 126(3-4): 137-140.

Whitehead, P.J.P., Bauchot, M.L., Hureau, J.C., Nielsen, J., Tortonese, E. (1984) Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Vol 1. UNESCO, Paris.

LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS FOR THREE ELASMOBRANCH SPECIES FROM THE SEA OF MARMARA

Length-weight relationships for three elasmobranch species from the Sea of Marmara

Ali İşmen, Cahide Çiğdem Yığın, Mukadder Arslan İhsanoğlu, Burak Daban

Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Marine Science and Technology Faculty, 17100, Çanakkale, TURKEY

Abstract

Keywords: Marmara Sea, length-weight relationship, Raja clavata, Scyliorhinus canicula, Torpedo marmorata

SOME POPULATION PARAMETERS OF SCYLIORHINUS CANICULA(LINNAEUS, 1758) FROM THE NORTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Some population parameters of Scyliorhinus canicula(Linnaeus, 1758) from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Ebru Ifakat Ozcan, Nuri Başusta

Fisheries Faculty, Munzur University, Tunceli, TURKEY
Fisheries Faculty, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, TURKEY

Abstract

A total of 1150 lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula L., 1758), (562 female, 588 male) were collected by commercial trawlings in depths of 155-400 m in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea between March 2012 and May 2014. Total length and weight of the fish were ranged from 12.0 to 51.0 cm and 4.13 to 396.0 g, respectively. It was determined that female/male ratio was 1:1.2. Monthly length frequency data of S. canicula were analyzed using FISAT II for estimating population parameters, including asymptotic length (L_∞), growth coefficient (k) and recruitment pattern to assess the status of the stock. The parameters of von Bertalanffy growth equations were estimated as L_∞=56.70 cm, K=0.20 year^-1 and t₀= -1.60 year and W_∞= 622.01 g. The growth performance index (Ф’) value was calculated as 2.808. Length-weight relationships was found to be W=0.0013*L^3.239 (R²=0.97), SE of b=0.016 and 95 % confidence intervals of b = 3.209-3.271. The type of growth shows positive allometric growth (b>3). Catch rates were calculated as 34.94 cm for females and 35.04 cm for males. Instantaneous mortality coefficient, natural mortality (M), fishing mortality coefficient (F) and total mortalities (Z) exploitation rate were estimated of S. canicula as Z = 1.06 year^-1, M = 0.47 year^-1, F = 0.59 year^-1. The exploitation rates (E) was determined as 0.56 year^-1. Therefore on the S. canicula distributed in Iskenderun Bay were under fishing pressure.

Keywords: Scyliorhinus canicula, growth, length-weight relationships, mortality, catch rate

References

Bendiab, A. T., Mouffok, S., Boutiba, Z. (2012) Reproductive biology and growth lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) in western Algerian coasts. Biodiversity Journal 3(1): 41-48.

Bingel, F. (1987) Quantitative Fisheries on Eastern Mediterranean. Middle East Technical University, Institute of Marine Sciences, METU, Erdemli, Mersin, 312pp. (in Turkish).

Cihangir, B., Unluoglu, A., Tiraşin, E. M. (1997) Distribution and some biological aspects of the lesser spotted dogfish (Chondrichthyes, Scyliorhinus canicula, Linnaeus, 1758) from the northern Aegean Sea. Mediterranean Fisheries Congress, 9-11 Nisan İzmir, Turkey, pp. 585-603.

Cortes, E. (2000) Life history patterns and correlations in sharks. Reviews in Fisheries Science 8: 229-344.

Demirel, N., Dalkara, E. M. (2012) Weight−length relationships of 28 fish species in the Sea of Marmara. Turk. J. Zool. 36(6): 785-791.

Filiz, H., Bilge, G. (2004) Length-weight relationships of 24 fish species from the North Aegean Sea, Turkey. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 20: 431-432.

Filiz, H., Mater, S. (2002) A preliminary study on length-weight relationships for seven elasmobranch species from North Aegean Sea. Turkey. E.U. Journal of Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences 19(3-4): 401-409.

Filiz, H., Taşkavak, E. (2006) Sexual dimorphism in the head, mouth, and body morphology of the smallspotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chondrichthyes: Scyliorhinidae) from Turkey. Acta Adriatica 47(1): 37-47.

Frisk, M. G., Miller, T. J., Fogarty, M. J. (2001) Estimation and analysis of biological parameters in elasmobranch fishes: a comparative life history study. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58: 969-981.

Gayanilo, F.C., Pauly, D. (1997) FAO-ICLARM stock assessment tools (FiSAT). Reference Manual. FAO Computerized Information Series (Fisheries). FAO, Rome. 262 pp.

Gayanilo, F. C., Sparre, P., Pauly, D. (1996) The FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools (FiSAT) Users Guide. FAO Computerized Information Series (Fisheries). FAO, Rome. 126 pp.

Golani, D., Öztürk, B., Başusta, N. (2006) Fishes of the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish Marine Research Foundation. Publication number 24. 266 pp.

Güven, O., Kebapçıoğlu, T., Deval, M. C. (2012) Length–weight relationships of sharks in Antalya Bay, eastern Mediterranean. J. Appl. Ichthyol. 28(2): 278- 279.

Henderson, A. C., Casey. A. (2001) Reproduction and growth in the lesserspotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Elasmobranchii; Scyliorhinidae), from the west coast of Ireland. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 42: 397-405.

Hoenig, J. M. (1983). Empirical use of longevity data to estimate mortality rates. Fishery Bulletin 82: 898-903.

Jennings, S., Greenstreet, S. P. R., Reynolds, J. D. (1999). Structural change in an exploited fish community: a consequence of differential fishing effects on species with contrasting life histories. Journal of Animal Ecology 68: 617-627.

Ismen, A., Yığın, Ç., Altınağaç, U., Ayaz, A. (2009) Length-weight relationships for ten shark species from Saros Bay (North Aegean Sea). J. Appl. Ichthyol. 25(Suppl. 1): 109-112.

Ivory, P. F., Nolan, C. P. (2005) Age determination, growth and reproduction in the lesser spotted dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula (L.). Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science 35: 89-106.

Jennings, S., Greenstreet, S. P. R., Reynolds, J. D. (1999) Structural change in an exploited fish community: a consequence of differential fishing effects on species with contrasting life histories. Journal of Animal Ecology 68: 617-627.

Kinacigil, H.T., Ilkyaz, A.T., Metin, G., Ulaş, A., Soykan, O., Akyol, O., Gurbet, R. (2008) Determination of the first maturity length/age and growth parameters of demersal fish stock in the Aegean Sea from the fishery management point of view. Project Number: 103Y132. TÜBİTAK.

King, M. (1995) Fisheries Biology, Assessment and Management. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford. 341pp.

Moutopoulos, D.K., Ramfos, A., Mouka, A., Katselis, G. (2013) Length–weight relations of 34 fish species caught by small-scale fishery in Korinthiakos Gulf (Central Greece). Acta Ichthyol. Piscat. 43(1): 57-64.

Ozaydın, O., Uçkun, D., Akalın, S., Leblebici, S., Tosunoğlu, Z. (2007) Length–weight relationships of fishes captured from Izmir Bay, Central Aegean Sea. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 23: 695-696.

Ozcan, E.I., Başusta, N. (2015) Stomach contents of the lesser spotted dogfish, (Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758)) inhabiting Northeastern Mediterranean. Ege Journal of Fish Aquatic Science 32(4): 193-195.

Ozcan, E. I., Başusta, N. (2016) On the occurence of juveniles and egg capsules of Scyliorhinus canicula from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea. Ecological Life Sciences 11(4): 28-32.

Pauly, D. (1980) On the interrelationships between natural mortality, growth parameters, and mean environmental temperature in 175 fish stocks. Journal du Conseil pour l’Exploration International de la Mer 39: 175-192.

Pauly, D. (1983) Some Simple Methods for the Assessment of Tropical Fish Stocks. FAO Fish. Tech. Pap. 234. 52 pp.

Pauly, D. (1984) Fish Population Dynamics in Tropical Waters. A Manual for Use with Programmable Calculators. Iclarm Contribution No: 143. 325pp.

Pauly, D., Ingles, J. Neal, R. (1984) Application to shrimp stocks of objective methods for the estimation of growth, mortality and recruitment-related parameters from length-frequency data (ELEFAN I and II). In: Penaeid Shrimps
–Their Biology and Management, (eds., Gulland, J.A., Rothschild, B.I.), pp. 220-234.

Pauly, D., Munro, J. L. (1984) Once more on the comparison of growth in fish and invertebrates. ICLARM Fishbyte 2(1): 21. Rodriguez-Cabello C. Sanchez, F. (2005) Mortality estimates of Scyliorhinus canicula in the Cantabrian sea using tag-recapture data. Journal of Fish Biology 66: 1116-1126.

Rodriguez-Cabello, C., Sánchez, F., Velasco. F. (2005) Growth of lesser spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula L., 1758) in the Cantabrian Sea, based on tagrecapture data. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science 35: 131-140.

Rodriguez-Cabello, C., Velasco, F., Olaso, I. (1998) Reproductive biology of the lesser-spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (L. 1758) in the Cantabrian Sea. Sci. Mar. 62: 187-191.

Turker-Cakir, D. Torcu-Koç, H., Başusta, A., Başusta, N. (2008). Lengthweight relationships of 24 fish species from Edremit Bay Aegean Sea. Natural and Applied Sciences 3: 47-51.

Turker Cakir, D., Torcu Koc, H., Erdoğan, Z. (2006) Some biological aspects of the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) in Edremit Bay (the Northern Aegean Sea) Turkey. In: Proc. of the International Workshop
on Mediterranean Cartilaginous Fish with Emphasis on Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, 14-16 Oct. 2006. Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Istanbul, pp.17-27.

von Bertalanffy, L., (1938) A quantitative theory of organic growth. Hum. Biol, 10: 181-213.

Wootton, R.J. (1990) Ecology of Teleost Fishes. Chapman & Hall, London, 404pp.

Zupanovic, S., Pauly, D. (1961) A preliminary compilation of fish length growth parameters. Berichte des Institut für Meereskunde an der, Universität. Kiel 55: 1-200.

USING UNCONVENTIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR IDENTIFYING CRITICAL AREAS FOR THE ENDANGERED GUITARFISH IN GREECE

Using unconventional sources of information for identifying critical areas for the endangered guitarfish in Greece

Ioannis Giovos, Archontia Chatzispyrou, Nickos Doumpas, Vasilis-Orestis Stoilas, Dimitrios K. Moutopoulos

iSea, Environmental Organisation for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, Thessaloniki, GREECE
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Anavyssos, 19013, Attica, GREECE
Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture Technology, Mesolonghi, GREECE

Abstract

Guitarfishes characterized by special life history traits and comprised a very fragile resource, whereas the insufficient scientific information makes them a group for major conservation concern of the world oceans. The present study aims to present new records on guitarfishes based on unconventional data collection comprised by citizen scientists’ reports, social and mass media search, in-depth targeted interviews with expert fishermen and on official reconstructed fisheries statistics. This multiple-folds analysis represents a valuable case study for determining potentially important areas for these endangered species with scarcity of records in Greece. Results exhibited a high concertation of guitarfish sightings in two areas of the Greek Aegean part, both very close to published sightings from the Aegean coast of Turkey. We found that the axis of North to South, from Lesvos Island down to Rhodes Island is a critical area for guitarfish in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Additional information on guitarfish sightings will confirm our findings, enrich our knowledge on guitarfish occurrence in the Greek Seas and contribute in future recommendations on their protection, to avoid extinction of these rare batoids in the area.

Keywords: Rhinobatidae, eastern Mediterranean, hot spots, citizen science, Local Ecological Knowledge, Rhinobatos rhinobatos, Glaucostegus cemiculus

References

Abdel-Aziz, S.H., Khalil, A.N., Abdel-Maguidö, S.A. (1993). Food and feeding habits of the common guitarfish, Rhinobatos rhinobatos in the Egyptian Mediterranean waters. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences 22: 287-290.

Ainsworth, C.H. (2011) Quantifying species abundance trends in the Northern Gulf of California using local ecological knowledge. Marine and Coastal Fisheries 3: 190-218.

Akyol, O., Capapé, C. (2014) Distribution of blackchin guitarfish Rhinobatos cemiculus E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817 (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae) with first records from İzmir Bay (Turkey, northeastern Aegean Sea). Turkish
Journal of Zoology 38: 460-465.

Başusta, A., Başusta, N., Sulikowski J.A., Driggers, W.B., Demirhan, S. A., Çiçek, E. (2012) Length-weight relationships for nine species of batoids from the Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 28:850-851.
dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2012.02013.x

Başusta, N., Demirhan, S.A., Çiçek, E., Başusta, A., Kuleli, T. (2008) Age and growth of the common guitarfish, Rhinobatos rhinobatos (Linnaeus, 1758), in Iskenderun Bay (northeastern Mediterranean, Turkey). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 88: 837-842.

Başusta, N., Erdem, U. (2000) A study on the pelagic and demersal fishes in Iskenderun Bay. Turkish Journal of Zoology 24: 1-19.

Beddington, J.R., Agnew, D.J., Clark, C.W. (2007) Current problems in the management of marine fisheries. Science 316: 1713-1716.

Bonfl, R. (1994) Overview of World Elasmobranch Fisheries. FAO Fisheries Technical Papers 341, FAO, Rome, 119 pp.

Bradai, M.N., Soldo, A. (2016) Rhinobatos rhinobatos. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T63131A16527789 and e.T63132A81165103. Downloaded on 06 December 2017.

Brotz, L., Cheung, W.W., Kleisner, K., Pakhomov, E., Pauly, D. (2012) Increasing jellyfish populations: trends in large marine ecosystems. Hydrobiologia 690: 3-20.

Bunce, M., Rodwell, L.D., Gibb, R., Mee, L. (2008) Shifting baselines in fishers’ perceptions of island reef fishery degradation. Ocean and Coastal Management 51: 285-302.

Corsini-Foka, M. (2009) Uncommon fishes from Rhodes and nearby marine region (SE Aegean Sea, Greece). Journal of Biological Research 12: 125-133.

Çek, S., Başusta, N., Demirhan, S.A., Karalar, M. (2009) Biological observations on the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos from İskenderun Bay (Turkey, Eastern Mediterranean). Animal Biology 59: 211-230.

Davis, A., Wagner, J.R. (2003) Who knows? On the importance of identifying “experts” when researching local ecological knowledge. Human Ecology 31(3): 463-489.

Dulvy, N.K., Allen, D.J., Ralph, G.M., Walls, R.H.L. (2016) The Conservation Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras in the Mediterranean Sea. (Brochure) IUCN, Malaga, Spain.

Enajjar, S., Bradai, M.N., Bouain, A. (2012) Age, growth and sexual maturity of the blackchin guitarfish Rhinobatos cemiculus in the Gulf of Gabès (southern Tunisia, central). Cahiers de Biologie Marine 53: 17-23.

Ferretti, F., Myers R.A., Serena, F., Lotze, H.K. (2008) Loss of large predatory sharks from the Mediterranean Sea. Conservation Biology 22: 952-964. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.00938.x

Ferretti, F., Osio, G.C., Jenkins, C.J., Rosenberg, A.A., Lotze, H.K. (2013) Long-term change in a meso-predator community in response to prolonged and heterogeneous human impact. Scientific Reports 3: 1057.

Filiz, H., Bilge, G., Giannetto, D., Yapıcı, S. (2016) New sighting of the endangered species blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus, in the South Aegean Sea. Marine Biodiversity Records 9:1-4.

Gardiner, M., Allee, L., Brown, P., Losey, J., Roy, H., Smyth, R. (2012) Lessons from lady beetles: accuracy of monitoring data from US and UK citizen-science programs. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10: 471-476.

Giovos, I., Ganias, K., Garagouni, M., Gonzalvo, J. (2016) Social media in the service of conservation: a case study of dolphins in the Hellenic Seas. Aquatic Mammals 42(1):12-19. doi:10.1578/AM.42.1.2016.12

Gökçe, G., Çekiç, M., Filiz, H. (2010) Length-weight relationships of marine fishes off Yumurtalık coast (Iskenderun Bay), Turkey. Turkish Journal of Zoology 34: 101-104. doi:10.3906/zoo-0905-33

Haggan, N., Neis, B., Baird, I.G. (2007) Fishers’ Knowledge in Fisheries Science and Management. Coastal Management Sourcebooks. UNESCO, Paris, France.

ICES (2010) Report of the ICES Advisory Committee, 2010. ICES Advice, 2010. Book 9. 299 pp.

Ismen, A., Yigin, C., Ismen, P. (2007) Age, growth, reproductive biology and feed of the common guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos Linnaeus, 1758) in Iskenderun Bay, the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Fisheries Research 84:263-269.

Johannes, R.E., Freeman, M.M., Hamilton, R.J. (2000) Ignore fishers’ knowledge and miss the boat. Fish and Fisheries 1: 257-271.

Keskin, C., Turan, C., Ergüden, D. (2011). Distribution of the demersal fishes on the continental shelves of the Levantine and North Aegean Seas (Eastern Mediterranean). Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 11: 413-423.

Lteif, M., Mouawad, R., Sharif Jemaa, S., Gaby Khalaf, G., Philippe Lenfant, P., Verdoit-Jarraya, M. (2016) The length-weight relationships of three sharks and five batoids in the Lebanese marine waters, eastern Mediterranean. Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research 42: 475-477.

Moutopoulos, D.K., Dimitriou, E., Katselis, G., Koutsikopoulos, C. (2017) Typology of illegal fishing in transitional waters: Fisheries infringement records from Mesolonghi-Etolikon lagoons (Ionian Sea, Greece). Ocean and Coastal
Management 141: 20-28.

Moutopoulos, D.K., Koutsikopoulos, C. (2014) Fishing strange data in national fisheries statistics of Greece. Marine Policy 48: 114-122.

Moutopoulos, D.K., Tsikliras, A.C., Stergiou, K.I. (2015) Reconstruction of Greek fishery catches by fishing gear and area (1950-2010). Fisheries Centre Working Paper #2015-11, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 14pp.

Newell, B.M. (2017) Status Review Report of Two Species of Guitarfish: Rhinobatos rhinobatos and Rhinobatos cemiculus. Report to National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources. 62 pp.

Notarbartolo di Sciara, G., Bradai, M.N., Morey, G., Brahim, K., Camara L., Litvinov, F., Dulvy, N., Doumbouya, F., Ducrocq, M., Heenan, A., Sidi, N. (2016) Glaucostegus cemiculus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
2016: e.T63132A104009894. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T63132A104009894.en. Downloaded on 06 February 2018.

Öğretmen, F., Yılmaz, F., Koç, H.T. (2016) An investigation on fishes of Gökova Bay (Southern Aegean Sea). BAÜ Fen Bil. Enst. Dergisi 7(2): 19-36.

Peristeraki, P., Megalofonou, P. (2007) Sharks and rays. In: SoHelFI, 2007, State of Hellenic Fisheries, (eds., Papaconstantinou, C., Zenetos, A., Vassilopoulou, V., Tserpes, G.), HCMR Publ., pp. 433-439.

Shackeroff, J.M., Campbell, L.M. (2007) Traditional ecological knowledge in conservation research: problems and prospects for their constructive engagement. Conservation and Society 5: 343.

Stephenson, R.L., Paul, S., Pastoors, M.A., Kraan, M., Holm, P., Wiber, M., Mackinson, S., Dankel, D.J., Brooks, K., Benson, A. (2016) Integrating fishers’ knowledgeresearch in science and management. ICES Journal of Marine Science 73: 1459-1465.

Tingley, D., Ásmundsson, J., Borodzicz, E., Conides, A., Drakeford, B., Runar Eðvarðsson, R., Holm, D., Kapiris, K., Kuikka, S., Mortensen, B. (2010) Risk identification and perception in the fisheries sector: comparison between the
Faroes, Greece, Iceland and UK. Marine Policy 34: 1249-1260.

Tsikliras, A.C., Moutopoulos, D.K., Stergiou, K.I. (2007) Reconstruction of Greek marine fisheries landings and comparison of National with FAO statistics. In: Reconstruction of Marine Fisheries Catches for Key Countries and
Regions (1950-2005) (eds., Zeller, D., Pauly, D.), Fisheries Centre Research Reports 15(2), University of British Columbia, pp.121-137.

Uprety, Y., Asselin, H., Bergeron, Y., Doyon, F., Boucher, J.F. (2012) Contribution of traditional knowledge to ecological restoration: practices and applications. Ecoscience 19(3): 225-237. doi.org/10.2980/19-3-3530.

Yaglioglu, D., Deniz, T., Gurlek, M., Erguden, D., Turan, C. (2015). Elasmobranch bycatch in a bottom trawl fishery in the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 56: 237-243.

Length-weight relationships of Glaucostegus cemiculus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) from the Aegean Sea and northeastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey

Length-weight relationships of Glaucostegus cemiculus(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) from the Aegean Sea and northeastern Mediterranean coasts of Turkey

Elizabeth Grace Tunka Bengil, Asiye Başusta, Nuri Başusta

Akdeniz Koruma Derneği, Doga Kent Villaları, 3360 sokak, No.7/16, Urla, Izmir, TURKEY
Faculty of Fisheries, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, TURKEY
Fisheries Faculty, Firat University, 23119, Elazig, TURKEY

Abstract

Glaucostegus cemiculus individuals were collected from two different areas, the estuary of the Gediz River, Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea) on the west and Karataş, Iskenderun Bay on the northeastern coasts of the eastern Mediterranean. Total of 383 individuals (190 male, 193 female) were examined. Individuals ranged between 30-148 cm TL and 81-12010 g. The length-weight relationships were estimated for each area, each sex and combined data, and for Izmir Bay, Iskenderun Bay and combine data were all positive allometry and was as W=0.0021L^3.13, W=0.0015L^3.15, and W=0.0018L^3.12, respectively.

Keywords: Glaucostegus cemiculus, length-weight relationships, eastern Mediterranean, Izmir Bay, Iskenderun Bay

References

Akyol, O., Capape, C. (2014) Distribution of blackchin guitarfish Rhinobatos cemiculus E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817 (Elasmobranchii: Rhinobatidae) with first records from İzmir Bay (Turkey, northeastern Aegean Sea). Turkish
Journal of Zoology 38(4): 460-465.

Başusta, A., Başusta, N., Sulikowski, J. A., Driggers, W. B., Demirhan, SA, Cicek, E. (2012) Length-weight relationships for nine species of batoids from the Iskenderun Bay, Turkey. J.Appl. Ichthyol. 28: 850-851.

Capapé, C., Zaouali, J. (1994). Distribution and reproductive biology of the blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus (Pisces: Rhinobatidae), in Tunisian waters (central Mediterranean). Marine and Freshwater Research 45(4): 551-
561.

Çek, S., Basusta, N., Demirhan, S.A., Karalar M. (2009) Biological observations on the common guitarfish Rhinobatos rhinobatos from İskenderun Bay (Turkey, Eastern Mediterranean). Animal Biology 59: 211-230.

Echwikhi, K., Saidi, B., Bradai, M. N. (2014) Elasmobranchs longline fisheries in the Gulf of Gabes (southern Tunisia). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 94(1): 203-210.

Enajjar, S., Bradai, M.N., Bouain, A. (2012) Age, growth and sexual maturity of the blackchin guitarfish Rhinobatos cemiculus in the Gulf of Gabe`s (southern Tunisia, central Mediterranean). Cahiers de Biologie Marine 53: 17–23.

Enajjar, S. (2009) Diversité des Rajiformes et étude écobiologique de Rhinobatos rhinobatos et Glaucostegus cemiculus (Famille des Rhinobatidae) du Golfe de Gabès (Tunisie). Thesis, university Sfax, Tunisie. 173 pp.

Froese, R., Pauly, D. (2000) Fishbase 2000: Concepts, Designs and Data Sources, World Fish, http://www.fishbase.org/manual/contents.htm. version (10/2017).

Golani, D., Öztürk, B., Başusta, N. (2006) Fishes of the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkish Marine Research Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey. Pub. Number: 24, 259 pp.

Karachle, P.K., Stergiou K.I. (2012) Morphometrics and allometry in fishes. p. 65-86. In: Morphometrics, (ed., Wahl, C.), In Tech. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/articles/show/title/morphometrics-and-allometryin-fishes. (01/2018)

Karalar, M. (2005) Reproduction and Feeding of Guitarfish (Rhinobatos rhinobatos Linnaeus, 1758) in Iskenderun Bay. MSc Thesis, Science Institute, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey. 29 pp, (In Turkish).

Kohler, N. E., Casey, J. G., Turner, P. A. (1996) Length-Length and LengthWeight Relationships for 13 Shark Species from the Western North Atlantic. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-110, 22 pp.

Newell, B. M., Cantillo, A. Y., Pikula, L., Hale, K. K., Collins, E. V., Caballero, R. (2017) Status Review Report of Two Species of Guitarfish: Rhinobatos rhinobatos and Rhinobatos cemiculus. Report to National Marine Fisheries
Service, Office of Protected Resources.

Notarbartolo di Sciara, G., Bradai, M.N., Morey, G., Brahim, K., Camara L., Litvinov, F., Dulvy, N. Doumbouya, F., Ducrocq, M., Heenan, A., Sidi, N. (2016) Glaucostegus cemiculus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
2016:e.T63132A104009894.http://sci-hub.tw/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T63132A104009894.en. Downloaded on 15 February 2018.

Schneider, J.C., Laarman, P.W., Gowing, H. (2000) Length-weight relationships In: Manual of Fisheries Survey Methods II: with Periodic Updates, (ed., Schneider, J.C.), Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Special
Report 25, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Seck, A.A., Diatta, Y., Diop, M. Guélorget, O. (2004) Observations on the reproductive biology of the blackchin guitarfish, Rhinobatos cemiculus E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817 (Chondrichthyes, Rhinobatidae) from the coast of
Senegal (Eastern Tropical Atlantic). Scientia gerundensis 27: 19-30.